Creature Comforts

A brief discussion on the things in life that provide us with that warmth and stable feeling. The familiarity that we all need in order to promote inner peace and self-soothing.

When looking at the definition of creature comforts The Oxford University Press 2021 defines the term as “material comforts that contribute to physical ease and well-being, such as good food and accommodations.”

Of course, I agree with this definition, however, I would argue that there is more to it than just material comforts. In my opinion, it is about the memory or situation that the material

item represents which in turn produces the feeling of comfort.

Seasons of Change

I believe that seasons have a huge impact on our comforts and well-being. I love autumn and it has always provided the most comfort for me. It is ironic, as I am currently living in Thailand where the seasons are narrowed down to hot, hotter, wet then hot again. Yes, it is beautiful here, but nothing beats the colours and smells of autumn.

The bursting vibrancy of burnt orange, rusty copper, solid mustard and deep burgundy littering the damp ground with a crispy coating. What does this image represent for you?

To me it represents the comfort of family and celebrations. My household was buzzing when it came to Halloween. Those that know me will be aware that I have always been fascinated with witches and all things magical. Much of this fascination is thanks to my mum who created so much magic for us growing up, she has always had a curiosity with the witching world.

Halloween involved a big party in our house, where all the kids in our street were invited. Creepy music played with fake cobwebs all over the home and tombstones in our backyard (built by my brother who is now a filmmaker, go figure!) The dining table smothered in food, which was so convincingly disgusting that no one wanted to eat it. This included popcorn, which translated to children’s bones. Cherry Aid, which was obviously vampire blood and other gross things such as mini sausages with ketchup on them, these were severed fingers, of course! We would play many games and my mum would terrify everyone who came to the door with her witchy makeup and shrieking laughter. It was literally the best time of my life!

In England, autumn also hosts a bonfire night, the celebration of Guy Fawkes. If you are not aware of who he is check out this history link here which tells you all you need to know. If you have seen the movie ‘V for Vendetta’ starring Natalie Portman then you may already have an inkling.

The smell of burning bonfires would ride on the breeze of the chilled wet air throughout the streets of England. This is without a doubt one of my most favourite smells. We would huddle in my brother’s room, which overlooked a huge field behind our back garden. Mum would cook homemade shepherd’s pie which I loved, because her version had grilled cheese and tomatoes layered on top. We would watch the fireworks from the window as a family, our faces lighting up from the sparkling colours that exploded into the night sky. Then we would stand outside holding sparklers, my little hands freezing from the frosty air kissing the tips of my fingers. We would watch as my dad lit the fireworks, listening to mum hurrying him to move away, because he’d linger over them too long thinking they weren’t lit properly, which only added to the suspense and excitement. This is the most comforting memory I own, and for that I am eternally grateful to autumn!

Living internationally can make it harder to get those nostalgic frills, but I try my best. I save some scary movies for our viewing pleasure on Halloween. I recently ordered some spiced chai from ‘Twinings’ (their products always transport me to England) and we had a Halloween gathering to dress up and mark the occasion. Do not neglect the little things in life as they can provide huge comforts, having an overall positive impact on our well-being!

Nostalgic Embrace

Sometimes it is hard to unlock our minds to memories, even positive ones. Often because they include people, we either have lost or don’t see anymore. Reliving memories means we have to accept someone or something is gone, which can be painful. However, I say embrace it; it is a sign that you have loved and lived. We should welcome the memories because it is a huge gift to have them in the first place!

Many don’t have such memories and would kill to own at least one of yours. Others have many wonderful memories but cannot access them anymore due to such curses like Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The sensations that trigger our memories such as colours, smells, sounds and tastes are beautiful powerful gifts that we shouldn’t take for granted. They are there to protect us from bad experiences and remind us to relive the good ones. They can also lead us into new experiences if we let them.

There is a new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, which indicates that the brain can combine senses such as smells. The smell could link to previous knowledge surrounding a period in time or an environment from our memories episodically. The results from this study could lead to improved sensory testing around Alzheimer’s research.

With that being said, I beg you, embrace your memories. Hold onto them like a kite flying so high in the sky, that should it float away then so will a piece of you. If you have memories that cause you comfort and grief all at once, then you are one of the lucky ones!

Take some time out of your day to do something that holds nostalgic magic for you. Whether that be buying an ice cream and licking it from your fingers while it melts, as you did as a child; or smelling a rose that triggers the scent of perfume from the one that got away. To the memory of eating some buttered toast with sugar lathered on top, because that was the treat your grandmother gave you in the morning!

Whatever your beautiful memory is, trigger yourself to relive it today and bask in the comfort of how it makes you feel, go ahead, I dare you!

If you would like to donate to Alzheimer’s research, you can click on the link here!

References:

Oxford Languages, Oxford University Press 2021 https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/

Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ Written by Ana Sandoiu on July 26, 2018 — Fact checked by Jasmin Collier