Experiencing Positive Emotions and Memories through Photos

Have you ever looked at a photograph or painting and noted the emotions or memories that are evoked in your mind or said, “I wish I was there.”? Ever look at a photo and like it, but can’t put your finger on why or what it is about it that you like?

Chances are it is conjuring up some emotion or positive experience from the past. A picture of a waterfall can have a calming effect for instance. A picture of a certain place or object can cause you to recall fond memories of your childhood or of times past.

These pictures evoke moods and spark recall. Think about what pictures you may have displayed on your walls at home or if you don’t have any think about what you might choose and why.

For instance, if you like to snow ski in New Hampshire perhaps a picture of the mountains, ski lifts, or snow at Bretton Woods would appeal to you. It would bring back memories of prior trips.

Imagine getting up some summer morning and viewing such a scene over breakfast. It could be a pleasant reminder of your upcoming ski vacation. It would give you something to look forward to and just maybe make the strange noises coming from the nearby cubicles at your office a bit more bearable.

Joyful feelings can be brought back by viewing a picture such as the lighthouse you used to frequent at the beach as a child.

As a veteran hunter perhaps awakening to a view of a sunrise or sunset through marsh reeds would bring back pleasant memories of previous duck hunting seasons.

If you have moved away from where you grew up then maybe pictures of something from your hometown would prove to be enjoyable viewing and thus beneficial. Say a photo of a round barn where you used to frolic in Wisconsin, a view of Ayers Rock if you long for the Outback, or a shot of snow capped mountains in the Rockies of Colorado as you swelter in the heat of your new home called Houston, Texas.

The feelings are temporary for sure, but why not surround yourself with pleasant memory evoking photos of some of your favorite places rather than looking at bare walls.

Take a look at my gallery and see if some of the photos don’t work up some positive feelings. Enjoy!

authored by Lon Britton