lightfiend
03-10-2009, 05:05 AM
When Music Evokes Unpleasant Memories (http://www.theemotionmachine.com/psychology/when-music-evokes-bad-memories/)(click for original articles, links, and sources)
Has it ever happened to you when a song or album that you used to really enjoy later becomes a trigger of bad memories and emotions – even to the point where you can no longer stand listening to the music without getting depressed?
Sometimes when I revisit an old song from my past a part of me remembers how amazing times were back when I first used to listen to it. But then there is another part of me that is somewhat depressed; because those times are now dead and gone and I could never truly relive them again.
I don’t think this pattern of thought is too uncommon. We don’t always stay in touch with the things that have changed our lives throughout the years. Sometimes we look back and hardly remember that they had ever existed.
Music has a tendency to become a powerful way of defining particular moments in our lives. In some ways it can even evoke feelings of nostalgia that are unparalleled to anything we could recall through conscious effort.
Science doesn’t yet explain exactly why music has a tendency to create such strong memories, but they know for certain that it does. According to some studies: music can aid in recall of visual memory, verbal memory, as well as creating particularly vivid and emotion-filled responses. It may even enhance the memories of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
But why does music do this?
Perhaps it is in the patterns and structure of how music is written, how it builds a memorable story in our heads, or how music can help add a new layer of meaning to our everyday existence. Or maybe it is just because it is catchy and pleasant to hear.
Whatever the reason, it is certain that music can have a profound effect on our psyche. But when music begins to trigger unpleasant memories – maybe a past relationship or a time in our life where things were very difficult – then we sometimes find ourselves in a position where we can no longer listen to that particular song or album without being overwhelmed by a flood of emotions.
But what if it is a really good song that you would like back in your life? What are some things you can do to reverse this effect and make the song enjoyable once again?
To start, don’t just listen to the song while doing nothing; doing that won’t help you build any new associations. A better idea is to incorporate the song into your life in a way that builds new meaning – hopefully something more positive and long lasting.
This doesn’t mean that new associations should completely override any sentimental value the song once had. But by building a bigger web of associations the song will not only become more bearable, but it can also greatly enrich your life. The song becomes a living symbol of your personal growth and transformation.
As an avid fan of a variety of music – and with also my fair share of unpleasant relationships with the world – I have several times experienced songs growing sour in this way.
But never have I ditched a song forever simply because it was too emotionally unbearable. Instead, I almost always find a way to bring the song back into my life and even use it as a way to help overcome the dark moments of the past.
Of course like all things worthwhile this can take effort and dedication.
Music is empowering, but the mind can be even more powerful. And if we are going to build new meanings toward old songs it takes certain strength in our will to make it happen. Here are some tips that may help you:
1. Try building a strong state of happiness or joy before you listen to the song.
2. Listen to the music with the intention of creating something new, positive, and uplifting out of the experience.
3. Don’t be afraid to give some attention to negative memories if they are recalled, but focus on looking at these memories in a new light. Hopefully you can learn to see them in a way that no longer handicaps your well being but encourages it. After all, these experiences have contributed to your personal growth over the years and they are valuable resources to learn from.
4. Share your music experience with friends and loved ones. They too will help you to create new associations, even when they aren’t aware of it. Sometimes if we listen to the music alone we will just find ourselves falling back into that downward spiral.
5. Give yourself enough time and second chances to make it work. It isn’t certain that you will be able to recreate a liking for a song in one sitting. And although it can happen, a better perspective is to seek new meaning over time, which includes a prolonged conscious effort to make the change.
The main point here is that it is possible to listen to these songs and still enjoy them. I hope I have convinced you that it is worth the effort to revisit these old songs (and memories) and to turn them into tools of personal growth and symbols of transformation.
Has it ever happened to you when a song or album that you used to really enjoy later becomes a trigger of bad memories and emotions – even to the point where you can no longer stand listening to the music without getting depressed?
Sometimes when I revisit an old song from my past a part of me remembers how amazing times were back when I first used to listen to it. But then there is another part of me that is somewhat depressed; because those times are now dead and gone and I could never truly relive them again.
I don’t think this pattern of thought is too uncommon. We don’t always stay in touch with the things that have changed our lives throughout the years. Sometimes we look back and hardly remember that they had ever existed.
Music has a tendency to become a powerful way of defining particular moments in our lives. In some ways it can even evoke feelings of nostalgia that are unparalleled to anything we could recall through conscious effort.
Science doesn’t yet explain exactly why music has a tendency to create such strong memories, but they know for certain that it does. According to some studies: music can aid in recall of visual memory, verbal memory, as well as creating particularly vivid and emotion-filled responses. It may even enhance the memories of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
But why does music do this?
Perhaps it is in the patterns and structure of how music is written, how it builds a memorable story in our heads, or how music can help add a new layer of meaning to our everyday existence. Or maybe it is just because it is catchy and pleasant to hear.
Whatever the reason, it is certain that music can have a profound effect on our psyche. But when music begins to trigger unpleasant memories – maybe a past relationship or a time in our life where things were very difficult – then we sometimes find ourselves in a position where we can no longer listen to that particular song or album without being overwhelmed by a flood of emotions.
But what if it is a really good song that you would like back in your life? What are some things you can do to reverse this effect and make the song enjoyable once again?
To start, don’t just listen to the song while doing nothing; doing that won’t help you build any new associations. A better idea is to incorporate the song into your life in a way that builds new meaning – hopefully something more positive and long lasting.
This doesn’t mean that new associations should completely override any sentimental value the song once had. But by building a bigger web of associations the song will not only become more bearable, but it can also greatly enrich your life. The song becomes a living symbol of your personal growth and transformation.
As an avid fan of a variety of music – and with also my fair share of unpleasant relationships with the world – I have several times experienced songs growing sour in this way.
But never have I ditched a song forever simply because it was too emotionally unbearable. Instead, I almost always find a way to bring the song back into my life and even use it as a way to help overcome the dark moments of the past.
Of course like all things worthwhile this can take effort and dedication.
Music is empowering, but the mind can be even more powerful. And if we are going to build new meanings toward old songs it takes certain strength in our will to make it happen. Here are some tips that may help you:
1. Try building a strong state of happiness or joy before you listen to the song.
2. Listen to the music with the intention of creating something new, positive, and uplifting out of the experience.
3. Don’t be afraid to give some attention to negative memories if they are recalled, but focus on looking at these memories in a new light. Hopefully you can learn to see them in a way that no longer handicaps your well being but encourages it. After all, these experiences have contributed to your personal growth over the years and they are valuable resources to learn from.
4. Share your music experience with friends and loved ones. They too will help you to create new associations, even when they aren’t aware of it. Sometimes if we listen to the music alone we will just find ourselves falling back into that downward spiral.
5. Give yourself enough time and second chances to make it work. It isn’t certain that you will be able to recreate a liking for a song in one sitting. And although it can happen, a better perspective is to seek new meaning over time, which includes a prolonged conscious effort to make the change.
The main point here is that it is possible to listen to these songs and still enjoy them. I hope I have convinced you that it is worth the effort to revisit these old songs (and memories) and to turn them into tools of personal growth and symbols of transformation.