To unravel the mysteries of memory, scientists have designed studies that show where memories are stored in the brain. Most researchers think they have it figured out. Yet, as one author puts it, “The more we learn about memory, the weirder it gets.”
I believe that’s because the researchers are looking only at physical storage. When they begin to trace memory to its true energetic home, they surpass the physical, and so memory becomes a bit perplexing.
Without knowledge of the energetic counterparts of the brain, it’s impossible to know where memory is stored, how it functions, and what its purpose really is.
This has led to three big misconceptions about memory.
Misconception #1: Memories Are Stored in the Brain
From an energetic perspective, memories are stored along a range of vibrations that begin at the brain. Beyond the brain lie its energetic counterparts, which exist in the emotional, causal, and mental bodies.
A memory includes emotions, thoughts, images, and beliefs, plus their associated triggers, such as certain scents, sensations, tastes, visuals, and sounds. Memories are like holograms and comprise vast amounts of data that portray a near replica of an experience. Every significant action, thought, and emotion is recorded.
The brain alone simply doesn’t have the storage capacity for all this information. If the brain tries to retain too much, memory begins to fail, thinking gets cloudy, and a person can lose perspective. Ideally, memories of significance—ones that we need to draw upon again soon—remain in the brain. Those we don’t or won’t need right away are moved to the causal body. Causal storage capacity is nearly limitless.
A healthy causal body stores memories at various levels. Some are stored deeply and behind secure doors. These are the memories from which we have gleaned all the lessons we can at this time, or the ones that have caused so much pain that we simply must set them aside in order to get on with our life. Later, when we’re stronger, we can go back and revisit them. No door is ever locked.
Other memories are directly linked to the brain and stored in such a way that we can reference them as needed.
So yes, memories are stored in the brain—but only some of them. Remove certain brain cells, and you may sever their connection to the causal storehouse. But the memories will remain in the causal body, as they are a person’s legacy.
Misconception #2: Memories Exist Along a Timeline
Most people believe that memories exist along a timeline, meaning the ones from the distant past are farther away than those formed yesterday. The timeline concept is constructed by the mind, which likes to see time linearly. The past is well laid out, the present a mere spot on that line, and the future vast and invisible.
In truth, the causal body surrounds us in an all-pervasive “now.” The relative distance between you and a memory isn’t time, but necessity or desire. Distant memories tend to stay close if you enjoy them, continue to give them attention, or still feel hurt by them.
A healthy causal body allows memories you no longer need to be stored where they belong, far away. The ones up front are those you need to access daily, or that involve issues not yet resolved. These are also the memories you want readily available. A healthy causal body ensures that they are easily accessible at all times.
Misconception #3: Memories Accurately Reflect the Truth
Another big misconception is the idea that memories are accurate accounts of what really happened. The truth is, memory is flexible. Whereas an event may consist of certain indisputable facts, your perception of what happened is unique. It is a mixture of emotion, plus visual and sensory input, mixed with other memories evoked by the event and the thoughts it aroused.
Your memory of the event will vary from the recollections of others who witnessed that same event. It must, because everyone perceives things differently.
Moreover, your perception of what happened can change.
Researchers say that a memory changes slightly each time we recall it. The memory is altered once again the next time we remember it. Every time we think back on a past event, our brain constructs different neural pathways. This is physical evidence that memory changes each time we use it. Because emotions are tied to memories, they can get reshaped too.
As we grow spiritually, our vibrations rise at all levels. This includes the vibrations of our emotions, thoughts, and memories. As this upliftment occurs, the coarse memories of traumatic, violent, and negative events shift. With forgiveness and a greater capacity to love, our recollections of these types of events will change. We’ll see them from a different viewpoint and look at them as opportunities rather than obstacles. By choosing to see memories in a more positive light, we are also supporting a more positive life experience.
There’s another shift in perspective that occurs with spiritual growth. Rather than seeing the event from the viewpoint of the victim, we begin to see that same event through the eyes of a spiritual master. As our perception moves in this direction, deep and lasting healing occurs.
A New Understanding of Memory
A healthy causal body is flexible. It lets us see the benefits, positivity, and spirituality behind all events—even the hard and painful ones, even the ones we’re most certain about. It allows us to revise the past, see it slightly differently, and benefit from the new perspective. So why not recall something more positively?
Every version of your past will give you important learning experiences. That’s what memories are for. So the next time you find yourself looking back, reflecting on past events, allow yourself to be open to seeing them in a new light.
Whether you’re reminiscing on something that happened last week or decades ago, there’s always something new to find in a memory. You might learn a lesson you need or gain insight that can help you better handle your life circumstances. You might even realize the answers you’ve been looking for have been with you all along.