Attempting to Improve My Memory

Have you ever been to a party or business function where you met a bunch of people, and forgot the name of the first person by the time you were introduced to the fourth? You're not alone, if my Google searches on the topic indicate.

I came across a neat article a few weeks ago on Buffer App's blog, entitled, "How to Never Forget the Name of Someone You Just Met: The Science of Memory". Like my students, I rely on writing something down "so I don't forget" or putting a reminder in my smartphone.

However, as the author Kevan Lee indicates, that's not really remembering. All we're doing is delegating the task of remembering to the object we inputted the information into.

Intrigued by some of the exercises to improve memory, I decided to try the memory mapping technique. On September 14, I chose my studio as the room to put everything/everyone in. On the first day, I used the technique to remember my errands of things to pick up : the cymbal was doing Jumping Jacks on the couch, the fridge was trying my new outfit and then put it inside itself, Maestro's vitamin powder was strewn all over my keyboard's keys, the Virgin Mary was praying the Rosary atop my wall screen (Miraculous Medal), the retro player ate my fruit salad, my frequent shopper cards were doing the conga at my computer station, the piano keys were replaced by tampons, the bookcase was playing with my cheques before taking them to the bank and my CD stand was trying on my jewelry. It's been over two weeks and I still remember that list of nine items because the images are simply ridiculous.

I'll keep using this technique as it appears that I did improve my short-term memory (to the point that it converted into a long-term memory!). I do hope to try some of the other exercises the next time I remember to read the article.

If you would like to improve your memory, check out these articles: Exercise Your Brain, Mental Exercises to Help Improve Your Memory and the Top 10 Ways to Improve Memory

The Power in a Name

Last week, I attended a beautiful Celebration of Life service for a fellow musician. It was a lovely service and celebration afterwards, with stories, Irish dancing, singing, tears and laughter. One resonating theme throughout the celebration was how Jean remembered nearly everyone she ever met. It was the first thing many people brought up. Not only that, whenever she saw you, she'd say your name with such joy that you couldn't help but feel good .

It kind of reminds me of something I read about the care that the Japanese take when exchanging business cards. A Japanese person will present their business card to you with a bow. You are to accept it in both hands with a bow and take the time to read both sides of the card. The little ceremony makes the whole exchanging of business information rather intimate.

Jean's knack for remembering names also reminds me of one of my favourite anime, Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume's Book of Friends). Natsume is a high-school student who can see spirits. He inherited the Book of Friends from the grandmother (Reiko) he never knew. She "befriended" many spirits in her day and made them sign her Book of Friends.

Unlike signing a guest book, these spirits essentially formed a contract with Natsume's grandmother. They were bound to Reiko's beck and call until she released them. The thing is, she died young so now the spirits are hounding Natsume as her descendant, to free them by returning their names to them.

What's the real power in a name? Well, once we sign on the dotted line on a contract, we are bound, just like the spirits in the Book of Friends.

There is power in a name. People have performed great works in the name of God. Unfortunately, people have also performed despicable acts in the name of God. In both cases, the consequences can be small to life-changing.

At our base, our name is a part of our identity. At the mention of Jean's name, I see her twinkling eyes and hear the joy in her voice whenever she greeted me (usually accompanied by a big hug). It's the same with anyone who touches your life, for better or for worse.

I will miss the way Jean would light up whenever she said someone's name. In her name, I will try to work on my short-term memory more so that I too, can remember people's names and share the same joy and love that Jean exuded whenever she said my name.