Employing Imagery - How To Sharpen Your Short-term Memory
December 4th, 2008

Self-Improving

Using imagery is a great method in sharpening short-term memory. The short-term memory is like a mini audio camera. That is the memory takes snap shots of pictures it sees. The memory also listens to words it hears picking out the key points, which is sent to the long-term memory for storage. The entire picture is delivered subconsciously; meaning that if you try hard enough you can recapture entire words said to you, entire pictures you have seen.

The key is using strategies, such as imagery to recall words, actions, events, and the like. How does it work?

Per se, you make out a grocery list and like always forget to take the list with you at what time you visit the supermarkets. This is me, and I know I am not alone in this world. What can you do? You can imagine you in the supermarket visiting every isle in the store. Picture all the items in the store and consider each item carefully. For instance, you are walking down isle number 9 and see hair spray on the top shelve. Oh yes, you say and realize that you need hair spray. You continue this process until you cultivate an entire list in your mind, and repeat the process until it reaches the long-term memory.

Most things we experience in life that affects the short and long-term memory includes sounds, smells, touches, words, pictures, objects, and the like. You can take advantage of this, by considering your needs. Say you have a taste bud for something good to eat, yet you just can't pinpoint what you want. You consider scanning the brain and an image hits your mind, and what it unfolds is an orange. There you have it; your taste buds are calling for an orange. What just transpired in your mind is a visualization imagery of an orange, which the short-term memory called back from smells, taste, and visual contact.

To cultivate an imagery strategy to recall details you will need to practice as well as use the three level questionnaires that helps you to construct visual aiding, or imagery connection. The levels include:

A. Do you see the object and a few details that are visual on the item?
B. Do you see colors visible on the objects?
C. Do you see the item in connection with something associating with the item?

Using the three-level guideline will help you to formulate imagery tactics that will enhance your short-term memory. Remember, practice brings rewards. The more effort you put into cultivating your short-term memory, the more you will get from your efforts.

Let's practice:
Per se, you want to recall a moment in your life where you enjoyed the weather, while walking through a forest. During this time of your life, something happened, yet you just can't recall what took place.

Action:
Lay down on the couch, or bed, or else sit in a comfortable area of the room. Take a few deep breaths and relax your body so that you feel as though you are floating on air. Picture yourself walking through a forest on a warm summer day. Walk through the forest observing each tree, leaf, grass, etc. Picture the surrounding clearly and continue walking. Using the A. step ask, do you see the objects and a bit of details, which provides you a visual imagery. Moving on use the B. question and notice the colors around you as you move closer to the event. Continue walking, and consider connections with the associating area. As you continue moving along practice and use the three-levels to find what you are searching for, i.e. the memory stored in your short-term database.

NOTE: Severely traumatized persons should use imagery only in the company of a qualified therapist. This is dangerous for particular disordered minds

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