Outside Reading- Transcending Memory -- Jessica Schwier

While reading "Transcending Memory: Remembrance and Design of a Place," I came across some very interesting ideas about sacred places. It discusses how places allow us to transcend our own experiences on others. While visiting a sacred place, part of our experience includes our imagining of what others may have experienced at this same place. This allows us to learn new things about ourselves, others, and even the landscapes. The power of these landscapes to clear our imagination allows us to have better experiences at these landscapes. For example, a few friends of mine visited Spain last summer. When they returned home, all they could talk about was how much funt they had and how they wanted to all go back with me next time. In the future, if I ever visit Spain, I know I will have an amazing time because of their experiences and memories. Because they told me about how great it was, that is all I will focus on when I go there and I will experience the same feelings they did their first time. This example is for Spain and not a smaller sacred place but it still applies. When one person has a special experience somewhere and shares the memories, others usually have a similar experience because they share the same values with their friends. This was an interesting concept to think about and I thought it was accurate. While I am visiting places special to me, I think of what other great expeirences happened at this same place. Its very imaginative to just allow your mind to wander when visiting a place you hold close to your heart.