Memory: Selective recall
August 3rd 2010 00:12
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Forgetting is normal. When one is still a teenager, it is panic time during exam week. A bright student suddenly forgets the algebraic formula or the chemical composition or the important historical date. At a thesis defense, he forgets a critical explanation for a theory. It is a lapse due to nerves, cramming, lack of sleep, or all of the above.
What is very interesting is that a person can recall minute details about a childhood adventure but cannot remember a trauma or people associated with that event.
"I distinctly remember forgetting that," said Clara Barton (1821-1912), US social reformer, when reminded of a wrong done to her years earlier.
One would rather remember the happy times. When one undergoes a devastating experience, the brain has a protective mechanism that blocks certain painful memories.
An individual develops selective recall. One "forgets" the sad, heart-wrenching moments of grief and loss. Victims of abuse suppress the memory. It is a defense mechanism the individual uses so he can function. Psychological therapy and spiritual counseling are needed to deal with such traumas. A support system and time can heal the wounds eventually. Moving on takes time.
Having an elephant’s memory is a "figure of speech" that refers to a person’s ability to recall names, dates, details. Recently, it took on a different meaning when an Internet video showed how baby elephants are tortured in training. These repetitive tactics using canes are used when the animals are being taught to perform circus tricks. Elephants and other animals -- especially humans -- can never forget cruelty, suffering, and pain.
An individual with a photographic memory has the gift and advantage of remembering innumerable images, numbers, and details. However, he may find it exasperating occasionally when he cannot recall dates and names. This could be due to stress, anxiety, worry or a simple overload of things happening too quickly or simultaneously. One needs to use an internal sieve to sift through the overwhelming, assorted, distracting stimuli and objects.
The brain’s memory bank can only store so much information. Overload can cause "brain freeze."
For example, at a business forum or social gathering, one sees a familiar face. But it is a struggle to recall his name. ("What’s his name?" Where did we meet? )
The solution is quite simple. Introduce yourself and shake hands. Hopefully, the other person is polite enough to identify himself, too.
Memory experts say that one can thaw the freeze with practice. De-clutter the brain. Visualize pleasant scenes. Do crossword puzzles. To remember names: Pay attention. Visualize the name. Create mnemonic associations (for example, ROYGBIV for colors of the rainbow -- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).
Here are more tips. Remind yourself. Make it a habit. Start a ritual. Sing it. Tie a string around your forefinger. Ask: "What was I supposed to do today?" For a healthy brain, limit alcohol intake. (Too much alcohol kills brain cells that will not regenerate.)
Notice how the "older seniors" have excellent a long-term memory. They can recount clearly what had happened several decades ago -- the war, the first meeting, the first trip, the neighborhood, the first day in school, and so forth. However, many forget what happened yesterday, a few hours or minutes ago.
Class reunions at jubilee celebrations are occasions to reminisce the good old days. Some individuals like to enhance their recollection of events. They want to remember the pleasant things and how perfect things seemed to be.
"Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose." (from "The Wonder Years")
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