The older we get, the larger our memory becomes. Our memories, like everything else in life, are a medley of the good and bad, the positive and negative.
Memories are more than just a receptacle of past experiences. We can review the contents of our memory bank; they either energise us and live a full life, or put us down and feel blue.
Our memories are made up of our own behaviour and attitudes. That is why it is important to watch what we feed into our memory. If we continuously focus on negative memories, we will look back to situations that have not been helpful for nurturing. If we strengthen positive memories, we will remember all that pave a path to lead us to maturity. Blue sky, trees, flowers in full bloom, quiet lakes and waves thundering against seashore, all these memories seem to put us in a happy mood. Memories can also be of crowded streets, hectic schedule and some of the sweet moments. Memories might also leave us cold and indifferent to others and to life.
Our daily interactions with people might expose us to those folks who have destructive traits. Some are violent, others insist on righteousness of their view. They might taunt us or might be aggressive towards us. It is these memories that we should try to overcome. If we do not give them too much of importance, they cannot overpower us. On the contrary they can contribute to our growth.
Spiritually mature people are typically comprehensive with good memories. For them every challenge or difficulty is an opportunity to learn. They store in their memory banks constructive lessons from a variety of experiences. If a rose can bloom in midst of so many thorns, why cannot we prosper wherever we bloom?
No one can be expected to be blissful in all situations of life. We certainly cannot escape the ups and downs of life. But, our memory banks can help us remain balanced with a quite contentment, which is possible only for determined individuals.
Bad memories do leave scars, emotional and spiritual. If we do not spend time and energy in dealing with them, they sink into darkness. Our experience of God is coloured by memories. He takes away the pain of the past and the uncertainty of the present and future. Like a true artist, He paints in black and white, shade and shadow, darkness and light. That is why memories can be interesting, inspiring and enabling.
The memories slate cannot be wiped absolutely clean. However, every negative memory can also bring us to a point where we begin to see ourselves in a new light. All experiences, negative and positive, can lead us to live life more abundantly.
If we let memories of good experiences, of faith, love, hope, empathy, compassion and beneficial relationships predominate, our ship will not end on the rocks. Our memory banks could help us to steer ourselves towards safe waters, and may help anchor us in calmness.
Let’s ask ourselves: what are we feeding into our memory banks and what are we making of our lives?
Written by: Gaurav Asthana
