Memory: A Blessing or a Burden?* 🌿 Yes – I Still Remember! A Blessing or a Curse?

“I remember…” — these words often feel as if something has just happened now.

The treasure chest of memory opens, and moments flash before the eyes.

Sweet childhood memories, the faces of close friends, the aroma of mother’s cooking — everything comes alive again.

The heart rejoices, and the present is forgotten.

But sometimes, through the same door, painful incidents also walk in, confronting us.

And then the question arises — is memory truly a blessing, or at times, a curse?

*The Light and Shadow of Memory*

Without memory, we would not have learned what we know today, relationships would not have endured, nor would creativity have blossomed.

Pleasant, joyful memories are essential.

But when painful memories surge, reopening old wounds again and again, they darken the present moment too.

Memory is a light, but its shadow is equally deep and dark.

*Scientific Insight:*

The hippocampus in the brain is primarily responsible for storing memory.

Research shows that every time we recall something, it doesn’t come back exactly the same — it slightly changes.

That’s why memory can bring wisdom, but it can also bring unnecessary pain.

*Past–Future vs Present*

The past teaches us through experience, the future shows us dreams —

but the true journey of life happens only in this very moment.

• Past = a textbook

• Future = a map

• Present = the journey itself

*If we stay lost in the past, or worry too* *much about the future, we lose the joy of the present journey.*

*”In Our Days…” — The Illusion of the Past*

We often hear: “In our days, things were not like this… our times were wonderful…”

Hidden in this are two attitudes:

• The beauty of the past (youthful days, sweet memories)

• Criticism of the present (today’s times are worse)

But we forget: however much we glorify the old days —

life can only be lived now.

Only when we set aside the sweetness of the past and the worries of the future,

can we truly taste the beauty of the present.

*The Lesson of Awareness*

A disciple once asked his Guru:

“Master, what is the difference between your life before realization and after realization?”

The Guru smiled and said:

“Earlier too, I used to bathe, worship, eat. Even today, I do the same.

But now when I bathe, I only bathe;

when I worship, I only worship;

and when I eat, I only eat.”

That is the true difference — living fully in the present moment, with 100% awareness.

In psychology, this is called *Mindfulness.*

Studies prove that mindfulness practices strengthen the prefrontal cortex of the brain,

reduce stress, and increase happiness.

*The Gift of Forgetfulness*

Sadhguru Shri Wananrao Pai says,

*God has given man the power of memory,*

*but an even greater gift is the power of forgetfulness.*

It is forgetfulness that preserves relationships, heals wounds, and lightens the heart.

Memory is the key to knowledge,

while forgetfulness is the key to joy.

Psychology recognizes the concept of *motivated forgetting.*

Human beings consciously or unconsciously forget certain memories —

and this is essential for mental health.

*Forgetfulness with Age — Nature’s Way*

“Faces are remembered but names are forgotten” — this happens to everyone.

As we age, visual memory tends to stay intact, but verbal memory slows down.

This is not a disease; it is a natural process of life.

*Scientific Insight:*

With age, the prefrontal cortex and neural connections in the brain become less active.

That is why faces (visual memory) are recalled quickly,

but names (verbal memory) take longer.

*The Burden of Karma and Memory*

Experiences, joys, sorrows, karma — in themselves they are not bad.

The problem lies in how we carry them.

If we use experiences as guides, they become a blessing.

If we carry them as burdens, they turn poisonous.

*Karma is not the problem. How you carry it is the only problem.*

Psychoneuroimmunology research shows that clinging to negative memories constantly

leads to stress, insomnia, digestive issues, and higher risk of heart disease.

Thus, memory must be carried as a guide, not as a burden — for the sake of mental and physical health.

*Simple Ways to Stay Present*

• Focus on your breath — it is happening now.

• Do only what you are doing. If eating, then just eat.

• Look at people without past labels.

• Say thank you for even the smallest moments.

• Express gratitude for every present experience.

Both memory and forgetfulness are divine gifts.

Memory teaches us, forgetfulness frees us,

and awareness teaches us to balance the two.

🌸 Thus —

“I remember… blessing or curse?”

The answer lies in our awareness.

The past has slipped away,

the future rests on the pillow,

The flower of the present moment blooms in the heart.

Memory teaches, forgetfulness brings relief,

Living the present — that is the true essence of life. 🌸

✍️ A Reflection by *Jayant Joshi*