When memory comes

Memory can confuse. It can intrude into our present realities without our realizing what’s happening. We feel fear, agitation, anger, danger. If we haven’t nurtured self-awareness, we can look for reasons for these feelings in what’s going on now. We can blame, lash out, think current events, current people, current situations are the cause, and while that may be true in some part, the mother lode of what we’re feeling is coming from our past.

We must deal with this. Dealing with it gives us the opportunity to live our lives more authentically and more in control. It’s not easy, no. But it does get easier, and the results are empowering.

Our first to-do in such situations is to take a quick look around, survey our present landscape. If it’s memory, we’re not likely to find something “worthy” of the angst we’re feeling. In such cases, it is crucial, then, to take steps to calm ourselves, to breathe deeply, to understand what’s going on, and to comfort and reassure. We’re safe now. It’s not happening anymore. This is memory.

There are many things that get in the way of this process. Let’s look at some of those.

Reflection

How able are you to distinguish feelings from memory with feelings coming from current events?

Prayer

Lord, please help me to discern. Memory can be a powerful intruder. If I don’t find ways to defuse it, I can end up lashing out, pulling away, thinking and behaving in ways that do not reflect my current reality. Help me to see, God. Give me wisdom as I continue to work to heal. Amen.