Introduction to The Revolutionary Memory Course
Introduction It is difficult to imagine how we would cope without the ability to remember. Without memory, we would be unable to develop meaningful skills, be unable to connect with one another and would acquire no feelings relating to past experiences. We would, in fact, retain no feelings at all.
Can you imagine how it would be to lack the gift of recognition? To lack the ability to develop preferences related to food, clothing or friends? And this is to name only a few skills. Without these skills, even the ability to identify and deal with danger and risk would be impaired. Our lives would be nothing but a series of disconnected experiences.
Memory enables us to learn, exchange information, develop ideas and share our experiences with others. Memory allows us to track changes over time. We even need memory to develop a concept of who we are. It is impossible to imagine our lives without it.
We depend on memory to process and learn new information, to retrieve old information for daily use, to recognize patterns, and to help us make decisions in every area of our lives. But until we encounter difficulties, most of us tend to take memory for granted. Most memory problems result from injury, stress, disease or aging.
Why are some people blessed with good memory while others are not? The answer may be partly genetic, and partly learned. Lifestyle habits and beliefs can affect memory to varying degrees. These factors aside, we can do much to enhance memory, as well as other cognitive abilities.
Whether you are reading this manual to improve your memory and your ability to develop sharper focus; or whether you have been experiencing some memory loss or have lately become absent minded and wish to remedy it, I believe you will find this course practical and effective.
I have successfully treated numerous patients, who, for various reasons, have suffered from memory problems. Many were discouraged by their loss, thereby increasing their stress level, which as I will point out later on in great detail, can be very counter-productive to good mental health. I want to assure you that, regardless of the origin of your present condition, if you follow the principles outlined in this course, you will dramatically enhance your memory, concentration and other mental faculties.
In general, there are four major ways to deal with memory and concentration impairment:
1. Using assistive devices such as sticky notes, appointments books, to do lists, electronic organizers and alarm clocks. 2. Using mental practice such as puzzles and games. 3. Using mental techniques related to memory enhancement. 4. Cognitive restoration using Neuro-cognitive methods.
The program you are about to begin shortly focuses on the last two approaches, thus yielding the best results possible. This manual consists of three parts. Part One lets you better understand how memory and concentration work. This is the theoretical part of the course. Part Two explains the practical aspect of the program. I will be teaching you many effective and simple to use techniques to improve your memory. There are a number of common methods taught in many memory courses, which use elaborate mental structures, such as attaching a word to each number, or attaching words to the rooms of your house and other methods, which require you to first memorize a certain method for a while before you can use it to remember other things. You will be glad to learn that I have not used these approaches in this course. Instead, you will find simple and easy to use techniques that will produce good results as soon as you start using them. Part Three contains practice routines based on two important tools both act as cognitive restoration devices: The Concentration Matrix and the Memory Cards. These tools, which will be described later on in the program, were designed to work together. They have been tested with many individuals, and have proven to significantly increase mental skills and abilities.
Daily practice will allow you to tone your memory muscles to a level that you may never have thought possible. This can be achieved in an enjoyable way and in a relatively short period of time.
This course addresses the following cognitive functions:
· Concept comprehension - understanding tasks and concepts
· Working memory - retaining necessary information for short periods of time, yet long enough to complete specific tasks
· Sequential processing - working with pieces of information, one after another
· Simultaneous processing or multitasking - processing a few pieces of information at the same time
· Attention duration - Sustaining attention for longer periods
· Processing speed - the speed with which information is processed
· Selective attention - focusing on one task at a time
· Divided attention - focusing on more than one task at a time
· Sensory motor coordination - coordinating sensory and motor skills
· Visual processing - working with visual images
· Auditory processing - working with sounds
· Audio-visual coordination - working with both sound and visuals, simultaneously
· Peripheral vision - noticing background details while focusing on a task.
Improving the above-mentioned cognitive abilities provides many advantages. They include:
· Enhancing different states of attention and concentration
· Improving all aspects of memory
· Increasing self-awareness and self control
· Enhancing speed of processing
· Improving self-discipline and self-confidence
·Improving the ability to concentrate in the presence of distractions
·Reducing hyperactivity
·Reducing impulsivityy
· Improving the abalit to relax
· Improving patience
· Enhancing the ability to perform a number of tasks simultaneously
· Improve learning ability
· Improve the ability to quickly shift focus
· Improve the ability to sustain focus for prolonged periods of time
· Improve planning and organization
Before we start with Part One of the course, I would like you to fill out the Mental Function Questionnaire.
To read the foreword to this course by Dr. Gordon Ko, M.D. click here |