Memory Training and Memory Improvement
Memory Lapses At The Grocery Store
By Nicky VanValkenburgh
Feb 13, 2008

Have you ever started to do something, and then
forgotten what it was? You have a lot on your mind,
but suddenly you've lost your focus.

Consider this scenario. You're at the grocery store,
and you see someone you've known for years. They
smile and say hello. Oh my gosh, what's their name
again? You can't remember. It's right on the tip of your
tongue... but you can't seem to get it out. What's their
name again? You draw a blank. How embarrassing!

Obviously, you know their name. It's stored somewhere in
your mind. You're a bit nervous and can't think clearly.
What's happened is that stress causes you to suppress
the person's name. That's why access to this information is
blocked.

The next time this happens to you, take a deep breath and
exhale slowly.

Silently say something positive to yourself, such as:
"This information will come to me, as I relax and let go.
My mind is alert and focused. I am capable of remembering
this information. Now, what is their name?"

What you've just done is recognize stress, release your
frustration, affirm your ability to remember, and then
trying again to recall the information.

Your mind is like a computer. It stores all the information from
your past and present. The name of your friend is safely stored
in your memory. All you need to do is relax and it will come to you.
Don't give in to negative self-talk, such as: "I don't remember,"
"it's impossible to remember," or (even worse) "I have a poor
memory."

Don't beat yourself up. Never tell yourself: "I'm so stupid!"
"I always forget names!" or "There must be something wrong
with me!"

Whenever you're negative, you're flipping the "off switch" of your
conscious memory. You're telling your Creative Mind to give
up. What happens when you shut down your computer?
The power and energy dwindles down.

You can't do anything with your computer when it's not up
and running.

It's the same thing with your mind. Negativity causes you
to shut down and give up.

The best way to handle temporary memory lapses is to
relax, affirming your ability to remember, and then again
trying again to recall the information.

This simple technique will get you on the road to less
stress, every time!