How Memory Can Be The Thief of Joy
What Your Can Do To Transmute Memory
By Shaman Isis
Spiritual Teacher | Consciousness Advocate | Lover of Divine Truth
When I wrote Memory Mansion, I cracked open the vault of my past not to stay there, but to illuminate the patterns that were quietly running my life. I shared my memories, especially the traumatic ones, so others could see themselves in my story, feel less alone, and maybe find the courage to begin their healing.
But here is the truth I had to learn the hard way: memory, if left unchecked, becomes a prison.
It took deep shadow work to understand that my thoughts, behaviors, and even my relationships were tied to old, unexamined stories. Stories shaped by survival, abandonment, and fear. And while remembering helped me recognize the roots of my suffering, I eventually had to do something radical.
I had to let it go.
The thing about memory is that it can be both a teacher and a trap. It can open the door to awareness, but if you keep holding onto it, it slams the door on joy. Healing is not just remembering. Healing is remembering with compassion and then releasing with intention.
We are not here to relive the past. We are here to rise beyond it.
Your soul does not thrive in replay. It thrives in presence. And joy, true joy, only exists in the present moment. That means you must choose not to drag your memory mansion into every sacred moment you are being gifted.
Why Memory Keeps Us Stuck
Here are some of the reasons memory interferes with living joyfully:
Trauma Loops
When pain is not fully processed, the body and brain re-experience it. This keeps us stuck in the emotional energy of the past.False Identity
We define ourselves by what happened to us, rather than by who we are becoming.Fear of Repetition
We avoid new opportunities or relationships because we fear repeating old wounds.Emotional Addiction
Some people become unconsciously addicted to the intensity of emotions like anger, sadness, or guilt.Outdated Beliefs
Past experiences often lead to beliefs such as "I am unworthy" or "Good things never last." These beliefs shape our current reality.Comparison to the Past
Nostalgia can distort our view of the present and make it feel less by comparison.
What You Can Do
Do your shadow work. Bring the pain into the light and learn from it.
Create new thought habits. Begin each day affirming who you are now.
Practice presence. Breathe, feel, and observe without judgment.
Choose your frequency. Joy is a practice, not a condition.
Release with love. Let go of what no longer serves your highest self.
Your memories are not your truth. They are not your future. You are the consciousness choosing this moment. And that is where freedom lives.
Before I go, we need your help to bring our mental fitness workshops, SoulBloom and SoulBlossom for Kids, to underserved communities. Help us turn the tide of the mental health crisis and raise everyone’s experience on Mother Earth in the process. We've launched a GiveButter fundraising initiative and would greatly appreciate any donation you can make, even $5. Visit our donation page to learn about our work and make an easy donation. https://givebutter.com/soultech
With divine defiance and deep love,
Cynthia
Shaman Isis
