Help - I can't remember!

[Amit]

Hi All,

For a long time now my memory has not been the very good. I have a great memory for numbers, car registrations, anniversary's, birthdays, etc but when It comes to remembering peoples names, faces, events, things I've said, etc, I am a total flop!

It can get pretty embarrassing too when I bump into someone I've met in the past, I know that I know them from somewhere, but I can never put my finger on where I've met them or what their names is. Very occasionally I defy this and remember everything but more often than not, even remembering faces sometimes become a struggle. An example of when I flopped was when I was in the city and a young lady came up to me and said hi! We got chatting for about 5 minutes and it was really bugging me that I couldn't remember where I knew her from. So, like and idiot, I had to ask: "Did we work together before?" To which she replied "No, you're good friends with my brother!" DOOOOOOH! That isn't the only time that has happened. It's not peoples, names and faces I forget, I even forget important events that have occurred in my life.

What suggestions can you give me to improve my memory? Have you ever experienced this or are you going through this?

[Dimitry]

I'm pretty much the same way though with events I write them down as often as I can now.

As with other things, phone numbers...well basically a lot of the "logical" number stuff, I remember pretty well, not amazing, but pretty well. As with names, I can forget then right off the bat. What I noticed I was doing though is when people where giving me their names I wasn't 100% focued and since my creative memory isn't as good as my logical memory (not sure if the terms are right or not), I easily forget unless I try. I've been improving slightly but I'm still no where near where I want to be.

[Love]

Well, as for remembering people, I've heard two things prescribed:

a) if people are introducing themselves, repeat the person's name aloud.
b) if you are approaching someone you think you know but can't quite remember (this is more in a business situation) say your name and what you do.

I don't know what to do in the situation that you described above, where the other person is coming to you! I have often be caught with that one, especially since I work with so many people! Any tips other folks?

[Dimitry]

I think we should all just wear nametags dammit! "Hello my name is..."

[Michelle]

Maybe try the Memory Optimizing program from the same company that makes Paraliminals? I am on CD4, and while already blessed with a good memory, I find it interesting and helpful. There is also a Memory Supercharger Paraliminal.

[Aiox]

There are some supplements which are purported to aide memory. I used them in college and seemed to work.

But I forget what they were...

Nah, just kidding. Choline was one, have to take it with B6 and Methionine.
Also Phenylalanine and or Tyrosine seemed to help me concentrate and retain subject matter. Do not supplement with Phenylalanine if you're a phenylketonuric.

>>Have you ever experienced this or are you going through this?
When what happened with you and the young lady happens to me, I've learned to just be honest and say "Geez, I'm sorry but my mind is going, I know I know you but your name escapes me...". I'll usually mention I was fine until I was hit on the head by a meteor or a coconut or something else outlandish and make light of it.

[Amit]

Dimitri...there is one thing I tried with names that helped me...I tried using various methods like association to random things. Like I met this girl, she told me her name was Sophie..so I remembered her as Princess Sophie as in the Da Vinci Code.

[Amit]

Love, I'm not sure how I'd apply the second one but the first one I do use. I do ask people to spell their name for me, e.g. if they say Stephen...I say is that with a "V" or a "PH". I find that tends to help me lots too. Or if they have a really funky name and you've forgotten...I just randomly ask them..."how do you spell your name" and pretend that I'm putting a phone book entry into my phone.

[Amit]

Michelle...I may give that a go!

[Amit]

Originally Posted by Aiox

There are some supplements which are purported to aide memory. I used them in college and seemed to work.

But I forget what they were...

Nah, just kidding. Choline was one, have to take it with B6 and Methionine.
Also Phenylalanine and or Tyrosine seemed to help me concentrate and retain subject matter. Do not supplement with Phenylalanine if you're a phenylketonuric.

>>Have you ever experienced this or are you going through this?
When what happened with you and the young lady happens to me, I've learned to just be honest and say "Geez, I'm sorry but my mind is going, I know I know you but your name escapes me...". I'll usually mention I was fine until I was hit on the head by a meteor or a coconut or something else outlandish and make light of it.

I like that last suggestion...a great way to take the focus off my poor memory! Thank you!

[Dimitry]

Originally Posted by Amit

Dimitri...there is one thing I tried with names that helped me...I tried using various methods like association to random things. Like I met this girl, she told me her name was Sophie..so I remembered her as Princess Sophie as in the Da Vinci Code.

Ahh...the good ol memory by association trick eh

[Radek Pilich]

Memory Master Main Menu

..nothing more to say, just that it works :]

[icesar]

I like the nametag idea But until that starts to happen, I'll have to go with the honesty / make light of it approach.

One thing that I do is write down as much as I can, especially after getting back from an event where I meet a lot of people, I'll sit down and write their names and a little bit about them in my journal. I still forget names, but at least I know where I can go to look them up.

Also, looking at it from an intention/manifestation point of view, stop _telling_ yourself that you're so bad with names (I'm definitely guilty of this one).

[shesaboutspirit]

Amit,

You sound like a normal person who is more left brain dominant. I envy you a bit. I live more on the right side...it's ethereal, and pretty...sensual and visual. The reason people call artists space cadettes...

It's all good, and even better when both hemispheres of the brain are engaged. Then you remember the name, the numbers and the face...

There are good programs for exercises that help the brain become balanced in this way. When I'm not spacing out, I sometimes use them...and they work.

The Brain Gym is a great program, and probably all that is needed. And these are not difficult exercises. Just simple and effective.

Good luck,

Pam

[Cassie]

It's fascinating how different each of our brains operate. If I hear a name, I will never remember it, ever. Especially if it's a foreign name that I'm really unfamiliar with. But as soon as the person writes it down and I can see it visually, no matter how complicated it is, I never forget it again.

[Amit]

Dimitri, yep...works like a charm! But the trouble is I have to try and remember to use that technique at the relevant time...like when they've just given me their name and not 3 hours later after I've already forgotten! - DOH!

[Amit]

Subdrum...thanks for that link...i've been looking for that for ages!

[Amit]

Hey Pam,

thanks for the tip, I will give it a go. I never thought of myself as left dominant before but I guess that makes perfect sense.

[Amit]

Cassie, after reading what you've just said I realize that I'm the same too! But it's only names and not other general information that I'm supposed to remember!

[Amit]

Icesar...I don't usually vocalise it or tell people about this memory issue for the very reason of LoA/IM but in this case I had to because I wanted some extra advice.

Pam...one other question...when you say brain gym do you mean the courses that are at this site - The Official Brain Gym Web Site ?

[shesaboutspirit]

Yep, that's the one. I wish I could could visit my left brain long enough to remember to use the techniques they teach. By the way, I used to be left brained dominant...freaky to switch at mid life...

Balance sounds good.

Let me know how it works out for you...

Pam

[shesaboutspirit]

Along with the Brain Gym info...I'll add this. I've spent a lot of time learning about different learning styles. We all learn from our different senses and some are more dominant than others. Most if not all of us remember better when we use more of our senses. Hearing the name, seeing the name...having a feeling about the person at the same time, touching...whether just writing the name or shaking their hand. Probably have to skip tasting...but you get the idea.

I agree about name tags. If I could see the name, preferably in color, I'll remember. When my children need to remember something for school, we write it in color. The right brain takes a visual picture. Think about that... write something in bright green...then later close your eyes and see it. You don't have to try, it's just there.

Anyway...the more senses you use, the better.

And when you don't remember someones name, don't worry...we all do that. I think it kind of even helps us bond to admit we're challenged with these things...

Pam