I know I’m going to know that… I think


Being on the edge of an epiphany.

You know, that feeling where you know you have the answer, but you just can’t get to it. It’s on the tip of your tongue, but fails to get any further along.

Frustratingly annoying when it occurs.

I experience this phenomena daily, usually when asked a question. I stare forwards like a rabbit trapped in headlights, waiting for the answer to spring forth. Sometimes, it does, which cancels out this phenomena completely… but on the occasions when it doesn’t, I’m just left hanging.

Presque vu is the name of this distracting phenomenon. Presque vu actually means ‘almost seen’, literally being on the edge of an epiphany that just doesn’t materialise.

I suppose it’s like being given a locked box which contains all of the answers to every question in the Universe, and not having the key. Although having the key, or simply breaking open the box, obliterates this scenario completely. And, paradoxically, I would surmise, actually having the box doesn’t quite reach up to the description either.

Almost seen – knowing there’s a box with the answers in but just not being able to get to it.

I love the mind, I do. And the tricks it plays at times!

11 responses to “I know I’m going to know that… I think”

  1. lameadventures avatar

    Maybe the problem has less to do with metaphoric locked boxes, Tom, and more to do with being middle aged? As the late great comedy writer Larry Gelbart sagely observed about aging, “Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the legs that go first, it’s remembering the word for legs.”

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    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      True, LA… although I haven’t aged since I was 24…

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  2. prenin avatar

    Since my memory has become increasingly screwed up I can certainly relate to this! 😦

    God Bless my friend!!! 🙂

    Prenin.

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    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      It’s one of those things, Prenin!

      Like

  3. Diane Henders avatar

    Oh, I hate it when that happens! I’m looking for a particular word; a perfect word that would describe exactly what I want to impart. It hovers there, almost in my brain. Sometimes I even think I can see the first couple of letters… and then it’s gone. Grrr!

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    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Frustrating, isn’t it Diane?

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  4. Sue Dreamwalker avatar

    arrgh yes.. I so relate to this phenomenon.. It can strike any time when faced with a question.. As I stare into space asking the Universe to retrieve the answer .. I Call it mental fatigue as my brain catches up with my mind… Some however will insist on blaming it on my age!..

    The trick is to leave off thinking, and like Magic it will pop right back into your mind when you least expect it and you shout it out to who ever is listening and still you get strange Looks.. 😉

    Nice to be back Tom… xxx Hugs Sue

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    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Leaving off thinking is a great suggestion, Sue. It is annoying though when you realise what it was you couldn’t think of too late.
      And good to see you back as well!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sue Dreamwalker avatar

        Thank you Tom.. 🙂

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  5. europasicewolf avatar

    Like the embarrassing situation where you totally know someone’s name and have done so for years but when questioned about said name…nothing! It’s totally slipped you r mind and despite kicking around the edges of your sub conscious mind it remains elusively out of reach until the damage is already done then you recall every thing! !

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    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Indeed, Icewolf. The realisation is always too late.

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