We have some insights from Vera Birkenbihl to share.

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Good Day Vera,

I purchased the Memory Optimizer program last month. I take the liberty of writing to you because I am up against some difficult situation and I need you help and advise.

I have number of illnesses that inflict me, the worst of which is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

I always had a phenomenal memory and a very quick mind in a wide spectrum of subjects. Learning was easy and lovable. All of this changed with the onset of the CFS approximately 5 years ago. Within the last 5 years, I can also see continuous deterioration. This is my main reason for purchasing the Memory Optimizer, in order to "exercise" my brain, as well as to retain my memory and memorize new things.

I've started using it, but immediately hit a brick wall when I was required to construct the ABC lists and memorize them. I did not have the amount of energy it takes to actually do it.

Vera writes:
Why don't you start with so called MICRO ACTIONS (which the American Author Mary LoVerde developed). Do one letter and word per day only, repeat slowly over the day and in one month the ABC will be yours. If you do two words per day it will take you 13 days. I have known phases of extreme depression, which is very similar to CFS, and know that small steps do two things for us:
1. They work
2. They are manageable.
LoVerde adds, that we do not have the feeling of failure, when we decide not to do more although sometimes we feel like doing more which is ok also. I love the concept!

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In contrast, in the little work I am capable of doing from home, in the field of web-site design, I am only getting tired when I sit and do it for too long and not in actual learning of something. My past career of nearly 30 years was of a computer systems and database architect and designer. This, I believe, shows that that part of my memory is very well "exercised".

Vera writes:
Yes, but it is daily MORE OF THE SAME so that does not constitute much exercise. Building an anchor-list and later using it to hook important things into, is still a good idea...

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In my later years, I hoped to get to do what I always wanted to do in my life namely, writing; Music and art. And I hoped that the learning curve there would be smooth. But since the CFS, things have changed.

Vera writes:
Yes, but here too you might consider small steps. They do add up. I have written some 25 books or so, and I normally write quickly, but in bad times I just write some 5 pages a day, after 10 days that is 50 pages and after 100 days it is 500. It is a great way to inch forward and build up your self-esteem too (which may have invigorating influences on the immune system and that seems to be ill in the case of CFS, depression etc.

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I did visit my Doctor, who is a specialist in the field of CFS, and told him about my difficulties with the Memory Optimizer. Unfortunately, he didn't say more than just "we have to carry on using our brains", which I know and don't need to be reminded of.

Vera writes:
Well, the memory optimizer was not written as a therapeutical tool, but it might even work like that if you want to try the small steps...?

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Thus, you've become my last resort. I hope that maybe because this is your field of expertise, you might have come across a situation like that before and maybe your brilliant mind may conjure some ideas.

Vera writes:
I am not sure if these two exercises are in the course which help a lot, too:
1. Do ABC-lists to all kind of subjects: start with a blank ABC (vertically written) and then "walk" your eyes gently up and down the list. Wherever an association HITS, write it down, then continue your mental wandering. Do this for 90 seconds up to three minutes (gladly several times per day) and collect them. After you have some 10 - 15 ABC.s with the same subject matter, transfer into a big one and collect these. My seminar-participants benefit greatly by comparing which can be done electronically, too.

2. Do CaWa.s* (WORD-pictures) by looking for associations for each letter of the word that describes your theme. These should also been done repeatedly to really get into a subject that interest you.


Quick ABC.s or CaWa.s* (WORD-pictures) can be done shortly, but they are the greatest calisthenics for the brain!

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Please do not hesitate to tell me if you think that I am wasting my time – if this is the case.

Vera writes:
I do not think so!

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Also please do not hesitate to ask any other question that its detail may help in solving this riddle.

Vera writes:
Well, let's see if above can help you. Please try for at least 6 weeks before deciding what you think. These techniques are similar to meditations; they work CUMULATIVELY, so one has to keep at it. But since it’s only a few minutes each time (take commercial breaks while watching TV) it will not be a burden...

Wishing you the best...
Vera

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*CaWa see trick 42 in the Memory Optimizer manual for more information

Alex

[This message has been edited by AlexK (edited March 09, 2004).]