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Monday, January 30, 2012

For Real Toads: Open Link, January 30

genetic memory:
is it real?
I went to Scotland
with Mom
and Dad
and the rest of the mob.
no one
felt it
except me, and I did
as soon
as the
we got off the plane.
I’m here,
I said,
I’m in Scotland,
I’m home
and I can feel it
in my bones.
*
I had nothing for Open Link Monday this week. I’ve been researching a subject dear to my heart—a kitchen renovation—and have therefore been distracted, but I read some submissions by other members of the writers’ group Imaginary Garden with Real Toads, so I could at least comment.
Mary (In the Corner of My Eye) wrote of one’s “primal landscape” which some of us, those of us who were fortunate enough to stay in one place for a large part of childhood, are said to possess.
Mary’s memories awakened my own, and, in so doing, reminded me of the way I felt the first and only time I visited Scotland.
I went with my parents, my siblings, and my siblings’ spouses. Mom was born a MacKenzie. Her ancestors were from the western Highlands. Grandma Davies was a Fraser from Aberdeen. Neither Mom nor Dad felt what I felt, although Dad had been very fond of Scotland when he visited relatives during his time there in World War II.
*
I know the sensation was real. It was the same feeling I’d always felt when I heard bagpipes, the feeling I thought everyone had about the pipes until I learned otherwise: a strong tug at the heartstrings; in the bloodstream, and in the very marrow of my bones.
Carl Jung, whose opinion I respect in certain other areas, called it racial memory, part of a collective unconsciousness.
I don’t intend to research it. I simply know it’s true. I’m not sure yet if the kitchen reno is true or not, so I’m going to keep working at that.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I so relate to what you are saying about your trip to Scotland. My family is from Croatia, and although I have not been there (yet) I only have to hear the music or see pictures and my heartstrings tug.

Lovely post Kay,and thanks for commenting on Max's post he has become a real joy to us, and is fitting in well.

Kay said...

I feel the same way when we visit Japan. Even though it still feels like a foreign country, there's that certain tie.

Scarlet said...

Yes, I too can relate to your words. I must say our home is where your heart is..regardless of where you are right now.

Nice one ~

Fireblossom said...

I absolutely believe in something like that, Kay.

Kerry O'Connor said...

How wonderful to feel your heritage in your bones, all that genetic memory being recalled.

Reader Wil said...

I know this feeling is real, for when I came in Norway for the first time I had the feeling that I came home. This feeling never left me and I had been in Norway with my husband and family several times and lateron by myself.
Thanks for this post, Kay!

Margaret said...

What a lovely way to put it.

Ella said...

Beautiful Kay! I loved that you shared this with us~ I believe our genes know our roots~ xXx

jabblog said...

I believe there is a collective unconsciousness. How strange it is that you were the only member of your family to feel the connection. Maybe some are better attuned than others.

Jinksy said...

I have the same kind of feelings about being at sea- I have my sailor Dad's genes, for sure!

Elizena said...

I keep dreaming Ireland and every time I hear a song or a story about Ireland my heart says it's calling me. Genetic memory? Could be. I would love to visit and see what I feel on stepping off the plane and onto Irish soil. This was fun to read. Blessings.

http://kickinitwiththekids.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/garden-of-laughs/