Records of experiences by consciousness throughout life make up our memory.
A sibling game, a special place you used to go with your dad, or the carrot cake only your mom can make. Elements and situations like these, which mark people in a positive way, help form our affective memory.
“Affective memory is formed by experiences full of sensory elements such as aromas, flavors and feelings. We all have memories that bring us back to family gatherings and stories full of love. You know those moments at the table that, when remembered, warm your heart? That’s what we’re talking about”, says Daniel Marcus Martins, professor of the Gastronomy course at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, in São Paulo.
This Monday (12), the Valentine’s Day offers an invitation to awaken the affective memory of your partnership through food.
“When we prepare a dish with the aim of awakening a person’s affective memory, it’s nice to think about their history, where their family comes from and in what context their childhood and development took place”, guides the professor.
The aroma of that favorite dish, the texture and taste of a typical childhood dessert can lead to a unique and special experience.
“A tip is: usually the most valuable memories are between moments of simplicity like a cornmeal cake served by a beloved grandmother or the smell of hot corn on the cob with butter offered at the neighborhood’s June festivities”, he says.
At this point, it is worth doing an informal survey among family members to find out a little more about the partner.
“Affection is in the simplicity of food prepared with love and dedication. For a successful recipe, combine these ingredients, create a special atmosphere and take the opportunity to add a little bit of your heart to this memory”, he concludes.
“Brain Backstage”
Neurosurgeon Fernando Gomes, professor at the Hospital das Clínicas in São Paulo, explains that the limbic system is related to the emotional part of the brain.
“Here, I draw special attention to structures such as the cerebral amygdala, which is a part responsible for managing fear, anger and stress. During the process of falling in love, for example, it is silenced in this sense and modulated by neurotransmitters and hormones such as oxytocin itself, ”she explains.
The amygdala is located in an area very close to the hippocampus, a structure involved in creating memories, learning and emotions themselves.
“There is an extremely powerful input of information into the brain. In addition to sensory memories, about pleasant and pleasurable moments, there is really emotion coupled with it”, details Gomes. “So, this affective memory is extremely powerful and is fixed in the mind”, he continues.
The neurosurgeon explains that sensory information such as sight, smell and hearing reach the brain before reaching deeper areas.
“Situations such as a special song, a specific perfume or even a certain food or wine can configure and be part of this affective memory process”, he says.
In general, photos and videos are the most common sources for awakening affective memory. “But we cannot overlook these other sensory inputs, especially smell, which is extremely powerful”, he points out.
“Affective memory is powerful and, especially, when the story has meaning, it brings mental benefits, such as a sense of tranquility, longing and well-being”, he concludes.
Source: CNN Brasil
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