12th January, 2023
A new study suggests that we recall bad memories more easily and in greater detail than good ones for perhaps evolutionary reasons.
Researchers say negative emotions like fear and sadness trigger increased activity in a part of the brain linked to memories.
Negative Events are Remembered with More Accurate Detail than Positive Events.
The way in which we think about things really matters! When we are experiencing tough times, we need to remember to have hope, and to believe that in the long run, things can turn out well.
We must remember to take an ‘agathistic’ approach. This approach allows us to be true to our emotions, to experience them, and importantly, to not deny that they exist. It is good to experience our feelings and to live our lives.
Try to believe that in the end, negative events may actually turn into something good. Be open to the possibility that there may be a lesson to learn, an opportunity for growth, or an unexpected positive outcome.
After reading this, I looked for ways to overcome the negative emotions and suddenly remembered an interesting word, my friend introduced me to, some days ago – ‘Agathism’ from the Greek ἀγαθός agathos (good.
Agathism is, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, “The doctrine that all things tend towards ultimate good, as distinguished from optimism, which holds that all things are now for the best”.
An agathist accepts that evil and misfortune will happen, but that the eventual outcome leads towards the good.
In other words, an agathist may see the world as essentially good but a place in which bad things can and do happen to good people.
In this wonderful year ahead, despite the looming threat of recession, the ongoing war and other negatives that may happen, I am sure the good things which we all will experience will far outweigh the negatives that may happen.
Let’s follow the doctrine of ‘Agathism’ and start with an empty jar, and add a note on all the good things that happen each week and at the end of the year, recollect the amazing year we had & stay blessed forever.