Suppose you went somewhere you know you have never been, and suppose you had the eerie feeling that you’ve been there before. The official definition of this phenomenon, according to Merriam-Webster, is, “a feeling of having already experienced the present situation.” A strange and even unsettling experience, to be sure. But not to worry—it’s a common phenomenon. What you may have experienced is a déjà vu event. Déjà vu is French for “already seen”, and in my view, that is a very self-explanatory term! In other words, you know you haven’t experienced this moment before, but your brain is telling you that you have.
In most cases, déjà vu occurs briefly, without warning, and people who exhibit it have no physical reaction. Researchers propose that the phenomenon is memory-based and suggest the memory centers of the brain prompt the experience. It is not a rare occurrence. Around 60% to 70% of people experience some form of déjà vu during their lifetime, with some people more disposed toward it than others.
Déjà vu manifests in various ways. A familiar sight, sound, or even smell can trigger the feeling. It appears to be a fleeting, unconscious reaction, seemingly coming out of nowhere and beyond a person’s control.
A movie by the name Déjà Vu was filmed in New Orleans in 2006, starring Denzel Washington and a host of other well-known actors. It involves an ATF (alcohol, tobacco, and firearms) agent played by Denzel, who travels back in time to prevent a domestic terrorist attack that takes place in that city and to save a woman with whom he falls in love. The movie, I found, was more about time travel, than the actual experience of déjà vu. But I could be wrong. There are many ways of presenting this intriguing phenomenon.
Fortunately, déjà vu is usually not an unpleasant experience, although I’ve seen it described as “creepy”. However, once it occurs, it seems that accepting it and going along with the feeling is the best approach.
If you have experienced some form of deja vu— and chances are good that you have, the experience was probably a little bit strange. It can leave you a bit unsettled. But be assured that it is a passing sensation, and unlike Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day”, you won’t be stuck in a time loop for years!
What fun
Indeed.
Déjà Vu is also the title track of a Crosby Stills, Nash and Young album. They stick more closely to its meaning than the movie you mention, though they do conclude “We have all been here before…”
I intend to listen to the album tonight, providing it’s on YouTube. Thanks for the ‘heads up’, Clive!
I watched the video. Now, I recall why I love that group—their harmonizing is incredibly good! Thanks, Clive.
I have had several deja vu experiences while visiting old forts here. My late wife experienced a few too in some places while we were visiting friends or relatives.
I think some locales can bring up some of those feelings as well.
Hi, Diane – Great reminder. I can’t remember when I last experienced déjà vu — atleast not consciously.
I will now be on the lookout for this!
It seems to be a phenomenon that happens quite unconsciously, so your chances are as good as those of anyone else! Good luck!
I believe I experience Deja Vu more than the average Yogi Bear, to the point that when it occurs (entirely unbidden) I can anticipate what will be said or happen over the next one-three minutes. On a couple of occasions, it has popped up in threatening or awkward situations, and it is comforting to have this foreknowledge that everything will be all right.
I find your experience with deja vu fascinating. Fortunately, what happens appears to be benevolent, not scary at all. But I would be a little apprehensive, just the same!
It’s really quite comforting. Especially when you are talking to someone, the conversation sounds strangely familiar, then you recognise it for deja vu and know what will be said next. It’s amusing 🙂
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