Don't forget that forgetting is good. Remember that.

[bobcat]

According to recent studies, the engrams (packets of cells in your brain) that store information, also continue to retain that information, even though you can't access it. Think of it like the memory is stored in a lock box, and you just don't readily have the key, but perhaps you may find it later. Even in dementia patients, the memories are still there, just not accessible, except during lucid moments. But realizing this may lead to ways in which memories can be brought back.

Anyway, from the studies, it appears that forgetting is actually a deliberate act of the brain, that allows for more flexibility and better decision making, or so the new theory goes. From experiments, when those cells are activated (Stimulated with light), the memory returns. So, in "light" of that, forgetting may be advantageous, and an adaptation to have a more functional brain.

That being the case, don't fret over things you don't remember, your brain has just set that bobble of information aside because it has more important things to focus on. I guess the thing that puzzles me is, why can't I forget the things I don't want to remember?

 

[Chet]

According to recent studies, the engrams (packets of cells in your brain) that store information, also continue to retain that information, even though you can't access it. Think of it like the memory is stored in a lock box, and you just don't readily have the key, but perhaps you may find it later. Even in dementia patients, the memories are still there, just not accessible, except during lucid moments. But realizing this may lead to ways in which memories can be brought back.

Anyway, from the studies, it appears that forgetting is actually a deliberate act of the brain, that allows for more flexibility and better decision making, or so the new theory goes. From experiments, when those cells are activated (Stimulated with light), the memory returns. So, in "light" of that, forgetting may be advantageous, and an adaptation to have a more functional brain.

That being the case, don't fret over things you don't remember, your brain has just set that bobble of information aside because it has more important things to focus on. I guess the thing that puzzles me is, why can't I forget the things I don't want to remember?

I suppose you could equate it to RAM and ROM in a computer.

 

[Gary O']

Good to know

.....whatever it was

 

[Naturally]

I may or may not remember what I just read ... and that's okay

 

[CarolfromTX]

DH is plagued by random memories of (inconsequential) faux pas in his past. We’ll be driving in the car or
whatever, and something will trigger one of these memories. I can see it in his face. I tell him, get out of the way-back machine! The memories are always painful for him, but in reality they are really minor things most folks would get over in five minutes. No idea why he doesn’t go back to the good times, because they far outnumber the others. But no. As for me? I’ve been really good at moving on, by necessity, since I was a teenager.

 

[hearlady]

DH is plagued by random memories of (inconsequential) faux pas in his past. We’ll be driving in the car or
whatever, and something will trigger one of these memories. I can see it in his face. I tell him, get out of the way-back machine! The memories are always painful for him, but in reality they are really minor things most folks would get over in five minutes. No idea why he doesn’t go back to the good times, because they far outnumber the others. But no. As for me? I’ve been really good at moving on, by necessity, since I was a teenager.

I am somewhat the same way.
I actually first realized it when I heard Oprah say the same thing on her show back in day. She said she only remembered the bad things she did, not the good, or something to that effect.
Before that I didn't know it was a thing but I've heard others talk about it also.
Maybe that's why I give Oprah a pass on some more recent things.
Once in a while a relative will talk about a memory of me doing something really nice. I don't remember it at all.
However, I will remember 30 years ago when someone may have mistook something I said that might have sounded mean and I still have a hard time letting it go.
I've gotten much better now that I've realized it and make a conscious effort to remember good things I've done in the past

 

[Paco Dennis]

That being the case, don't fret over things you don't remember, your brain has just set that bobble of information aside because it has more important things to focus on. I guess the thing that puzzles me is, why can't I forget the things I don't want to remember?

Those cells ( engrams ) are activating the memory. They are NOT hidden. They are active. We remember a wide range of events and people with varying emotional response. Some make us very sad, some make us feel content, and some don't do much at all. You can't force yourself to forget. Remember the challenge, "Don't think about elephants for the next 10 minutes".
I think you mentioned somewhere else that it is hard to quit thinking about your deeply loved partner that died. Overtime those feelings and memories will be less painful, unless you want to feel bad about about the loss. It can become a habit. Maybe, be as kind to yourself as you show kindness to others.

 

[JustBonee]

Good advice all around.

 

[Gary O']

I might be the odd one

I remember things that didn't happen (according to my lady)
I just tell her 'It's my version of the truth'
She seems to settle for that

 

[Jules]

I will recall little bits of upsetting events from the past. It’s random. Sometimes they come in a rush and a variety when I have insomnia.

 

[Gaer]

here:

 

[Michael Z]

Good for rewatching my favorite series on tv!

 

[jujube]

My brainwaves to me at 2 a.m.: "For your watching pleasure tonight, we will be offering a 2-hour movie of everything in your past that you should or shouldn't have said, done, or bought. Please enjoy the movie. No need to thank us! Have a pleasant night."

I so often wish there was a brain-vacuum-cleaner that could just suck the bad memories out of my head. I don't need them....really I don't.

 

[bobcat]

here:

View attachment 300320

The little man in my head can't give up. We have a contract. He can't just walk off the job. I will get him an assistant, if need be, but leaving is not an option.

 

[Wren]

 

[bobcat]

My brainwaves to me at 2 a.m.: "For your watching pleasure tonight, we will be offering a 2-hour movie of everything in your past that you should or shouldn't have said, done, or bought. Please enjoy the movie. No need to thank us! Have a pleasant night."

I so often wish there was a brain-vacuum-cleaner that could just suck the bad memories out of my head. I don't need them....really I don't.

It sounds like it could be entertaining. If you're selling tickets to "This is your life", and it manages to orchestrate a showing near me, count me in, (however, not too excited about the 2 AM thing). I may even leave the theater feeling pretty good about my own life, but who am I kidding, that's a long shot.
Meanwhile, I will get to work on the Memory Sucker 2000 vacuum. It may be a crude prototype, so not exactly sure what the outcome would be, but it sounds like you may a perfect candidate for testing it out. Feeling lucky?

 

[Lawrence00]

I remember when Madonna, Brittany, and I had a threesome.

 

[davey]

I have always had a reasonably good sound memory -but nowdays doesn't seem of much use cos there is so much technology to t hink for me like mobile ph with date and time / internet with list and friends addresses / I still have a vivid memory of most of my life - should make a film really - hmm there's a thought to hang on to?

 

[bobcat]

I have always had a reasonably good sound memory -but nowdays doesn't seem of much use cos there is so much technology to t hink for me like mobile ph with date and time / internet with list and friends addresses / I still have a vivid memory of most of my life - should make a film really - hmm there's a thought to hang on to?

I hear you Davey. I would be lost without my phone. It's like having a secretary and personal assistant all rolled into one. If it craps out, I'm screwed.

 

[stretch5881]

I remember more bad than good also. I had thought it was a mental problem. I guess it's not uncommon. It does help me to become a better person by not repeating the dumb things I did in the past.

 

[bobcat]

I remember more bad than good also. I had thought it was a mental problem. I guess it's not uncommon. It does help me to become a better person by not repeating the dumb things I did in the past.

I think that may be part of our evolutionary programing. Not sure. But perhaps we focus more on dangers than we do rewards, and in some strange way, that relates to remembering bad things. Interesting to wonder about though.

 

[Tommy]

According to recent studies, the engrams (packets of cells in your brain) that store information, also continue to retain that information, even though you can't access it. Think of it like the memory is stored in a lock box, and you just don't readily have the key, but perhaps you may find it later. Even in dementia patients, the memories are still there, just not accessible, except during lucid moments. But realizing this may lead to ways in which memories can be brought back.

Interesting, Bob. Do you have a link to any of those studies? Might be worth a read.