The Formation of a Memory

By: M. Bitran

Have you ever been doing something, when suddenly, it reminds you of a memory from your past? It might even take you some time to pinpoint what exactly the memory was or what it was about, but in that moment, you are certain that it took you back. Well, with me that happens quite frequently. That feeling is called nostalgia, and to be honest, the memories which trigger this nostalgia are the reason we are who we are today. However, before looking into how that works, we must understand how a memory is formed. 

The creation process of a memory is summarized into three main points: encoding, storage, and retrieval. The first step, encoding, is where our brain converts sensory input (smell, sight, taste, sound and feel) into information that our brain can understand in order to absorb and process it. The next step, storage, involves keeping this encoded information so that it can be reused in the future. Our brain separates these stores into two categories, long-term memory, and short-term memory. Our short-term memories are usually only remembered for a few seconds. This storage is used for simple tasks, like remembering a phone number in time for dialling it or remembering a certain code. A long-term memory, on the other hand, is the opposite. It stores information for a long period, maybe even for a lifetime. This store is used for most of our experiences and important things that take place in our lives. Finally, the last step, retrieval, is when our brain brings this information back into a conscious awareness. This is the step in which an experience is transformed into a memory.​

Even though reliving and reflecting on our memories is an extremely challenging task, especially as they are not always joyful, it is crucial to understand that it is also one of the most important things to do. Through the lessons we have learned, the choices we have made, and their consequences, our memories have shaped us into the people we are today. Our memories are the reason we know how to react in certain situations, and they are the reason we rethink making bad choices, as we have seen what happens otherwise to others around us. Nostalgia, on the contrary, is extremely important, as it brings us happiness and as it takes us back to a cheerful memory. This feeling of happiness many times makes us feel as if we are good enough, and that we belong. Now, with all of this, can you imagine how different your life would be without these constant reminiscing memories?