Sun, Moon and Tea Nest: Mind Palace

Friday, February 22, 2013

Mind Palace

     I first heard/read about this concept years ago, when I was probably no more than 15. And then promptly forgot. Only to have my memory stirred recently by an episode of the BBC's Sherlock last semester. And then forgotten until last week.
     Continuing a series of rash and sudden decisions, the decision was made to help memorize lists and equations for a couple of exams this past week.
     Why did I not do this sooner? Kicking myself because they are incredibly efficient, and while somewhat difficult to start, is an incredible aid.
     For those who don't know what a "mind palace" is, it is a mental space, usually based on somewhere well known (in my case, the hallway from the dorms I lived in my freshman year of collage). People have known for centuries that memory can be improved if it can be linked to a place or object. Put this together in your mind and you have a mental map/castle/dorm suite where you can stash what you need to know in the form of object, that when you look at them (many people do thin in order, such as remembering a grocery list), because the connection between the object and place is strong, you will be able to better remember what you need to know later on.
     The challenging part is the stronger your mind palace, the more detail about the place you need to know, and be able to visualize. It needs to be real, which can take a lot of practice. I definitely think it's worth it. (Note: none of the following pictures are mine unless marked as such)

I've always had a fascination with medieval Europe, so I am planning on turning my dorm hallway into an actual castle. This should help later on when I want to add on more information that isn't just class related.