In this exercise, you’ll combine different kinds of associations and visualization—a very powerful tool with which to improve memory. Look for specific associations (resemblances, contrasts, categories) and use your imagination to refine and personalize them.
Try to remember the following names of flowers. Visualize them and associate them with one another. Think of an imaginary garden, perhaps—be a landscape architect. Or you may want to compose a bouquet, or several ones to give to different persons. Make a clear mental picture of all the flowers together. Review your associations. When you think you know them, set your kitchen timer to five minutes. When it rings, write down everything you remember.
violet
orchid
dahlia
iris
crocus
jasmine
gladiola
wisteria
forget-me-not
daisy
tulip
rose
Note: If you are eager to test yourself, try remembering these flowers for two or more days. If you are scientifically inclined, you may want to learn another list of flowers just through rote repetition, without associations or visualization, to see if you remember it as well.
Adapted from Don’t Forget! (Perseus Books, expanded edition, © 1995 by Danielle Lapp).
