Alfred Adler was a psychologist who was instrumental in studying memory. Early memories in particular. Of all the number of important incidents that you were a part of, why do one or two 'first' memories cling stubbornly to the web of our remembering? Adler had a theory: "The first memory will show the individual's fundamental view of life." In other words, people remember things that are consistent with the concept they have of themselves.
We love to recall times shared, pleasures enjoyed. Isn't that a big part of Thanksgiving? Everyone at the table or around the TV watching the Lions, has a memory or two of a similar time past. . . or sharing a recollection that brings about a laugh, a nod of agreement, or just a smile of affirmation of a precious flashbulb photo of nostalgia. (Come on Lions--feast up some juicy morsels!)
Over the years, I've been able to gather such early memory accounts from my family. My sister Susie and I would giggle at the thought of playing "flashlight" late at night on our bunk beds knowing our parents had no clue we were playing when we were suppose to be sleeping. Phil, my brother, remembers fondly the home run he hit to win a District game in Little League. My mom remembers her mother making baloney sandwiches for "hobos" who would be sitting on her porch on a stop along the railroad tracks. My dad simply recalls his mother in a specific rocking chair reading the Bible.
Lonni Sue Johnson had a terrible case of encephalitis in 2007, and this 63 year old suffers now from a disease that will not allow her brain to form new memories. According to her sister, "She lives in a narrow sliver of the present moment, and the moments from before just fade away"(TIME, 10/24/13). With a lot of questions in the present, Lonni remains upbeat even though the mystery of memory remains puzzling to scientists.
What are some of your early memories? Thanksgiving is a holiday that sets the stage for shared remembrances. They reflect not only our past but also our personalities and beliefs about ourselves. There are reasons why we keep close such a replay of particular lasting imprints. It was a moment that was worthy to lock into our sense of wonder and awe; it reflects and reveals an integral part of our own identity. This Thanksgiving, share what is securely embedded not only in your personal bank of recollection, but in your heart. Give thanks for the opportunity to create memorable moments and be grateful for the capacity of creating more color to add to your memory...your life lasting memory.
**Next post 12/5/13-taking the week to pause and ponder.