Welcome to Art and Healing Wednesday!!
Remember when we were in school and we had to memorize dates, poetry, not to mention facts and figures? Memorization is such a part of our education system and the big question is, “How much of that can you actually remember?” Memorization is great for short-term usage, but it takes more than that to integrate something into your soul.
Poetry is the most likely thing that many of us think about when we think about memorization. However, there’s a difference between memorization and committing to memory. When we commit something to memory it means something to us. It holds an emotional attachment to our soul. It sparks our inner being in a way that can’t be accessed any other way.
When facing a chronic or life-threatening illness holding on to thoughts, intentions, words of inspiration can pull you through some difficult times. I’m not one to learn poetry, but songs stick with me like a fly on flypaper. That’s how I choose to utilize my memory (If they would have put all my studies to music I would have been a much better student). For me, songs can convey a meaning, an emotion, or a modern-day twist on prayer.
I also commit to memory important quotes. I find them to be impactful and most importantly short. They can capture a goal or vision and it’s something I can reference easily. One of the ways I commit things to memory is by reciting them over and over. Other times I write the quote a few times and it seems to become a like a tattoo on my soul. These nuggets of inspiration can be used to pull me out of a funk, activate positive emotions, or guide me when I feel lost.
Committing to memory is about incorporating inspiration into your healing ritual. It requires that you connect with thoughts, ideas, words, pictures, anything at all that leaves a lasting impact and that you can pull up in your internal tickle file. Having these memory nuggets handy can be that shining light we all need when facing a health challenge.
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 