Can not remember the days, the moments are remembered

Memory is far from being an exclusively intellectual function. A person’s memories are not like those of a computer: data is not stored, but experiences and moments are recorded. This means that visual images, words, but also smells, flavors, sensations are remembered…

We can say that Memory, in human beings, is a basically affective function. The information and experiences that are remembered almost never correspond to objective data. Human memory is creative and that is why it deletes or adds elements to those memories, depending on the affects that are involved.

In fact, There are times when we remember events that never happened.. This occurs mainly with childhood experiences. A fantasy was experienced with such intensity that it is integrated into memory without it having occurred in reality.

The experiences that are remembered

Actually, Memory is capable of storing absolutely everything we experience throughout our existence.. However, only some of these events are consciously remembered, the rest remain submerged in the unconscious.

Surely, there is a place in our memory where the memory of the moment we opened our eyes to the world is imprinted. However, none of us can account for that fact. It is due to two reasons: first, because, according to a study carried out in Canada, Memories of early years are erased due to the constant production of new neurons.

Secondly, we do not have those first memories present because During this stage, several of the deepest experiences of our psyche occur and these end up being repressed., because they can be intolerable to our conscience. This is what happens with the Oedipus complex.

Even so, many of these memories persist and appear in consciousness as an isolated sensation and, at the same time, very deep. For example, when a melody is heard and an emotion is activated that takes us to the past, but in which we cannot specify a specific date or situation.

In general terms, it can be said that what is consciously remembered is that which required great attention or concentration and that it had understandable content for us. Positive or negative situations, but relatively reasonable and devoid of emotionally confusing or contradictory content.

We remember better the uncommon

Those situations that completely capture our attention involve the commitment of a whole series of components. Mental concentration, alert senses, a strong associated feeling and some element of surprise or novelty that is related to the previous three components. That’s why It is relatively easy to remember unusual events and, on the other hand, we easily forget those that are routine.

We consciously remember those moments that, in one way or another, demand our complete attention and that have an emotional impact on us. But Those moments must also be perfectly understandable so that they are fixed in consciousness.otherwise they are generally repressed.

The unforgettable moments

What is not forgotten is what forces us to live intensely in the present in a situation. Those moments when you feel one with the universe, where nothing exists other than what you have around you and you feel as if the world began and ended right where you are. This goes for both pleasant experiences and horrifying ones.

Those moments become so lasting, that Even years later they can be evoked with a very unique emotion. That moment is almost experienced again, since reminiscences remain with enough intensity to make it so.

Depending on the experiences before or after that moment, the evocation is more or less accurate. If what followed a negative event were pleasant moments, it is surely possible to remember it with less drama and even with laughter.

But if after that there were other difficult situations, it will be given a value of deep aversion. If what was experienced was positive and negative events followed, it will be remembered with nostalgia.. If what came next were other pleasant moments, the emotion of the memory can be very intense and rewarding.

This is memory: creative and flexible. Like a sponge that absorbs those unique and unrepeatable moments that make a difference in life. Like a large album full of photographs that is reviewed when the heart needs it and allows us to understand that it is not the days that are remembered, but the moments.

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Images Jennifer Holmes, Kim Joone