Have you ever wondered what you can inherit from genetic memory? And it is not just about a certain feature, expressions or character traits, we recognize in our children, ourselves or even our ancestors. There is more that we don’t know or see.
In this article, I hope to bring further attention to the possibility of inheriting unfulfilled hopes, dreams or even anxieties from your ancestors. Be open to see a bigger picture into why family stories and memories are important to preserve.
When I was pregnant with my first born, my parent’s medical history became the critical point of discussion at my doctors appointment. Because whatever sickness or disease our parents had, becomes part of our my medical records that would be passed onto my children.
This included my asthma history. But see this had me thinking deeper into what else we inherit from the generations that went before us. Interesting don’t you think? Now here is something to consider, what else have you and I inherited from our ancestors? In my own research and studies, I’ve learned theories on genetic memory.
What we don’t realize is that our memories too are an important part of our story. It is evidence of our historic existence, the story of how we arrived here. And it can inspires us to see further ahead to heal and create a better future.
The Collective Unconscious: Our Genetic Memory
The famous Swiss Psychotherapist Carl Jung, termed the collective unconscious as a broader concept, a type of genetic memory shared by individuals with a common ancestor or history. Isn’t it amazing, you have inherited traits, intuition and collective wisdom of your past ancestors among other traits.
We are often told about the positive aspects but what about the unresolved issues or unfulfilled hopes and dreams. What about hidden fears? Anxieties? Think about it, have you ever yearned for something so much that you can’t understand why? Wouldn’t it be worth preserving your family stories? Because those memories contains clues that can help you move on.
Exploring Your Past
I am so grateful to my mother for always telling me stories of how her family survived the Japanese occupation in Singapore during World War II. It made me realized how amazingly blessed I am to come from a line of survivors.
See I was raised in an emotionally unstable home environment. And mom’s stories of survival inspired me to see that no matter how challenging my life became, I could always rise up, honor my past, plan my way to a better future and eventually heal my traumatic childhood. Did I inherit the wisdom of the past like Jung suggested? I imagine there is more to this theory that we human’s have yet to explore.
Knowing Things You Never Learned
Do you know someone who knows things they’ve never learned before?
My son is a math wizard. He does not get it from me or his father because we were never good with math in school. In fact, in all my school years, I failed math.
But here’s another thought. My son has never had formal lessons with music. His father only taught him the main piano keys. He’s never practice any particular song except the constant tune he plays in his mind.
When he started high school, he wanted to play percussion. And in term 3, we were told he was chosen to play in the symphonic band, the orchestra. Playing alone is doable if you take time to practice and some people take years to get it right. But with my son it was different, he breezed through the music lessons, played at various concerts and earned himself an award. The question here is how does he know things, he never formally learned before?
History Repeats Itself
Throughout history, we often see how mistakes are often repeated in our family. How you may ask? Have you ever attended a family gathering or reunion and old issues keeps coming up as regular dramas?
Let’s face it, you can’t run away from unresolved family issues. Because the past holds the key to solve the riddle but, we live in a world where we are often told to forget about the past. To face your fears and slay them. Instead we must figure it all by accepting the process.
When I was young, one thing my mom often told me, was that we’ll get through this struggle. Not push past your fears but get through them. This is one of my all time favorite quote.
The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.
Joseph Campbell
Perhaps there is a need to understand that when we are affected by the dramas around us, it’s a sign that you’ve neglected the need to heal an issue within you.
The Power of Memories
When you were born, you carry within your genes, the energy of those that lived before you. Who were they to you?
I never knew my maternal grandparents but I often feel their love surrounding me. And because of that I can reach within me to find the strength and courage to face any challenge.
We live in a time where we need proof, evidence to believe that we are connected to something bigger than life itself. And we must be true to ourselves. Think about it, in this present moment, you are creating a future memory. Who is going to remember this moment as you create your time capsule full of memories from your past?
Do you know your family stories? Have you ever wondered where certain behavior you possess may come from?
