Engrams: Experiences Leave Memory Trails In The Brain

When we talk about engrams, we refer to the traces that experiences leave in our brains. Hinduism has already defined the process by which small neural structures form after a particular sensation, shocking event or unforgettable emotion. They spoke of ‘samskaras’, imprints of a memory from which to learn. They are actually memory traces in the brain.

Today no one doubts the existence of engrams. Yet the mechanism by which these imprints form in the brain still remains a mystery. However, we do know what happens when we go through a highly emotional experience.

We then immediately create an interconnected structure. This will later influence our complete mental functioning: thoughts, emotions and behavior. This is indeed a fascinating phenomenon.

It is unpredictable how this ‘neuronal trail’ will determine our behavior. This mechanism works subtly. Some people see engrams as ‘brain chips’ for that reason. They see them as recordings on our ‘hard drive’ that prompt us to react in a certain way.

Some of them can actually express our anxiety. They make us react in a specific way to certain stimuli (based on engrams formed during childhood). These memory traces in the brain are an interesting topic worth investigating.

Engrams or memory traces in the brain

We briefly discussed the term ‘samskara’. Hindus have designed this new word to name this common phenomenon. Let’s dwell on this for a moment. Sometimes we don’t know why we act a certain way during special events.

This spiritual movement interprets ‘samskaras’ as the codes of ‘karma’. They see them as imprints of memory that are lodged in the mind as well as in the body.

It is in fact curious that this idea has an almost identical story in different scientific disciplines such as neuroscience. Let’s look at an example. Anna is five years old. She is learning to ride a bike. Suddenly a big dog jumps on her and bites her.

20 years later, Anna still feels loath to use her bicycle. She is not afraid of dogs. However, her brain has created an engram where the act of pedaling the bike and pain are linked.

Scientists argue that engrams are clear evidence of how classical conditioning is settling in the brain. This explains why we sometimes react in a certain way when confronted with seemingly ‘neutral’ stimuli.

To form an engram in the brain, it is necessary that the limbic system is activated. So we must experience a special, revealing and intense emotion. It can be positive or negative.

Engrams and our spiritual universe

Engrams shape much of our spiritual and psychological universe.  For example, when we see a rose, we find it enchanting. This is because, in a sense, we expect its scent.

When we drink a cup of hot chocolate, we may think about our childhood. Whenever we listen to new music, we feel satisfied, happy and enjoy.

Engrams shape our consciousness as a neuronal system that expands as we experience new things. They’re just anchors. They leave a trail of everything we are and everything that triggers a reaction in us. It is a biological and electrical matter that is organized on the basis of our interactions.

However, it has been a challenge for neurologists to discover how this whole ‘physical-chemical-neural’ network arises. They also study the synaptic ways they develop and what kind of nerve cells form an engram.

Scientists find it fascinating to think that there is a specific type of nerve cells for this function.  They are, so to speak, biological structures with a function that is part of consciousness. They shape our psyche and organize themselves into ‘microchips’ of memory traces in the brain. That means they contain traces of who we are.

Memory traces in the brain

Neurologists such as Michele Pignatelli, Tomás J. Ryan and Susumu Tonegawa have recently conducted studies that reveal important information. They have found that the brain is genetically engineered to activate engrams just seconds after birth.

So it’s like we all have a completely new computer inside us. Once enabled, it will begin installing our software.

However, there is a requirement to ensure that this programming is optimal, resistant and at the same time convenient and effective. It is necessary that our first experiences (childhood) are sufficiently stimulating and positive.

That way, our first engrams of foundations will be full of energy. They will then be prints that contain many motivational reminders and lessons. This will lead to healthy development.