Attention and Memory
The subject of Attention and Concentration has been discussed in the former book, but it will be well to note their relation to memory and how we are using them here.
We have introduced motion into the mind's eye picture to strengthen its impression; the result comes from a prolonged period of attention. In the exercises for cultivating the power of attention we used the method of change, or motion. It produced prolonged attention, which results in memory. Exaggeration and the unusualness of the imaginary picture inspires that quality of involuntary attention which helps to produce concentration.
The quality of the stimulus to the attention is improved by introducing anticipation, pleasure, or their opposites. The clear, vivid, mind's eye picture creates a greater quantity of attention, and if the objects are familiar they add to the possibility of clear visualization.
The attention should become fixed upon the picture and this can not be done if they follow too rapidly. Take time to make the impression and for best results become as much interested in it as possible. Every means which results in prolonging or intensifying the attention improves the scope and accuracy of the memory faculty.