In this article we set out to expose a key to memorization which has been trialed and proven to simplify and enhance the process of transmitting information from an individual’s short term memory to long term memory. This process is optimized through the utilization of mental grouping and visualization techniques. By using this technique, you are involving several of your senses in the process of memorization through characterization. Finally, you are organizing these “symbolic images” into a place you are familiar with (eg. home, school, rock bottom) which shall be your “Memory Palace”. Allowing you at any point to return to your chosen Memory Palace and recall those chunks of information through the images you have organized and placed in there over time and practice.

This technique is most useful for remembering lists of information whether related or unrelated. It can be utilized in daily life for activities such as remembering a grocery list of unrelated items and can easily be translated to remembering lists in any vocation or discipline.

What is Characterization?

Characterization denotes the action of pairing grouped chunks of information you wish to memorize with strong impressionable images to give it meaning, similar to the way an author would breathe life into their characters. The point is to give the image real impressions you can literally feel and have a frame of reference to through past experiences or knowledge. If applicable you could give your mental images, smells, you could make them dark or bright, huge or tiny, the images could invoke a sense of fear and dread in you or stimulate you sexually.

No matter what you choose, they need to give you an impression that you can sense not only with your eyes, but also hear, touch, taste, smell, etc. The point is to be creative and to associate mundane things such as sets of data with impressionable things that strike you and can’t leave your mind on the first try even if you wanted it to.

Steps to the Memory Palace Technique

• 1) Select a list/data set you wish to memorize and create mental images for them

(Once advanced, take sets of data and create abbreviations/metaphors/songs to group lists of unrelated items into one image. This frees up working memory and allows you to remember more items more items in less time.)

• 2) Recall a familiar place (home layout, bedroom, mosque) this shall be your visual notepad to deposit new conceptual images

• 3) Imagine yourself walking through your mental home, coupled with strikingly memorable images of what you wish to remember (interact with the images!). Plan the route you will take as you travel through your palace.

• ~ In using the mind this way, it not only strengthens your mental visualization techniques. It also develops ones creativity as one is able to perceive information and data through the practice of associating unrelated sets of information together in order to understand and develop new concepts and ways of manipulating old concepts in new ways.

Learning to use memory in a more disciplined and yet flexible and creative manner, helps you develop your ability to focus your attention even as you create wild connections between memories. The more you practice this type of technique, the more easily you will be able to use it, and the more freedom you will have in developing and interacting with your mind and seeing all the mind has to offer.