dollywolly,

Here's how I'm doing it, but I can't say that it's the "right way." All I know is that its the right way for me - and that I was lucky enough to find it.

I typically study after work (from 5-7 pm, give or take a half-hour on each end). If I have sufficient time, I will listen to the Personal Genius paraliminal before studying. If not, I spend a few minutes in quiet meditation before I study while saying the affirmations I mentioned above . . . "I am the picture of focus. I retain all that I read, hear, and see. The things I am preparing to read will become a part of me. They will play a role in defining who I am." (again, there are many others, these are just the ones I can think of). This few minutes takes me to the state of "relaxed alertness" that I mentioned before.

After studying, I come home, have a bite to eat, spend some time with my wife and usually go to bed about 20 minutes before her so I can listen to Memory Supercharger before bed. Sometimes I wake up after the sleep track completely, sometimes I only wake up at the very end of the Paraliminal. I'm always very relaxed at the end. I think the Memory Supercharger works well for me because I utilize it a couple of hours after I've finished studying and it acts to crystallize the things I've studied while I sleep.

I've had no luck with listening to paraliminals in the background. For whatever reason, I just don't like it. I benefit from them the most when I focus on relaxing and concentrate on my breathing - trying to clear my mind completely and resting every muscle on every exhale.

There have been times during the paraliminals that I return to consciousness quickly and realize that I have no concept of where my hands are. My subconscious mind knows they are in my lap because they havent moved since I started the session, but my conscious mind is confused because my hands actually feel like they are either (a) cupped one inside the other, (b) underneath me, or (c) completely melted into my pelvic region. When that happens, I know I've had a good session because I am completely relaxed.

On the other hand, I wouldn't worry too much about doing "the whole meditation thing" every time you do it. Just block out 20 minutes of uninterrupted time, relax and breathe deeply. I use meditation (though I'd rather call it prayer) to search for truth, guidance, or answers. I use the Memory Supercharger to prepare my mind for total MCAT domination.

Hope this answers your question. Best of luck on your boards.

Ryan

P.S. Where (what school) did you study?