Memories and Life
We have all known, at one time or other, the unexpected startling recall of a memory coming from we know not where, but vivid and lively. Perhaps it appeared upon noticing an aroma that was just like that of mother's roast cooking in the oven, or hearing an old song, or upon viewing a picture that was the stimulus for a rich experience. Bob Wendlinger's book shows us how to do this deliberately and with the assurance of success, using a series of very thoughtful and carefully planned exercises. His direction are clear and easy to follow. While he gives his rationale for the instructions, and generously shares the results of his own experience with them, he is neither pedantic no insistent on his way only. He allows each individual his or her own unique experience. This is a very rich and imaginative book that can be that can be incredibly useful in stirring one's own creative juices, or helping in sharing personal memories as they are evoked with dear ones, creating more mutual understanding and intimacy. As a therapist interested in the developmental process of aging, I have found this book very stimulating in helping elderly patients find the themes and patterns in their lives that give them meaning. The noted developmental psychologist, Eric Erikson posited that one of the taks of old age is to do just that, to look back over one's life to discover its significance. I have also found this book useful in working with younger patients, helping them to recall early critical incidents in their lives. It is really a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to everyone, thrapist or not.
Perfect for those who wish they'd kept a journal!
When my mother died four years ago at age 93, she took with her a treasure: memories of her childhood, five sisters growing up on a succession of farms in Iowa, Minnesota and California as their immigrant parents struggled to succeed in America. My father died much earlier, and he, too, took with him a treasure of memories.My three siblings and I have only snapshots of their lives - no more satisfying than a few stills from a great movie. The same is true of my wife's parents. They came to America from Scotland early in the last century. Except for vignettes, we know little of their experiences. How we wish we had prompted our parents to record their memories for the benefit not only of us and our siblings, but also for our adult children and especially our grandchildren - who are now old enough to be curious about life before computers and television (not to mention cars, telephones, and electric lights!) However, I doubt that talking with them from time to time, notebook or tape recorder in hand, would have been very successful. What is needed is a process, a blueprint to follow such as provided in this book. Memories can't be forced. A few years ago my teen-age granddaughter called with a school assignment: a series of questions about my early life - growing up in the Depression, WWII military service, etc. I did the best I could, but I'm certain my spur-of-the-moment responses were not exactly what her teacher was expecting, or hoped for. "The Memory Triggering Book" is perfect for those who wish they'd kept a journal. It provides a method of constructing that journal in retrospect - creating a treasure for those in succeeding generations who care, if not now then surely in the future. Memory triggering as guided in this book has at least two virtues: enhancing one's own life through systematic retrospection, and enhancing the lives of those who follow by providing insights into the lives of their forebears. My emphasis is on the latter, but in so doing the former comes into surprising focus.
Total and Complete Zzzzz...
Where to begin, where, let's see. First off, "Dr" Wendlinger writes a book about how to improve your memory abilities, but bases this work on his own untested, unprovable opinions. It lacks credibility on all levels, but I would actually recommend this book for the untrained uneducated masses because they might, by trying one or two of the "trigger" be happy about a childhood memory. Why take credit for someone else's memory. I really enjoyed reading about Bob's life, but because this was a memory book, I felt cheated by the lack of references and exercises that should have helped me improve my life and lifestyle. The book is small, and lightweight. It's written on this strange paper that gives off a strange book odor. Don't say you weren't warned. Gave it a read, but can't recommend it.
Check for more reviews on Amazon.com
|
