Sapiedelic Studies: Memory and Focus
Mental Mnemonics Memory and Meaning
Here’s the video for what inspired this article. This is a great discussion, and I am a regular at Anthony’s channel. There is so much to learn, but more importantly, there is so much to practice and implement.
I’d like to thank all of you for your readership. I am well aware that my approach is not always easy to work with. I do believe that with a bit of acclimation to my works, insights will overflow into your own energetic signature, and, in turn, you are likely to take my ideas further than I ever imagined.
Memory and Focus are two qualities integral to our Sapiedelic pursuit.
The word ‘Sapiedelic’ is a neologism combining two words into one. Neologisms represent the evolving nature of the English language, and I’m ALL for that! Terrence Mckenna, take it away…
“To carry language from two dimensions into three is the task of the poets, and the rebels in the 20th Century.”
and
“It's no big deal about how you get language to evolve. You cause language to evolve by saying new and intelligent things to each other.”
and
“You are an explorer, and you represent our species, and the greatest
good you can do is to bring back a new idea, because our world is
endangered by the absence of good ideas. Our world is in crisis
because of the absence of consciousness.”and
“I somehow think that the forced evolution of language is how we’re
going to work our way back into taking care of our planet.”
― Terence McKenna
I find it useful to review what the word Sapiedelic means. It’s comprised of two parts.
’Sapie’ represents wisdom and knowledge.
‘Delic’ refers to the active process of acquiring these virtues.
Therefore Sapiedelic Studies are aimed at helping you to attain and acquire wisdom and knowledge.
The work continues to expand in scope, and I make no attempt to take credit for this word. One of my friends shared his insight with me and with his permission, I’ve continued to use it in my writings. As a compliment to my own Luminal Minded insights, a long-going project, “Sapiedelic Studies of a Lucidic Mind,” has continued to unfold in the wake of the past 15 years.
I started this blog to help me organize my work, and pull more threads of the thinking landscape into view for myself.
Who doesn’t want to attain and acquire wisdom and knowledge? I know I do. I’ve made it my quest. Someone told me I was a quester a while back. I took that as a compliment, but I can’t be sure how the messenger intended it.
Words are a slippery construct, and there’s almost no end to how many ways we might describe what wisdom and knowledge are to us. I mustn’t fail to mention ‘understanding’ at this point, for these three together form another mental mnemonic that I come back to again and again. These are very distinct qualities and have specific definitions in my world.
Knowledge is about gathering information. The what.
Wisdom is about applying knowledge. The how.
Understanding is about grasping the meaning and connections between knowledge. The why.
Together, they enable us to acquire information, apply it wisely, and understand its deeper significance in the broader context of life.
I have been fascinated by memory for many years, but I have failed to utilize the techniques to maximum effectiveness. I am re-engaging by even writing this. There was a time when I had more space to practice. My method was repetitious, a brute force modality. It was much later when I finally discovered mnemonics.
A mnemonic device is a learning technique that really works. Many of us grew up learning mnemonics long before we came across the word ‘mnemonic’ itself. There I go with the quotes again.
We use mnemonic devices in all sorts of ways. A good example I like to use is Soh/Cah/Toa rules as they apply to trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent. This simple chant was all I needed to properly orient myself in many a math class. This is a powerful example of how functional and utilitarian using mnemonics might be for you when you connect your reasoning to the power of your understanding. I’d say it’s wise to spend time creating mnemonics for all sorts of things.
You may have heard the acronym, “ROY G BIV” to help you recall the order of the colors of the rainbow. An acronym itself is a mnemonic device, and we use them all the time. I need to use them more. I once memorized 33 keys of motivation and inspiration from an online creator, and I separated the titles of each heading like this.
Your Presence is Your Purpose (YPYP)
Fortune Favors the Bold (FFB)
Then, I defined each heading and memorized all 33 keys. It was a fun exercise and one more valuable than the pi trick mentioned below.
I have been successful in chunking numbers into smaller 3 or 4-digit groups, a method we all see every day in phone numbers. There was a time when people actually used to memorize them. I remember phone numbers from high school and even before that, but I can’t recall phone numbers from people I actually speak to today. I want to start memorizing important phone numbers again. I would like the skill to memorize my credit card data, as well as my driver’s license info, passwords, and 4-digit PIN numbers all over the place. There are security questions, new zip codes, tracking numbers, and balance sheets galore. I want to get my head wrapped around all of it with near-instant recall.
Once I targeted this practice of developing mnemonics and began using it consciously, I made great strides in increasing my memory retention. That retention doesn’t apply to all areas of my life, but for the most important topics of interest, I’ve made a great deal of progress. There are other memory devices as well, but I am not well versed in those to comment much.
When I first started, I was able to learn the first 300 digits of Pi in a much shorter time than I had thought possible. I know there are savants who can memorize thousands of digits, but my point is that everyday people can drastically improve should they put in the work. I know that now, but I’ve become lazy.
My next task was to memorize that same string of 300 digits backward. And people think a 10-digit phone number is too long. I accomplished that useless goal, and soon lost interest in the exercise. It was a teachable moment, however. One that taught me that I’ve not even touched my potential. 300 digits, both forward and backward, memorized as pure abstractions. No stories, no characters, no tricks to speak of. I just memorized it via repetition. But what I really sought was something of real value. I wanted to memorize something I could take with me and use in the real world. I’m only now working on my memory again, even in the smallest of details.
My most advanced category of memory recall would either be for numbers or for music. I’ve played drums for almost 30 years, and I’m truly fascinated by how I have been able to recall hundreds upon hundreds of songs, many of them with thousands of notes per song, and imprint their patterns into my brain. There’s no way I can explain that process to you. I find that repetition was the only way I could have found success in this area.
I don’t have to sit down and think too much about it at this stage. If I take the time to learn a song, I will take notes, listen over and over and over again, and before long, the imprint is available for recall. The memory fades if I don’t play or listen to the track, but more often than not, a quick listen will refresh the neural network, and off I go…
I couldn’t tell you where the information is stored either.
This quadrature glyph presented below is experimental in that I am trying ideas on for size. I sat here contemplating the very foundation of what I want to improve most, and memory and focus are definitely at the top of my list. As far as disciplines go, I feel you can’t go wrong strenghthening parts of ourselves that are already quite strong to begin with.
Admittedly, I am in the middle ground, with most of my days spent with good memory, but bad focus. On other days, I find myself very forgetful but hyper-focused.
When I write, I’m writing to myself. When I write, I’m in the laboratory of ideas. What follows is a simple brain mapping that came to me upon rolling the various possibilities around for a while. If what I present is less than useful, I hope my example will inspire you to create your own images to help you memorize and focus on the types of information you find most valuable. Create your own meaningful mnemonics.
This is my creativity on display, and it is what it is —Organized information packets I’m using to discipline the mind, a journey central to the mission of our Sapiedelic Studies. I’ve packed in a lot of words and associations, but let’s just see where we end up on this one…shall we?
Four Starting Positions: A Quadrature in Triangular Form
Within the framework of memory combined with focus/attention, we can identify four starting points for our quest to improve these qualities over time.
Ideal State
Reflective Wanderer
Present-Minded Seeker
Lost Traveler
Let’s explore.
Good Memory and Good Focus: The Ideal State (GG)
This state represents the optimal balance where both memory and focus are functioning at their peak. Individuals in this state can recall past experiences, knowledge, and insights with clarity, and they possess the ability to apply this wisdom with concentrated effort. This state is the cornerstone, where the pursuit of wisdom is not only a matter of accumulating knowledge but also of applying it with precision and purpose.
In this ideal state, one can move toward new levels of understanding and mastery. Memory serves as the reservoir of acquired wisdom, while focus sharpens this wisdom into meaningful action. This is the state we aspire to cultivate, as it represents a mind that is both deeply informed and powerfully directed.
Good Memory and Bad Focus: The Reflective Wanderer (GB)
In this state, memory is strong, but focus is lacking. Individuals here can recall a wealth of knowledge and past experiences but struggle to direct their attention consistently. They may find themselves lost in thought, easily distracted, or unable to apply their insights effectively. This state, while challenging, also offers opportunities for reflection and deeper understanding.
The Reflective Wanderer possesses a rich inner world, filled with memories and insights, but their challenge lies in harnessing this wealth of information in a productive way. I aim to learn techniques to improve focus, such as mindfulness practices and structured thought exercises, which can transform this state into a more balanced and productive one. The key is not to diminish the richness of memory but to find ways to channel it more effectively.
Bad Memory and Good Focus: The Present-Minded Seeker (BG)
This state is characterized by a sharp focus on the present moment, but with a weaker connection to past experiences and knowledge. Individuals in this state are adept at concentrating on current tasks and challenges but may struggle with retaining or recalling information from the past. This state highlights the importance of being present and fully engaged, though it also reveals the potential drawbacks of losing touch with one’s history and accumulated wisdom.
The Present-Minded Seeker excels in the here and now, making them highly effective in situations that require immediate action and decision-making. However, the lack of strong memory can lead to a disconnect from the broader context of one’s life and learning.
Bad Memory and Bad Focus: The Lost Traveler (BB)
The final state is one of both poor memory and poor focus. Individuals here, may feel adrift, struggling to recall important information or to concentrate on the tasks at hand. This state represents the greatest challenge in the journey, as it impedes both the acquisition and application of wisdom. However, it is also a starting point—a place from which growth and transformation are possible.
The Lost Traveler may feel overwhelmed or disconnected, but this state is not without hope. Our glyph hopes to serve as a guide, offering a structured map to improve both memory and focus. Through consistent effort and the right tools, even the Lost Traveler can begin to regain their sense of direction, reconnecting with the flow of wisdom and knowledge that underpins the pursuit. This state reminds us that no matter where we start, there is always a path forward, guided by the Benevolent Conspiracy of the universe.
This should help you identify your current location and serve as a visual vehicle to accelerate your advancement within the quadrature. Whether you find yourself in the Ideal State, the Reflective Wanderer, the Present-Minded Seeker, or the Lost Traveler, there are strategies and practices that can help you evolve into a more balanced and empowered state of being. To gain a new unfoldment of memory, anyone in the Ideal State has just as much work to do, if not more, than someone starting with a bad memory and bad focus. For the Lost Traveler, a little bit of work will go a long way. Anthony Metivier reminds us to approach this work with a beginner’s mind. For those in the Ideal State already, you have a more narrow path to travel toward the apex of advancement. Revisiting the fundamentals is useful no matter what your starting position might be.
These four starting positions, GG, GB, BG, or BB, are surrounded by Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding. Remind yourself of this three-fold layering as new data sets come your way.
We can explore the addition of Relational Presence, Pronoia, and Breath Pneumatics, for these are the pillars that surround our four stating positions of memory/focus. These triangles have been added as practices you might use to shift away from your original starting position. They offer a few different modalities we can utilize regardless of where we are on the path. Feel free to add your own.
Relational Presence is the art of being fully present with others, where the space between us becomes sacred. We step in as a conscious conduit for the exchange of energy and understanding. This state reminds us to tune into the frequency of another, feeling the pulse of their essence(spirit), and responding with our own. This technique is a powerful tool for remembering more of your conversations, and maintaining prolonged focus.
In ancient times, our elders knew that true presence was not only physical but spiritual. To be relationally present is to bring your full self, your mind, your heart, and your spirit into the moment. It is through this presence that we connect with the living energy that flows through all things.
In our quest, Relational Presence is the thread that binds us to one another and to the greater whole. Whether your memory is strong and your focus clear, or whether you struggle with either, it is through this connection that we find our place. Every encounter is a teaching, and every relationship is a mirror.
Breath Pneumatics is the partition related to the art of harnessing the breath. It’s the sacred rhythm that animates the body and connects us to the spirit. The breath is more than just air entering and leaving the lungs. It is the movement of the life force itself, the “Pneuma of NOW” (Podcast of the same name on YouTube), that vital essence that sustains all living beings. To master your breath is to master the pressures of your life. The conscious application of pneuma aligns our inner world with the outer. Be reminded—It’s safe to breathe!
The elders taught that with each breath, we inhale the wisdom of the universe and exhale our intentions into the world. Thus I have aligned the word Wisdom to the portion of our circle relating to the breath. A logical organizing principle in my estimation. Keeping in mind that this current Memory/Focus glyph is a first draft.
I practice a technique of breathwork by the name of Transformational Breath. There are plenty of different modalities, but I do caution you that some of them can do more damage than good if you are not well prepared and versed in what an hour Holotropic Breathwork session will be like if you allow it.
https://www.transformationalbreath.com/blog/what-is-transformational-breath
The essence of Breath Pneumatics—the conscious regulation of breath to calm the mind, to sharpen focus, and to awaken the memory of who we truly are. When the breath is steady, so too is the mind; when the breath is deep, so too is our connection.
In our quest, Breath Pneumatics supports us like a fulcrum, ready to bring balance when we are overwhelmed, clarity when we are confused, and strength when we are weak. The breath is the bridge that can guide you back to the center. Oh, did I mention that I have held my breath for over 5 minutes? I did it once. I like a good challenge.
I have placed a focus on the concept of ‘Pronoia’ for the last week or so and thought it to be a perfect inclusion as part of a three-fold harmony.
Pronoia: Describes a state of mind that is the opposite of paranoia. A person practicing pronoia believes that the world around them conspires to do them good.
The ancients knew of Pronoia, and I employ its use from the psychological perspective as we continue.
Pronoia may refer to:
Pronoia (plural pronoiai, Greek for "provisions"), a system of land grants in the Byzantine Empire
Pronoia (psychology), the phenomenon akin to the opposite of paranoia
The Greek term for providence (usually Divine Providence) in ancient Greek philosophy
It is the understanding that the universe, in its wisdom, aligns all things for the growth of the soul. When your memory serves you well, and your focus is sharp, you can see the patterns of this benevolent conspiracy clearly. But even when memory fades and focus wavers, Pronoia is there, gracefully guiding you, whether you swim with the current or fight against it. In our work, Pronoia offers an assurance that we do not journey alone and that the universe itself is our ally. This mindset offers us tremendous opportunities through our most unexpected challenges. It is the faith that the cosmos is breathing with us every step of the way.
Relational Presence, Pronoia, and Breath Pneumatics are a few of the guardians I’ve chosen for my path. I invite you to choose your own adventure.
With Good Memory and Good Focus, you walk the path of mastery, guided by clear vision and strong connection. With Good Memory and Bad Focus, you are the Reflective Wanderer, rich with insight but needing to discover more clarity and direction. With Bad Memory and Good Focus, you are the Present-Minded Seeker, deeply engaged in the now, but needing refined knowledge to draw upon the wisdom of the past. With Bad Memory and Bad Focus, you are the Lost Traveler but know that even in this state, Pronoia is at work, guiding you back to the path through breath and presence.
In the end, the journey is not just about reaching a perfect destination but about becoming the very embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. You can become fully present, fully alive, and fully aligned, and these basic thoughts, are my starting point…again…
This is so so cool!
I thought this was a neat way of intending with the breath! "The elders taught that with each breath, we inhale the wisdom of the universe and exhale our intentions into the world"
Thank you for sharing, it's fun to follow another mind on the ride. I often do find myself in the reflective wanderer state. All those ideas floating around but how do we focus them and which ones? LOL. Following inspiration and trail and error.
Got this one saved for later, very prominent topics for the life journey.