How senses shape our recollections

OUR senses — sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell — play an integral role in the tapestry of our memories. Each of our senses captures details that the brain holds onto. Dear readers might be asking why an understanding of sensory memory is important. This is 

because it shapes our recollections and can profoundly affect our well-being, encompassing body, mind, and soul.

Sensory memory is like the initial splash of water when you jump into a pool — it is immediate, fleeting, and vivid. It’s the brief moment when your senses take a snapshot of the world around you — what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. This sensory data does not last long; it is just a flicker. Yet, within that fleeting moment, our senses influence how we recall our experiences. 

Understanding sensory memory and how it interplays with our recollections can profoundly impact our well-being — physically, mentally, and spiritually. When we think about sensory memory, we often overlook how deeply entwined our senses are with our emotions and recollections. 

Take, for instance, the smell of fresh cookies baking in the oven. For many, it may evoke childhood memories, warmth, and love. Now, imagine a different scenario; a traumatic experience, such as child sexual abuse. The senses involved — perhaps the sound of a door creaking or the feel of the fabric against the skin — can become powerful triggers that haunt memories.

I will share a personal example here. When I was a child, I experienced trauma that altered my understanding of the world.

In those moments of harm, certain smells, sounds, and sensations became embedded in my memory. A specific odour, for instance, would transport me back to the pain and fear I felt during those dark times, obstructing my ability to enjoy normal aspects of life. It is as if those sensory memories fused with my trauma, becoming companions on my journey of suffering.

But here is where it gets interesting… While sensory memory can shape our recollections, the good news is that we can reprogram these memories. Over time, I learned to cultivate new associations with those sensory triggers. The smell that once sent me spiralling into anxiety can now remind me of my resilience or a moment of joy when I reclaimed my life.

You might wonder how we can do this. It involves actively reshaping our experiences and giving new meaning to what our senses perceive. For example, instead of avoiding the scents that remind me of my past, I have incorporated them into positive experiences. I hosted a gathering for friends, using similar scents, but surrounded by supportive people I trust. During that experience, my senses were engaged in a new, healing context. My emotional responses began to shift. That one scent, once a painful reminder, became part of a broader tapestry of life — one filled with friendship, laughter, and recovery. 

Senses are powerful tools in our recollection. They remind us of what we associate with feelings of safety, warmth, and even love. But they can also revisit us like unwanted guests — reminding us of traumas. By recognising this duality, we can begin to take control of our memories. Rather than allowing trauma to dictate the narrative, we learn to weave in new chapters through positive associations and experiences. This practice not only boosts mental well-being but also enriches our physical and emotional health. 

I have learned that reprogramming memories is complex but very empowering. It is easy to see how someone entrenched in painful experiences might struggle to cultivate joy. Life can become an endless cycle of darkness, especially for individuals who carry the weight of abuse and trauma. I remember the days when I felt like an outsider in my own life, each sensory experience only a painful reminder of my past. Many people face similar battles, feeling as though they are perpetually shackled by their memories, unable to break free. Yet, for as many individuals who succumb to despair, there are just as many stories of resilience and transformation. The path toward healing is often fraught with challenges, but I stand testament to the fact that it is not only possible but rewarding. With a faith that has deepened through my struggles, I have learned to herald my healing as a miracle made possible by God’s loving grace.

Unpacking my healing journey is like peeling back layers of an onion. Each layer reveals new insights and acceptance. One of the most profound things I learned was the importance of gratitude. In times of despair, I recall Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This verse became a lifeline, redirecting my focus from pain to appreciation.

Throughout my journey, I began to utilise my senses intentionally. For example, I spend time each morning praying, soaking in the beauty of nature. As I breathe in the fresh air filled with the scents of blooming flowers in the church, I give thanks for my life and the journey that brought me here. Each sunrise now represents not only the start of a new day but a reminder of my resilience, of God’s grace poured into the wounds of my past. I also took to journaling my sensory experiences. I vividly describe ordinary moments—the warmth of sunlight on my skin or the sound of rain pattering against the window—and transform them into meditations on gratitude. Through such practices, I can transmute negative memories into blessings, and my sensory input becomes less about what was lost and more about what is being embraced.

Today, I believe my life reflects my healing. I pursue passions that ignite joy within me, spend quality time with loved ones, and engage in community service. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire someone who feels trapped in her circumstances, to realise that healing is a process fuelled by grace — not a destination.

I often find myself in situations where I can relate to others who’ve faced similar challenges. Perhaps it’s a friend confessing his/her struggles or someone who seems lost in sadness. In those moments, I share not just my story but the lessons learned along the way. I emphasize how God has been my guide through the storm, and how faith illumines paths I never knew existed.

In Colossians 3:2, I learned to “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” My newfound ability to focus on uplifting memories, fostering my senses, has allowed me to live a life filled with purpose rather than an existence chained to pain. God’s grace transformed my sensory memories from weapons of remembrance into healing tools.

As we explore how senses influence recollection, we must recognise that these memories shape our self-understanding. For many survivors of trauma, the past can feel like a heavyweight. By immersing ourselves in the present through positive sensory experiences, we can rewrite those narratives for ourselves. Rather than being defined by what we endured, we can find solace in our current realities.

Each carries stories that shape our identities, but the narrative does not have to remain fixed in trauma. To me, I am a miracle — proof that with God’s grace, sensory memories can evolve, shaping wounded souls into vessels of hope rather than receptacles of despair. I stand where I am today, not fully defined by my past but enriched by it.

Dear readers, sensory memory plays a crucial role in shaping our recollections and perception of our world. Next week, we will explore how to engage in mindful sensory experiences, enhancing our appreciation of the present moment. You are most welcome to join me as we delve into the practice of savouring the present through mindfulness and sensory awareness.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.