Working in Movement

I've posted stuff here before on the benefits of imagining movement (for example, Virtual sports and self-image). How about applying the imagining idea to memory? Neurolearning Epiphany talks about an interesting (and maybe useful) way of applying imagination to memory problems. An elderly diabetic woman reported memory problems that were seriously impacting her ability to function in everyday life.

In memory tests, the woman couldn't remember more than a couple of numbers from a list just read to her. But when told to imagine seeing the numbers instead of just trying to repeat them, she was able to remember 7 numbers from the list, about as good as it gets for most of us.

The neurolearning article goes on to speculate about the implications of this sort of thing:

... Education and neuropsychology are not oriented to problem-solving learning difficulties in a way that tells a person's how to make the most of their unique biology, memory and problem-solving style, and capacity for imagery. All of those things may have profound consequences for school or career success, and personal fulfillment. The brain has vast resources, but we should realize we're barely scratching the surface.

A human nervous system, even one that might be viewed as damaged seems almost endlessly adaptive and wonderful. And it does make sense to teach people how to make the most of what they have.

Habitual ways of doing things (like moving and remembering) can feel so comfortable that it seems there are no other choices available. But of course there are, if (and this is a big if for most of us) we are wslling to take the time to figure out how to approach the familiar in an unfamiliar way. It certainly helps to have someone tell you of these different approaches, but the willingness to stop the old behavior and seek something new and different often needs to come first.