A simple summary is that the traumatic memories don’t get fully processed, which means the recalling of them is different to other memories.
It’s possible to help these memories fully process, which changes the recall into something less vivid and overwhelming. For example with EMDR or somatic experiencing.
Trauma and Memory by Peter Levine explores this, as well as The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk.
> a member of the studio comes up with a creative activity to get us out of our heads and thinking more playfully.
It wasn’t about finding the simplest or best way. It was freedom to be playful.
Freedom to not be driven by criticism or optimisation. Freedom to have an idea, ask people to join you in playing, and enjoy seeing what emerges.
It happened that what emerged from this play session was a way to think about programming.
I think it was a wonderfully creative, collaborative and joyful idea. I loved reading about this space for designers to explore and try ideas without worrying if someone would say ‘this could be better’.
Designing and brainstorming needs openness and freedom to experiment. I feel happy that there’s spaces in the world where this is encouraged.
Pay attention to the feelings and sensations in your body as you watch. What emotions arise? What thoughts arise? How do you feel before you start, and how do you feel afterwards?
What do you observe when you notice the instinct to scroll away from one video to the next? Can you feel the impulse before you take action? What does it feel like?
What changes do you observe from watching each video? Does each video have a similar effect on you, or do you notice differences?
What is happening to your mind, heart and body in each moment, as you pay attention with nonjudgmental curiosity and compassion?
It’s possible to help these memories fully process, which changes the recall into something less vivid and overwhelming. For example with EMDR or somatic experiencing.
Trauma and Memory by Peter Levine explores this, as well as The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk.