Sometimes we suppress painful memories amid or immediately following trauma. This can be done subconsciously or consciously. We can opt to divert our attention if we are “triggered” by something that brings up pain-points from the past. Or, our brains can naturally bury memories somewhere in the deep recesses of the mind, so we don’t have to keep reliving what we’ve escaped. This is a common natural defensive mechanism for those living with post-traumatic stress disorder to experience.
However, it can be incredibly therapeutic to allow memories to resurface if our intentions are to grow through the process. Sustainable healing is sometimes realized through moving from surpassing the past to allowing it to be a part of us, acknowledging it but still leaving it in the past.
Therapists and counselors can work with clients on “exposure therapy.” It can be incredibly helpful or incredibly detrimental, usually depending on where one is at in the healing journey. It is best for those suffering from PTSD to seek help and to work with a professional on this form of treatment.
But, because self-reflection is also a huge part of the healing process, memories can be accessed in these moments if desired. There are certain exercises that have been proven in reintroduce lost memories – carefully and with accuracy. I want to emphasize the importance of “with accuracy” because it is also common to access past, perhaps painful points in our lives, and remember these with a certain degree of inaccuracy. Either the mind wants to remember them as “not as bad” as we’ve perhaps previously anticipated, or far worse.
If we choose to dig out the past from the recesses of the mind these events have been shoved in to, it is only helpful if we are prepared to face them for exactly what they are. In doing so, we can come to accept them for what they are, and in practicing acceptance of the past, we can effectively move forward into the next draft.
So, what we can we do to start inducing lost memories?
Note, it may be important to start slowly. Don’t try to summon a treasure trove of hurtful past moments all at once. Try accessing these one at a time, only for a few moments at a time. Sit with them and consider them for exactly what they are. Then, if you are able, make a choice to accept the past and move forward.
If you are unable to practice this exercise at first, that’s okay, too. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Your body has likely been working overtime to protect you and in doing so, the mind has been working hard to suppress pain.
Also, if you find this too overwhelming, uncomfortable, or unhelpful either you’re not in the right place in the healing process to do some memory work or it’s not meant to be a part of your healing process, period. Everyone is different and everyone will react differently – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
If you’re determined to summon the past and are unable to do so on your own, you can work with a neurologist, a psychologist, a life coach, or an energy healer. There are a number of professionals that can help. You might also consider making changes to your diet or lifestyle. Exercise can help improve cognitive functioning, as can many dietary items and supplements.
Remember, your healing journey is your healing journey. Just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it will for you or vice versa. You know you best. So, keep moving forward as you see best.
Break the silence, break the cycle.