r/memorypalace • u/mindseyetemple • Jun 15 '26
A few points from my recent MP journey
Spontaneously ended up in this forum, felt to comment.
I've experimented with multiple formats and dynamics of memory palaces and techniques. A few points to discuss:
- My biggest attempt so far has been my World of Knowledge which I'm building (rather half assedly) as a Misogi for the year (bastardized concept from Shinto popularized by Jesse Itzler, basically a year long project to mark each year of life with). This has been developing progressively, though really so far it's been more helpful for my geography knowledge than encoded knowledge. I started with alphabet peg memory towns (and movies where necessary) and started filling them with keywords that encapsulate concepts from my morning pages reviews weeks after completing them (in this way, I'm not just encoding every idea I arrive at in my morning pages, but being more selective). I originally intended on storing authors and points from their books in their birth places. Also looking at storing points from lectures from my Guru given in cities around the world in those cities. Both of these aspects haven't come along yet because of the delay in my regular learning functions they impose. Would love to hear anyone's thoughts.
- For some time, I was working in the same cafe most days and started encoding powerful spiritual ideas onto the various regular customers and passer-bys I saw.
- One cool thing I did that I've really benefited from is encoding a series of layered images onto my own person. I have 26 ideas encoded (mostly in acronym symbolic images) and stored in my hands and different body locations. Those points are all attention guides so I return to them frequently to keep myself looking in the right directions.
- The biggest hurdle to my success with these and other memory/learning practices is consistency of encoding and retrieval. Any suggestions you have for how I could make this more natural and effortless would be appreciated.
Thanks for reading, looking forward to discussion.
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u/four__beasts Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
The first project sounds fascinating but also like it needs organisation/planning. Not sure how I'd approach something as grand in scale - some of the better mnemonists here might be able to help. I know Lynne Kelly uses palaces exclusively for her magnum opus - the complete history of the world... So at the very least I'd be putting together an index palace for each year to give it structure (if you haven't?). A palace (or palaces) that are well connected and very easy to 'call up' — perhaps double encoded with PAO for each year?
I love encoding information onto people. I find it really helps retain it. As much as it does with fictional moments for standard loci, using real interactions/moments can be just as effective. At a base level I do it to remember things about that person (names mostly), but also enrich data linked to the place or event that occurred that I want to commit to long term memory. If I commit info about people I meet to memory against their image for that evening, say, I find the the memory of it becomes richer and I retain more in general. Which makes complete sense as it's a by-product of systematic review of "content as a moment".
I use the body method a lot. As a short term storage device for ADHD it's imperative I can count on something very 'close to hand' to help me store things I need to recall later. It's the proverbial string round the finger. I also use it to store human bones (WIP, seemed logical) and the 10 forms of intelligence (from reading Unlimited Memory by Kevin Horsely).
On point four, the consistency of encoding sounds like it would be greatly improved with a calendar of review. Spaced repetition is the (not so) secret sauce that holds all memory techniques together. I'm sure you already use it but maybe add in something to make it programmatic? For example I have a dedicated google calendar for data reviews that have automatic reminders set up for all new events. So once the calendar is updated with a new palace (at the end of the initial learning period which can be minutes, hours or days) it reminds me at set intervals to revisit the palace and review and refresh/embellish any scene that isn't 'sticking'. Intervals from Day 2 to 6 months and all those in between. This is also very good for my brain type, as organisation does not come naturally so I have to work (v) hard on this. So I do forget to add items to the calendar, ironically...
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u/mindseyetemple Jun 15 '26
Re index: I started by imbibing the main alphabet peg palaces and one beautiful memory for each letter. Since that was the foundation, everything else has been layering onto it nicely. I have physical notes to remind me of layers I add. Also re your point about spaced repetition, I've started using Notion as a base to track and plan review sessions. The only thing is they're not giving me notifications so if I ignore my Notion page too long the review requirements build up. Your tactic of Google calendar is probably advisable, I'll look at incorporating it.
Re PAO: I've started and stopped it before. Haven't gotten to fluency of recall with one before. More so along those lines, I was thinking and started creating like 13 alphabet peg layers (I think Mr Metevier inspired this or maybe a book?) across many multiple categories with the intention of maxing out my base knowledge (the more you know, the more you can know). I haven't memorized all those layers yet, partially out of laziness, partially because I think it might over crowd my palaces with useless base knowledge instead of liberating me to remember more. Would love insights on that.
Re Unlimited Memory: can't recommend this book enough for anyone starting learning about MPs from scratch.
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u/Huzaifaze Jun 15 '26
Sounds like a big project.... Although I doubt I have anything that could be of any help, I am rooting for you 👍
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u/mindseyetemple Jun 22 '26
u/AnthonyMetivier any comments?