mgrego2,
I don't think the connection you make always has to make sense. It can be really stupid. Who cares as long as it is something even outlandish that will stick in your mind long enough for you to learn that new thread and assimilate it as part of your memory web. Perhaps you have a fear of using your creativity, or lack of belief in it. That was the first thing that came to mind when I read your most recent comments. Remember, you downplayed things when Margaret complimented you on your ABC list for photoreading. Just a thought, anyway. And remember, you have what it takes to come up with your own stuff. I cringe when I think of Mike's use of fugues or Star Trek stuff as auxiliary threads because that's NOT me. Of course you're NOT going to relate to it because it's not a part of your own MEMORY, and therefore not a part of you're PERSONALITY.
For me, I could imagine pouring oil into the area under the curve to make it more real and practical, and less theoretical and abstract. If I was learning how to calculate the area in a funnel, I might pour the oil through the funnel and somehow link the particular formula with that whole scenario. I don't know if this is calculus, but it's math nonetheless. My main point is to at least make something new that you're learning familiar enough to continue with, thereby generating interest and doing it with greater ease.
Have you been listening to the MO paraliminal? That probably will help too. If you have the Belief paraliminal, that one is good too. Or personal genius.
Hope this helps.
