Sometimes a specific sense, like smell or sound, can create a strong connection to a memory. Hearing the old song filled him with reminiscence of his school dances.
Pro Tip 2/3
Reflective Mood
Use 'reminiscence' when someone is thoughtfully remembering their past, often with a sense of nostalgia. In her reminiscence, she often talked about the carefree days of her youth.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Always Positive
'Reminiscence' doesn't only apply to happy memories; it can be used for any past experiences. Their reminiscence of the difficult war years was bittersweet.