Post 1285, Day 273 of 2014
- 1,369 days since I started this blog -
- 1,369 days since I started this blog -
So, let's look at memory, for a second.
First of all, there's a difference between memory and recall.
Everything around us, all events that occur, every perceptual stimuli, creates a memory. I'm pretty sure (but not certain), that the creation of a memory is marked by a physiologic change.
However, recall is another thing entirely, because, just like any perceived event, it is subjective, both in which memories can be accessed, and, once active, the perceptual filters that frame, re-frame and edit all our recalled memories.
I don't trust my memories to be objectively accurate, so see no reason why, in the absence of a recalled memory, I can't just make shit up. And, I admit now, I do that.
I 'remember' when this started: On New Year's Eve, 1972. I was at a party (I used to attend many New Year's Eve parties each holiday night) and got into a discussion with an interesting guy. He seemed pleasant and interesting, so I introduced myself and asked him his name.
I still cringe when I see his face. He looked at me and said, more or less, you're kidding, right, asshole? You know me!
Another friend I was traveling around with that night gave me a dig in the ribs, and a look that said, what's up? I was bewildered. I looked at him, gave a sheepish laugh, and said, I don't know, blame it on the drugs, or something, but I can't recall where I know you from, or your name.
My traveling companion got me out of the party quickly, and dressed me down, telling me how I had hurt this nice guy's feelings. All I could say was, even though we'd hung out at college on an almost daily basis for a year, and even after I had been told his name, I had no recollection of knowing this guy.
From that point forward, I have never relied on my memory, and look for more 'objective' or at least 'agreed-upon' interpretations of what I remembered. When I hear a version of an event that is different from how I recall it (happens a LOT!), I might offer my version, but I always try to couch it in terms of my recollection, not how it might actually have happened. At least, in my head.
Our perception of reality has no objective validity, and neither do recalled memories.
It makes me wonder if I really did have an idea for today's Daily Comment. I think so.
But I could be wrong.
Please leave a comment if you visit my blog. Thank you!
Food and Diet Section
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| 2014 Daily Weight |
Previous Weight: 209.2 lbs
Day Net Loss/Gain: - 2.0 lbs
Diet Comment
Post-weekend good eating means a nice pullback from the temporary gain.Diet Comment
Food Log
Breakfast
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| Eggs scrambled with kale, peppers and onions, side of bacon. |
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| Tuna salad and baby kale, baby spinach, chard and cole slaw mix. |
Quest bars.
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| Turkey patty with spaghetti squash. Not shown: celery with home-made mayonnaise, Ezekiel 4:9 Flax toast with guacamole. |
Quest bars.
Coffee: 28 oz. Water: 96+ oz.
Please leave a comment if you visit my blog. Thank you!
It amazes me how often you can think of something to write about. i never have anything to say, except as a response.
ReplyDeletei would say - Our interpretations of reality have no objective validity, and neither do recalled memories.
Our perceptions are real, related to a portion of reality, thus included in objective reality.
- Light - Love - Compassion -
As to thinking of something to write about, it's usually not difficult - I treat it like jazz: Some small idea comes to me, then I start riffing, deconstructing, extrapolating, free-associating. I'm amazed it doesn't end up sounding less coherent/crazier than it does.
ReplyDeleteThat's the thing I tried to say: We process reality subjectively, whether it comes at us real-time or from memories; Our processing is below the level of consciousness and is really only exposed by examining its remains..
"Shantideva on worry: If you cannot do anything about it no need to worry. If you can do something about it no need to worry."
ReplyDeleteIt's best to pay attention to what is now happening, than to figure out was real before now.
- Light = Love = Compassion -