Mysterious Memory Shifts
Each time we recall a memory, it shifts. Mysterious memory shifts are normal.
When asked to share a memory with family or friends, you’ll find the story differs from person to person.
Why is that? It would seem unhealthy to move into the future with a faulty memory system. Part of the reason for this unreliable memory information is that the emotions at the time of the event were probably not the emotions during recall. Another reason is that more life experiences have occurred which reshape our initial thoughts and feelings of a memory. And, it is nearly impossible for our brain to capture every detail of every memory over time. We also fill memory gaps with snippets from other memories, or something we’ve read, or seen in the movies.
For example, several years ago my daughter, son, and I each wrote a story about when our dog got too comfy with a porcupine. We all remember my daugther, who just received her driver’s license, jumped into the driver’s seat of a large SUV; one she was not used to driving. After that, our stories are wildly different. Who was in the wayback with the dog (me or my son)? What happened when we arrived at the vets? How many days later were porcupline quills still emerging from the dog’s snoot?
Memory shifts are different from False Memory Syndrome (FMS) where someone believes they remember a event that may never have happened. FMS an be as simple as someone thinking they went to a movie they didn’t go to, to very traumatic events which can be part of an issue dealt with in psychotherapy.
Stories and memories are important. That is why so many of us keep, or have kept, journals or diaries. I’m asking you to recall a time in your life when you shared something significant with someone else. Each write a short story about it. Compare your stories. Be curious about the inconsistencies, they will be there. Unless something very specific was written down for you to refer to, you may want to get comfortable with the changing story. This story sharing is a way of communicate in the present moment. The present moment is the only reliable story. As many wise seers have said, there is power in the present moment.
One way to stay present is to set daily intentions. Our free, daily Clues Letters can be a fun tool to keep you attention on your intentions. To start receiving your weekly Clues Letters go to Clues Letter Signup.
Dr. Jan
Jan facilitates national workshops for therapists and life coaches. She presents at conferences on topics related to holistic psychology and living your dreams.