It’s a frustrating flaw in the human mind; during times of reflection, negative or awkward memories resurface to bully us like a street gang. How can we fight them back and sleep or meditate in peace? Science and spirituality each have an answer.
A 2010 study found that refocusing on different aspects of the memory, such as clothes or people in the room, helps the brain recategorize the nasty memory from emotion-based to data-based and easily forgotten.
Thich Nhat Hanh recommends we picture our past self as a child, and give ourselves a hug in comfort and forgiveness.
– Chris Butsch, The Millennial’s Guide to Making Happiness