323: What if you were suddenly a blank slate?
Digest
This episode of "This is Actually Happening" features Ingrid Rojas Contreras, a Colombian-American writer, who shares her incredible story of experiencing amnesia after a bike accident. Ingrid describes the surreal experience of waking up with no memory of her past, including her name, family, and even basic knowledge of the world. She recounts the initial joy and wonder of this blank slate, feeling a profound connection to the present moment and a sense of pure existence. However, as her memories gradually return, she grapples with the weight of her past, including traumatic experiences of violence and displacement in Colombia. Ingrid's story explores the complexities of memory, identity, and the power of family history. She shares how her amnesia led to a deeper understanding of her Colombian heritage, particularly her family's lineage of curanderos, traditional healers who use plant medicine and spiritual practices. Ingrid's memoir, "The Man Who Could Move Clouds," is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of embracing both the painful and joyful aspects of our past. The episode concludes with a reminder to support the show by rating, reviewing, and subscribing.
Outlines
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Introduction and Content Warning
This Chapter introduces the podcast "This is Actually Happening" and its focus on real experiences, often including traumatic events. It also provides a reminder to consult the show notes for specific content warnings and support services.
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Announcing the "82%" Mini-Series
This Chapter announces a six-part mini-series called "82% Modern Stories of Love and Family" that will run from the following week through the end of the season. The series will feature stories of individuals who have challenged societal norms by reimagining love and family, including an asexual man raising a child, a transmasculine man who becomes pregnant, and a person raised in a polyamorous family.
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Ingrid Rojas Contreras's Story of Amnesia
This Chapter introduces Ingrid Rojas Contreras, a romance mystery writer, and her extraordinary experience of amnesia after a bike accident. Ingrid describes the initial shock and confusion of waking up with no memory of her past, feeling like a blank slate. She recounts the intense joy and wonder of this state, experiencing the world anew and feeling a profound connection to the present moment.
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Ingrid's Family History and Colombian Context
This Chapter delves into Ingrid's family history, highlighting the contrasting backgrounds of her parents. Her father's family was displaced by paramilitary violence in Colombia, while her mother's family had a lineage of curanderos, traditional healers. Ingrid shares stories of her grandfather's healing practices and the impact of violence on her family's life in Colombia.
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The Family's Escape from Colombia
This Chapter recounts the events that led to Ingrid and her family's escape from Colombia. The escalating violence and threats from guerrillas and paramilitaries, including a near-kidnapping of Ingrid and her sister and the actual kidnapping of her father, forced them to flee to Venezuela. Ingrid describes the emotional toll of this experience and the delayed processing of trauma.
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Ingrid's Journey to Chicago and the Beginning of Her Writing
This Chapter follows Ingrid's move to Chicago to attend journalism school at Columbia College. She shares her early experiences with writing and the challenges she faced as a new arrival in the United States, particularly the cultural differences in understanding and accepting her Colombian heritage.
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The Bike Accident and the Onset of Amnesia
This Chapter details the bike accident that triggered Ingrid's amnesia. She describes the moment of impact, the immediate confusion and disorientation, and the gradual realization that she had lost all memory of her past. Ingrid recounts the initial joy and wonder of this state, feeling a profound connection to the present moment and a sense of pure existence.
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The Return of Memories and the Acceptance of History
This Chapter describes the gradual return of Ingrid's memories and the emotional journey of accepting her past. She shares how the memories came back piece by piece, often triggering anxiety and a sense of loss for the state of amnesia. Ingrid ultimately embraces the weight of her history, recognizing the beauty and significance of both the painful and joyful experiences that have shaped her.
Keywords
Amnesia
A condition characterized by a partial or complete loss of memory. It can be caused by various factors, including trauma, brain injury, or psychological disorders. Ingrid Rojas Contreras experienced amnesia after a bike accident, which led to a profound journey of self-discovery and rediscovering her identity.
Curandero
A traditional healer in Latin American cultures, often associated with the use of plant medicine and spiritual practices. Ingrid's maternal grandfather was a curandero, and his legacy played a significant role in her life and her understanding of her Colombian heritage. Curanderos are often seen as healers of the community, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments.
Colombia
A country located in northwestern South America, known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and history. Ingrid Rojas Contreras is of Colombian descent and her story highlights the challenges of violence and displacement that have affected many Colombians. Colombia has a complex history marked by civil war, drug trafficking, and political instability, which have had a profound impact on its people and society.
Memory
The ability to recall past experiences, knowledge, and events. Ingrid's story explores the complexities of memory, particularly the impact of trauma and the process of recovering lost memories. Memory is a fundamental aspect of human identity and plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Identity
The sense of self, including one's beliefs, values, and experiences. Ingrid's journey of amnesia forced her to confront her own identity and the role of memory in shaping it. Identity is a complex and fluid concept, influenced by various factors, including culture, family, and personal experiences.
Family History
The stories, traditions, and experiences passed down through generations within a family. Ingrid's story emphasizes the importance of family history in shaping individual identity and understanding one's place in the world. Family history can provide a sense of belonging, connection, and continuity across generations.
Trauma
A deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have a lasting impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. Ingrid's story highlights the impact of trauma, both personal and collective, on individuals and families. Trauma can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Healing
The process of recovering from physical, emotional, or psychological wounds. Ingrid's story explores the concept of healing, both through traditional practices like curanderismo and through the power of storytelling. Healing is a complex and multifaceted process that can involve various approaches, including therapy, support groups, and self-care.
Storytelling
The art of sharing stories, whether through writing, spoken word, or other forms of expression. Ingrid's story emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling, particularly in the context of trauma and healing. Storytelling can provide a sense of meaning, connection, and catharsis, allowing individuals to process their experiences and share them with others.
Ingrid Rojas Contreras
A Colombian-American writer known for her memoir "The Man Who Could Move Clouds" and her debut novel "Fruit of the Drunken Tree." Her work explores themes of family, memory, identity, and the complexities of cultural heritage. Ingrid's story in this episode of "This is Actually Happening" provides a personal and powerful account of her experience with amnesia and the journey of rediscovering her identity and family history.
Q&A
What caused Ingrid Rojas Contreras to experience amnesia?
Ingrid experienced amnesia after a bike accident in Chicago. She crashed into a car door that was opened into the bike lane, hitting her head hard on the pavement.
What was Ingrid's initial reaction to waking up with no memory?
Initially, Ingrid felt a sense of joy and wonder at the blank slate of her amnesia. She experienced the world anew, feeling a profound connection to the present moment and a sense of pure existence.
How did Ingrid's memories gradually return?
Ingrid's memories returned slowly over time, often triggered by specific events or conversations. She describes the experience as a gradual process of regaining her sense of self and her connection to her past.
What role did Ingrid's family history play in her journey of recovery?
Ingrid's family history, particularly her grandfather's legacy as a curandero, played a significant role in her recovery. As she regained memories of her family and their traditions, she felt a sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of her Colombian heritage.
How did Ingrid's experience with amnesia impact her writing?
Ingrid's experience with amnesia transformed her writing. It allowed her to embrace her Colombian heritage and the stories of her family, particularly her grandfather's healing practices, without the shame and embarrassment she had previously felt.
What is the significance of Ingrid's memoir, "The Man Who Could Move Clouds"?
Ingrid's memoir is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of embracing both the painful and joyful aspects of our past. It explores themes of family, memory, identity, and the complexities of cultural heritage.
What is the overall message of Ingrid's story?
Ingrid's story highlights the complexities of memory, identity, and the power of family history. It emphasizes the importance of accepting both the painful and joyful aspects of our past and the transformative power of storytelling in healing and understanding ourselves.
What is the significance of Ingrid's experience with amnesia?
Ingrid's experience with amnesia provides a unique perspective on the nature of memory and identity. It shows how memory shapes our sense of self and how the process of recovering lost memories can be both challenging and transformative.
What is the takeaway from Ingrid's story for listeners?
Ingrid's story encourages listeners to embrace their own history, both the good and the bad, and to find meaning and connection through storytelling. It reminds us that our memories, both joyful and painful, are what make us who we are.
How does Ingrid's story relate to the overall theme of "This is Actually Happening"?
Ingrid's story aligns with the overall theme of "This is Actually Happening" by showcasing the power of real experiences and the importance of sharing personal stories. It highlights the universality of human experiences, including trauma, healing, and the search for identity.
Show Notes
A woman growing up in worn torn Colombia comes to the US and builds a new life, but when she suffers a freak accident and loses her sense of self, a new beginning transforms the scars of her past.
Today’s episode featured Ingrid Rojas-Contreras. If you’d like to learn more about Ingrid you can find her on Instagram @i__rojascontreras, on Twitter @ingrid_rojas_c and on her website: ingridrojascontreras.com. Ingrid’s memoir The Man Who Could Move Clouds was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and National Book Critics Circle Award, and her debut novel Fruit of the Drunken Tree was the silver medal winner in First Fiction from the California Book Awards. Her essays and short stories have appeared in the New York Times Magazine, The Believer, and Zyzzyva, among others. She lives in California. These books are available wherever books are sold.
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Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Sara Marinelli
Content/Trigger Warnings: graphic bodily injury, civil war, sexual violence, rape, torture, explicit language
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Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper
Music Bed: “Cylinder Four” – Chris Zabriskie
Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
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annoying made up story.