Re-membering

How do memories of our past affect our present identities?  Who we are now in this moment cannot be who we where, any more than a ripe fruit can return to it's original seed.  But certainly imprints are made in our mind for a purpose.  How do we engage our darker memories, those that pain our spirits, without becoming attached to them - allowing the memory of a person, place, or thing become our present reality?  What is the value of remembering the past and can it be done from a distance and still be purposeful?

Re: Re-membering

I journal every day or nearly every day. I re-read my entries from time to time and this allows me to see the value of the past but become detached from the experience. It's amazing how often I remark that it was a different person who wrote the journal entry and in a way, it is. I can feel the pain or happiness that is conveyed in my words. It helps me to realize that life is ever-changing, nothing is permanent, not pain, not happiness. I like to think that we are always evolving, learning, creating.

Re: Re-membering

I think that our memories of dark times can show us our strengths.  In my rougher moments, I remind myself that if I survived my childhood, I can live through anything.  I accept that horrible things happened, but remind myself that I am no longer that helpless little girl. 

Even more, I can look at today's situation and see how it relates to before.  I can see the potential pitfalls and avoid them.  I can see similarities in situation and use them to figure out what my next move should be.  This does not mean that I do things the same way; rather I know what did or did not work before, so I can choose my next action.