Memory is such a complex subject to discuss! I am providing you with a link here that will walk you through how memory actually works.

We used to think that our brains were like filing cabinets- but instead, memory is stored in many different systems within the brain. Smells are stored in the oldest part of the brain, and this is why a smell can evoke such vivid memory.

My memory got messed up because of repeated abuse and trauma. I learned to "wall off" bad memories into a special section of my mind. It has taken me years to reconstruct what happened to me...and I still am not sure if I have it all correct! I am lucky in that I was not the only child ritually abused in my home town, and there is a reporter who is trying to piece together our stories. If it was not for her, I would think I was crazy!

Try the link. You will see what a complex subject memory is!

Blessings,

Jaianniah

Since it seems like you are still looking for more input on this matter..

How does memory (or remembering things work) ?

This question is akin to asking "How do I become a magician?" or "How can I be a computer hacker?" Basically, it is far too general and the answer would involve many college degrees worth of education to explain.

Do all of the stuff we remember actually resides in our brain cells and we have the ability to access the different parts of these cells whenever we want? Or is there something more to it?

This is a point of debate in the science world, so if you're expecting a definite answer, especially here, you're barking up the wrong tree. Some people believe that every memory you've ever had is stored in your brain, others believe that memories can fade just like anything else [assuming the portion of the brain holding them was damaged or unused], and others still believe that your memories are actually stored elsewhere and can be accessed in their entirety [including past lives] at will once you learn how.

To answer this as thoroughly as I can from my own personal experience: Your brain behaves as you instruct it to. It analyzes problems or puzzles using the instructions it is given (by YOU). It remembers details according to any combination of senses. As mentioned by Jai, one of the stronger senses as they pertain to memory is smell. This is why a smell related to a past lover can often invoke very strong results.

So if you change the way you approach problems, you change the calculations your brain makes, and therefore you change the conclusions you draw. Your brain is a computer, but it is unique from modern computers because it is capable of free-formed self improvement, i.e: learning.

When people here refer to books that help them adjust methods of thinking, break negatively empowered perceptions, [etc..] they are generally referring to ways of 'retraining' your brain. You can do this as frequently as you want, to meet whatever ends you want.

Why does remembering things seem to get harder as you grow older?

If you don't use it, you will lose it. Such is true with muscles, the same for your brain, or any part of your body. If you spend much of your childhood rapidly learning new information, facing new challenges, "working your brain" so to speak, your brain will "grow" [in strength] just like a muscle does.

When you look at a body builder who quit cold turkey instead of slowly allowing their muscles to shrink, you'll notice they are often extremely over weight with a very unattractive variety of fat. This is what happens when you get big muscles, and then stop using them.

Similarly: If you get a strong brain but stop giving it exercise, bad things happen.

Bashar talks about how some extra-terrestials have the ability to make us "forget" any experiences we have had with them - but if we have control over our own lives, minds and "free will" how could they still do it?

Operating under the assumption that this is possible, this would most likely involve a method of manipulation of the brain cells similar to lobotomies without the damage.

Ever seen the movie Shutter Island? Similar idea. If we are capable of changing people using our blunt, barbaric, and pointy methods, why couldn't a more advanced race do this without stabbing your squishy parts?

Regarding the comments about free will.. You are misunderstanding what free will means.

A similar comparison: Many Americans think that "free speech" means they can go anywhere they want and say anything they want. This isn't the case. You can go into a police station and start yelling fuck the police and making a disturbance, and that is your free will (and freedom of speech) at work. Then the police have the opportunity to exercise their free will and arrest you for creating a public disturbance, and possibly a dozen other things.

See the point? Sure, you have free will to do what you want. People have the free will to shoot you in the face. Or alter your memory. Etc, etc. "Free will" can be manipulated just like anything else, just requires the appropriate tools and understanding of the subject.