Memories and Impressions

[JustGeorge]

One of my sons has been wanting bedtime stories as he falls asleep lately.

This is reasonable, and I've tried to put some together for him. But he doesn't want fantastical works of fiction, he wants to hear about what people he knows used to do. Sometimes its difficult because I wasn't there(there's only so many stories I can share about the place my dad lived as a kid), but other times I find I only have fragments of memories... little pieces that don't necessarily make a story.

Its fun to tell how my mom's late husband took off in a snow storm without any clothing below the waist, but I actually have only a handful of memories from the year I lived with the guy(and most aren't too detailed). However, I have impressions of him based on those pieces, and how we got along/interacted, and how he navigated the greater world. (Not quite enough for a story, though.)

It also struck me how these days, too, fall to memory. I can tell you little about what happened Monday(or any other day this week), but I have a few specific memories that stand out. It seems that life for me is mostly impressions.

Does your memory work in similar ways?

 

[SalixIncendium]

Not really. While there are certain events that stand out more than others, and there are images of these events still clear in my mind. But I can piece together a chronology events in a certain timeframe, especially those that had an impact on my life.

Perhaps this is why I sometimes find myself disagreeing with those I shared memories with about the chronology of events?

But my memories, even the strong ones, fade a bit more as I grow older...

 

[ChristineM]

Does your memory work in similar ways?

Yes.

Well mostly, (which is sometimes a good thing) i have (not really vague but a little foggy) impressions of events

Though there are other times i can recall in exquisite detail, perhaps they made an impression on me.

 

[JustGeorge]

Not really. While there are certain events that stand out more than others, and there are images of these events still clear in my mind. But I can piece together a chronology events in a certain timeframe, especially those that had an impact on my life.

Perhaps this is why I sometimes find myself disagreeing with those I shared memories with about the chronology of events?

But my memories, even the strong ones, fade a bit more as I grow older...

Is that what they mean when they refer to 'photographic memory'?

Yes.

Well mostly, (which is sometimes a good thing) i have (not really vague but a little foggy) impressions of events

Though there are other times i can recall in exquisite detail, perhaps they made an impression on me.

I do find it strange that there are certain things I can recall like they just happened...

Ask me what happened yesterday, and I don't know.

I wonder if the amount of emotion around an event is what makes it memorable.

 

[SalixIncendium]

Is that what they mean when they refer to 'photographic memory'?

No idea. Maybe?

I used to tell people I have a photographic memory...but it never developed. No one under 30 years old gets it when I say that anymore.

 

[ChristineM]

I wonder if the amount of emotion around an event is what makes it memorable.

I think that is the key

 

[TSTS]

As one sees it, although asked unaffectedly and posted under "everything except the kitchen sink" the topic in itself is important and deserves some engagement from those that may be serious about these things- as it brings up couple of important components of human life, memory and impressions.

Yours truly can go back (or forward, depending on how one decides to look) to his infancy. A clear chronological memory of events as well as the impressions they had/have left. It appears this is crucial from many povs. For an average person with some intelligence, it gives them the "stories", the richness of a clear and well lived historical 'self'. For the more serious, the memories, conscious, subconscious, and unconscious ( whether excellent, good, bad, or ugly), gives them a chance to tap into and extract the essences of said experiences, events etc. - so that the "impressions" can be sorted out- true values can be seen, and false values can be dropped with ease.

To go thorough the many voices and finding how intricately they have been weaved to create this 'human experience'. Perhaps if one is diligent, to even be able to identify a certain rhythm, an undertone, beneath it all.

Good topic and nicely asked.

 

[JustGeorge]

As one sees it, although asked unaffectedly and posted under "everything except the kitchen sink" the topic in itself is important and deserves some engagement from those that may be serious about these things- as it brings up couple of important components of human life, memory and impressions.

Yours truly can go back (or forward, depending on how one decides to look) to his infancy. A clear chronological memory of events as well as the impressions they had/have left. It appears this is crucial from many povs. For an average person with some intelligence, it gives them the "stories", the richness of a clear and well lived historical 'self'. For the more serious, the memories, conscious, subconscious, and unconscious ( whether excellent, good, bad, or ugly), gives them a chance to tap into and extract the essences of said experiences, events etc. - so that the "impressions" can be sorted out- true values can be seen, and false values can be dropped with ease.

Very interesting you can go back that far. Because the mind of an infant is formulated so different, would you say you use the "infant's mind" or your current frame of reference when accessing these memories? Why do you think some people can hold onto memories from so long ago, yet others struggle?

I have a couple memories from being two, both are glimpses of pictures, and remembering there was a specific feeling(though I don't 'feel' the feeling when thinking of them).

Can you give me some examples of the processes one uses to contemplate values from memories?

To go thorough the many voices and finding how intricately they have been weaved to create this 'human experience'. Perhaps if one is diligent, to even be able to identify a certain rhythm, an undertone, beneath it all.

Interesting thought. I'd never considered that before... it does seem many of the memories(not all, but a fair amount) do hold around certain themes.

Good topic and nicely asked.

Thanks!

 

[TSTS]

Very interesting you can go back that far. Because the mind of an infant is formulated so different, would you say you use the "infant's mind" or your current frame of reference when accessing these memories? Why do you think some people can hold onto memories from so long ago, yet others struggle?

The foundational aspects of the 'mind' (as we call it) begins from day 1 and are usually laid within couple of years as you might now. But to answer your question as best as one can, since the subject is rather subtle, one doesn't use the mind per se. Though there is a minimal use of the 'mind' but keep in mind the "sense of self" is antecedent to the mind. The brain has been recording since day 1 and feeding this self. So the self can be tapped into, or rather the self looks directly and processes what it sees. Hope this is clear. If it isn't, simply discard it.

As to the other question, I don't know why nature makes people in a certain way. Some are better in some things and others are better in other things. That's one of the beauties of nature, isn't it.

 

[TSTS]

Interesting thought. I'd never considered that before... it does seem many of the memories(not all, but a fair amount) do hold around certain themes.

One wasn't talking about "themes". They are conditioned and come much later. They are the themes the mind ascribes later on. One was talking about the underlying human experience beneath all themes. The sensation beneath the value judgement. The more raw data that's like a river.

 

[Mock Turtle]

One of my sons has been wanting bedtime stories as he falls asleep lately.

This is reasonable, and I've tried to put some together for him. But he doesn't want fantastical works of fiction, he wants to hear about what people he knows used to do. Sometimes its difficult because I wasn't there(there's only so many stories I can share about the place my dad lived as a kid), but other times I find I only have fragments of memories... little pieces that don't necessarily make a story.

Its fun to tell how my mom's late husband took off in a snow storm without any clothing below the waist, but I actually have only a handful of memories from the year I lived with the guy(and most aren't too detailed). However, I have impressions of him based on those pieces, and how we got along/interacted, and how he navigated the greater world. (Not quite enough for a story, though.)

It also struck me how these days, too, fall to memory. I can tell you little about what happened Monday(or any other day this week), but I have a few specific memories that stand out. It seems that life for me is mostly impressions.

Does your memory work in similar ways?

I see many memories as in the image below - some still being quite sharp and accurate (not so many though) - and mostly because they came from some kind of trauma experience. All the rest are lost in the mists of time. But one thing I have noticed is that I can still recall faces from the past - like when I was nine and going shopping at a local hardware store - still seeing the face of the woman who worked there - so nearly seventy years ago. And this applies to so many other faces too. Not sure why this occurs when so many other memories seem simply to vanish.

The earliest memory, which I no doubt have mentioned before, was being lost at a beach around the age of two or three and being carried to a children's home by a policeman. Quite a few other memories from then on and usually related more to trauma.

 

[JustGeorge]

I see many memories as in the image below - some still being quite sharp and accurate (not so many though) - and mostly because they came from some kind of trauma experience. All the rest are lost in the mists of time. But one thing I have noticed is that I can still recall faces from the past - like when I was nine and going shopping at a local hardware store - still seeing the face of the woman who worked there - so nearly seventy years ago. And this applies to so many other faces too. Not sure why this occurs when so many other memories seem simply to vanish.

The earliest memory, which I no doubt have mentioned before, was being lost at a beach around the age of two or three and being carried to a children's home by a policeman. Quite a few other memories from then on and usually related more to trauma.


View attachment 83504

Trauma does seem to create memories... or block them.

I can sometimes remember faces, but I often remember clothes. I suspect its because I kind of have an odd interest in clothes(not necessarily fashion).

The foundational aspects of the 'mind' (as we call it) begins from day 1 and are usually laid within couple of years as you might now. But to answer your question as best as one can, since the subject is rather subtle, one doesn't use the mind per se. Though there is a minimal use of the 'mind' but keep in mind the "sense of self" is antecedent to the mind. The brain has been recording since day 1 and feeding this self. So the self can be tapped into, or rather the self looks directly and processes what it sees. Hope this is clear. If it isn't, simply discard it.

As to the other question, I don't know why nature makes people in a certain way. Some are better in some things and others are better in other things. That's one of the beauties of nature, isn't it.

I suppose it could be said to be a skill like any other.

One wasn't talking about "themes". They are conditioned and come much later. They are the themes the mind ascribes later on. One was talking about the underlying human experience beneath all themes. The sensation beneath the value judgement. The more raw data that's like a river.

Fair enough.

 

[TSTS]

I suppose it could be said to be a skill like any other.

Like one was trying to say, there are many things not within the scope of skills. It seems the sooner one realizes this, and is able to discard the incorrect assumption that one is in control (or, arrogance) the healthier it may be for one. Perhaps then one can process the river without thinking it is my river or your river - but rather he river of existence, over which one has no claims or control. Beginnings of true humility, perhaps? Essential for 'learning"?

 

[Stonetree]

Trauma does seem to create memories... or block them.

I can sometimes remember faces, but I often remember clothes. I suspect its because I kind of have an odd interest in clothes(not necessarily fashion).


I suppose it could be said to be a skill like any other.

Fair enough.

I did read trauma was remembered (defense mechanism, I suppose). I used to mimic the motions of athletes and I seem to remember how deceased family and friends moved, the way they walked or body stances or postures they used. Of course I remember my deceased pets. My pets brought so much joy into my life, what a pleasure they were.

 

[JustGeorge]

I did read trauma was remembered (defense mechanism, I suppose). I used to mimic the motions of athletes and I seem to remember how deceased family and friends moved, the way they walked or body stances or postures they used. Of course I remember my deceased pets. My pets brought so much joy into my life, what a pleasure they were.

Choosing my childhood cat was one of my earliest memories.

 

[SalixIncendium]

We've talked about memories, but the title also says impressions, so when do we get to start discussing those?

I've been waiting forever to do my @Secret Chief impression.

 

[Secret Chief]

We've talked about memories, but the title also says impressions, so when do we get to start discussing those?

I've been waiting forever to do my @Secret Chief impression.

The wait is over...

 

[SalixIncendium]

The wait is over...

*places hands on hips and speaks with a British accent*​

@SalixIncendium has no sense of fashion. Those white paisley speedos should not be worn after the first day of Autumn, especially with plaid ankle socks. He should take them off!​

​

No!! Wait!! I didn't mean right here!!!​

How was that?

 

[Secret Chief]

*places hands on hips and speaks with a British accent*​

@SalixIncendium has no sense of fashion. Those white paisley speedos should not be worn after the first day of Autumn, especially with plaid ankle socks. He should take them off!​

​

No!! Wait!! I didn't mean right here!!!​

How was that?

Well...is that specific to me though, cos everyone thinks that!

 

[SalixIncendium]

Well...is that specific to me though, cos everyone thinks that!

Well, sure. But not everyone thinks it in a British accent.