Replay happy memories

You have all experienced moments of joy and happiness. Well, seek out these moments. Even if there were only three or four in your life, or only one, return to them often: recall the place, the circumstances, the people… Try hard to recover the same thoughts, the same feelings, the same sensations. Gradually you will have the impression you are reliving these states, with the same intensity as if you truly were experiencing them here and now for the first time.
It is always what you feel inside that is most important, not what comes from outside. So seek out all those times when you understood and felt the beauty and meaning of life. Make all such moments available for times when you will need them. This gives you yet another way of working. And even ensure that you have a choice of memories. For just as a certain piece of music is better suited to your inner state depending on the circumstances, so a particular memory will help you more than another and bring you what you need at the time.

Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov   Daily Meditations

Since the master spoke these words a few decades ago, neuroscientists have done several studies which suggest  we are able to alter the way our brain works by consciously choosing to replay happy, nurturing memories. Apparently, this has a soothing effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. I read it’s possible to free yourself of stressful, psychological states by making the effort to relive more positive memories on a regular basis- really re-experiencing the  colour and feeling. It helps to rewire the brain into a calmer and more positive mindset.

I love the idea of making a collection of happy memories that we can turn to whenever we need them- just like many of us use our music collections and playlists to alter our moods!

Places, too can be very therapeutic- I’ve got several ‘happy places’ that cheer me up if I am feeling down.  SJJ

 

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