Memorization Tactics for Freemasons
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2017
- Learn how to memorize long presentations quickly with these tips and tricks. It's no secret that Freemasons have to memorize large amounts of text for their meetings. Since the text was written hundreds of years ago, it doesn't always sound familiar to our current way of speaking, which makes it even harder to remember. For example, remembering a charge written by Master Mason Paul Revere back in the year 1795 can be a challenge.
Please feel welcome to show this video as an educational piece for your next lodge meeting. This presentation has been given live for several lodges around the Chicago area, and by making it available through CZcams, you can just project the video on a screen so your lodge can learn from it.
Using the tactics discussed in this short video, you learn how to make the memorization process easier. You'll even see specific examples used in memorizing the Paul Revere Charge. Learn to memorize the rituals faster and perform better at your degrees.
This video is brought to you by Wheaton Lodge 269 of Wheaton, IL.
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www.SuccessfulMasons.com
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-Get access to Lodge Presentations
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-AND stay current with our Wheaton Lodge 269 Success Project.
Right now Wheaton Lodge has an opportunity to grow our membership and really improve a lot of the things we’re doing. So we’ve set some goals of where we want to be by our next installation meeting, and we are documenting the process on our blog on www.SuccessfulMasons.com and here on our CZcams channel so you can see how it's going.
Hopefully we’ll have lots of people exchanging ideas with us and this will be a great learning experience for everyone who follows this journey. We hope you'll join us. Thanks for watching.
Thank you Masons, l grew up in a Masonic group home for children. Couldn't of asked for a better upbringing.
Thank YOU for taking the time to write that comment Jason! I know that every Mason who reads that will feel pride in just being associated in some way with the men who gave you that experience, and hopefully will be inspired to stay involved and continue to help as much as they can. Thank you so much for leaving that comment.
Jason Thomas Your comment is the best reward for masons bless upon your spirit.
I really wish I knew more Masons, my great grandfather was a Mason but for now I'm just practing the Cardinal virtues and study about Kemet and Cush and Amexem
+Jason Thomas, hi everyone ,if anyone else needs to find out about learn how to study try Elumpa Simple Studying Alchemist (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate got great results with it.
@@SuccessfulMasons i could use a referral to my local chapter.. if it would be possible to convince you to shoot an email or a piece of snail mail
I find that learning lectures in reverse helps. That means learn the last paragraph, then the next to last, 2nd to last, and so on. This has you always working toward something you know, something familiar. When memorizing in order, we always know the beginning because we constantly repeat it. If we do that in reverse we are constantly repeating the ending more often.
Mitchell Saret I have heard that said before.
I learned the Middle Chamber Lecture this way.
I use this method too.
Thank you for these tips. I was recently initiated and have a lot to absorb.
Ive got no shot. I forgot why I was watching this after the first 3 minutes. Either way thanks for all they work you guys do!
Study, study, study....I find that repetitively reading the material over and over again is the best for me.
Yeah it just gets better and better!
Big facts
Excellent advice for all walks of life. Well done to the brethren of the lodge.
Thank you Neil Grant Macleod! Much appreciated.
Fantastic video brother. This is exactly what I do when memorising my show scrip or lodge text, without the car ride... sentence or paragraph at a time. I first read it all very very slowly and get a proper understanding of what I’m reading. I also try to understand the lines as a picture where I can. This helps a lot. Great stuff! Till our next happy meeting.
Gae perverted warlock hang out.
I’m not a Mason, but I was in AWANA clubs as a child and won state finals memorizing the verses. When I taught missionary stories, I practiced enjoying the story to remember it. Having been exposed to mercury and knowing also that I do not need to memorize for my spiritual and technical goals, I do not memorize much anymore. It really is possible to memorize a lot if you find that right vibe/strategy.
Thank you for reflecting Free Masonry as it truly is and in my case, I consider it my new sacrament.
Learning ritual has been made easy for me when I was taught to write the first letter of every word Down , and hight light any letter that you stumble on after looking at them, slowly you learn the high lighted word and soon realises you don’t need to look at the fist letters as there already remembered
Turn the radio off....& leave it off. Same with the tv
MOSTLY YOUR PHONE! GET OFF TIKTOK! TIKTOK IS A PARASITE! TIKTOK IS OWNED BY THE CHINESE, SO IT'S THE CHINESE POWER THAT'S THE PARASITE!
You are so well spoken. I only wish I can enjoy such eloquence. Cheers to you.
Thank you for this video brother, I really use some of your advice to memorize things. I also use a song to memorize things by saying the words in a Rhythm, it helps me alot. Thank you
Just gone through initiation a few hrs ago… Will def be utilizing these techniques as I travel on my journey
4:30 for when he starts with the tips; the beginning is just a bunch of fluff.
Thank you for the tips. As somone with learning difficulties I've always found learning and remembering things very difficult, This has put me off joining FM for a long time. I recently had my initiation and am now studying for my second degree and seeing even the most knowlageble, well spoken, experienced masons make some mistakes eased my anxiety about learning the craft. Infact knowing everyone makes mistakes and is not perfect, made the learning more enjoyable and is making me more determined to prove to myself and my brothers i can do it. A few tips I've found over the years help me is to make up acronyms or an acrostic poem to help remember things, get somone to test you constantly, film/ record yourself reading it and watch it back on repeat.
Thank you Brother for sharing this video.
I would like to share a trick that I use to help me memorize. I record myself reading out the ritual and then I listen to it like music. It really helps as I commute often and during this period of time I listen to the recording, helps pass the time in a productive way.
Fraternal greetings from London
Wish I could do the same. But my obligation states that I shall not p,p,s,s,c,c,w, or e them unfortunately so I can't use this system. But brother, I wish I could!
I do just as you have my brother. I use codes 😉. So I feel secure.
But, we have our own journey. The most important is we enjoy it my brother. 😁
If you happen to pass by London one day. Let me know. 💙
@@aMagic32 in from the states, (New Jersey specifically) but I do plan on traveling to the G.L of England one day to pay homage and see the beautiful architecture myself one day! And likewise, if you ever find yourself across the pond, reach out my brother!
When reading the Bible, I developed a photographic memory, able to remember by "seeing in my Spirit's eye" entire chapters, then reciting them at will without any memorization methods or practice. I Just read the passages or whole Books once, photo them in my mind, believe it wholly, then it becomes a permanent part of me. When I think the substance through, even more so. Subsequently this ability has transferred over to other fields of study, such as science, medicine, even news.
Thank you for commenting Sevi, so cool to have a photographic memory! I would love that. I've met and heard about a few brothers like that. One thing I've always wondered though, is that for me, the constant studying and reciting of the material helps me understand new and deeper meanings each time I go back to it, with a photographic memory I would think that might limit that extra attention to it. Do you still take time extra time to think through additional, deeper meanings of the text? Or maybe because it's always there in your mind you could be seeing more than the rest of us who don't have your memory. Honest question, just curious. Thanks for your insight.
But it also reveals you have a rare gift most of us dint have which is you have a photograph memory which I dont believe can be taught, I hope I'm wrong since I would love to obtain such a skill.
This is really gonna help in my journey as I’ve just begun mine as an EAM. Much appreciated sir 🤝
Run, they are all gae pervs. They stalk women & practice magic on them. I lived a yard away from a masonic temple and they tried to poison me at my apt. You're in for a rude awakening. If you already know, then you are sick pup like them.
Not sure how this popped up as a suggestion for me, but I found it to be educational. Thank you.
Thanks David, glad it was useful.
The fastest method I have ever found is to write out the ritual over and over. Doing this writing really cements the ritual in my mind. I just copy the ritual again and again, about eight times. I can then recite the ritual without looking at text.
I do use the time driving to practice saying the ritual out loud which helps with delivering the ritual.
Sorry but with all due respect, within the Masonic Order writing is never allowed. It may apply for school work but never the Lodge.
I have found that no "tricks" are necessary. Desire, discipline, and proper nutrition are the key. What is fascinating about the brain is that the more words you memorize, the better your neurological adaptation to memorize more increases. It's the law of facilitation...1)cognitive, 2)associative, and 3)autonomic. These are the 3 phases thereof. I have memorized 12 chapters of the KJV bible(Proverbs ch. 1-7, Matthew 5-7, Psalm 91, Genesis 49) and many other verses so far. Many things associated with health and fitness, as well. I am 50, and my brain is sharper than ever. It takes time, focus, and commitment to memorize these things. I am not boasting, and thy servant is no better than anyone else. I just give it my best effort. Some people will make excuses for themselves and say that I must have a photographic memory, but I rebuke them for that and ensure them that's it takes hard work for me to accomplish it, and they can do it, too. Again, no tricks, but here is a good thing to do every morning, first thing...drink a half gallon of clean, non government water on an empty stomach. That will cleanse and refresh your body and mind, and the cells in your brain and body will be super hydrated, and ready to crush whatever you need to. God bless you.☺
Mark Jones ~ Amen Mr. Jones 🙏
Inspirational, thanks Mark. I will definitely pay more attention to what I'm eating after reading this post. As I try to take on more and more lectures and roles, it's getting tougher, so I'll try this. Thank you.
Thank you.
Why non government water?
@@omametlekkerkontje8744 is that a sincere question?
I memorized the EA lecture in 50 days using 2 uninterrupted hours per evening , knowing how to read it correctly is key , also visiting other lodges and hearing it helps I hope this helps any brother attempting to accomplish this .Robert PM #346. (1999) (2011)
That's a GREAT point Robert, hearing others give the lectures at other lodges is a huge help! I've often understood more meaning behind some lectures simply by hearing them said by others who put the emphasis in their tone and delivery in different places than I had heard them done before. That ultimately helps with memorization. So the more we can travel the better. Thank you for posting this brother. I'm adding this to the best practices list!
Successful Masons My pleasure , I usually share this one with other brothers , a while back we had a candidate who was an episcopal minister , he got his entered apprentice degree and was told he had 30 days to do his proficiency, he came back at the next stated meeting and not only did he stand the proficiency letter perfect , but he also gave the EA lecture in its entirety , - remarkable , .
@@robertsr.249 Wow! That's a new one. I've seen guys get proficient quickly, but never a lecture. In our jurisdiction they don't have access to the learning the lectures until after their 3rd. Actually, in our EA degree we have 3 lectures and a charge, not "the EA lecture" as you stated. Can I ask where you are from? you can email me directly if you'd rather. My email is paul@successfulmasons.com.
Successful Masons that would be Ohio , I am a 25 year member , have served as the worshipful master twice , 1999, and 2011 and have been the lodge education officer for 18 years , I also won the Educator of the year in 2013 ,that minister I spoke of is probably (if elected) going to sit in the east next year , in this jurisdiction there is 1 lecture and 1 charge per degree , each lecture takes about 20-25 minutes to deliver I hope this helps , if there is anything I can help you with don’t hesitate to ask , I’ll keep your e mail address for future communication , Fraternally , Robert
Thank you Robert, I've heard great things about the emphasis on education in Ohio several times now, so to be Educator of the year says a lot. Thank you for sharing. It's interesting how different things are from state to state. I hope to see a degree in Ohio in person some day. I learned so much more about our own degree after seeing a 3rd from Kentucky, it was almost as if we were meant to travel to get more of the story. Thanks again.
Thank you brother my proficiency test for MM is on tuesday and this really helped especially that old pesty obligation paragraph
Same here Brother.
What amazes me are the Brothers(and I know a few) who can be put into any position at any time and also do the same in the appendabt bodies they belong to
Excellent thank you for all your advice brother
I'm currently a SD. I practice by walking around my living room. I find being in the right place gives me reference. I have taken a few friends around the lodge. The SW has a terrible memory. He has thrown me a few times by asking questions out of synch. So I have had to learn his lines as well. I found doing that, helps give meaning to my lines. Also, I have found most people just memorise lines of passage and say them with no feeling. I have approached it as if rehearsing a play which in essence is what it is. I took a tip years ago from a Michael Caine masterclass. No matter how many times you rehearse, when it comes to the time for delivery, you say it like you just thought of it.
That's a GREAT approach Joe, thanks for sharing. Not only does that help YOU learn the lines more easily when you say them with feeling, but it gives the candidate a much better experience. You should give an educational talk at your lodge about that and how you practice to encourage more brothers to take the same approach. Thanks for sharing!
thank you for sharing your knowledge with me
I love the content brother! Much love from AZ ♥️
vid starts at 4:20
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@@SuccessfulMasons i never found out who stole the cookie from the cookie jar.
Thank You Brother! I have had trouble with my memorization due to an old TBI. My brothers have been extremely supportive. This video has helped be a great deal.
Some great techniques but there is no substitute for discerning and understanding the alegorical meaning of the rituals. Deeper understanding will paint a picture and the ritual will flow. I would also recommend practicing your pieces in front of the mirror.
I found repetition to be the only thing that works well for me. I've used this method for years and it works extremely well but you have to put in the effort. Hating the words aloud and adding actions and visualizations really helps.
Awesome advice💯
As a NCO and a Freemason. Do the Schoolhouse rock method. Reread it in a song like format (not too crazy). We all can remember songs like we wrote it because it has a beat and rhythm to it. Just remember to confidently say it slowly so you dont sound like youre freestyling
smart brother, good work.
Thank you Bogdan!
Thank you!
I always give what I can when asked to the charities
And I’m a non mason just raised by some great old Shriners.
Thank you, that was helpful Brother.
Hi all
I have to do inner guard I’m new to the craft, like very new and I’m having trouble getting my head around it, are there any x inner guards who can help with some advice?
great video ty
Thank you Alberto
Truely brother I must let you know how much this video has helped me. Next month will be my F.C. degree and I am beyond confident that I will perform word for word. An hour or so study daily in a short time I've used your advice here and I've honestly impressed myself. Call it repetition, but it works. Thank you very much for sharing
That's great to hear! Good luck brother. That will serve you well all through your journey. What state/country do you live in?
Successful Masons The town of Beaverton in Ontario, Canada. Murray Lodge #408, of Victoria District, erected in 1885 (it gives you the feels sometimes lol) How about yourself?
Really this 10x10 tip is great I can't thank you enough for posting this.
Wow, great, thanks for sharing brother. 1885, very cool. It's amazing to be a part of something that's been around so long isn't it? I'm from Wheaton Lodge 269 in Wheaton, IL - I'm the guy in all these videos. Thanks for watching and please stay tuned, we have a really big idea coming out soon. Hopefully within a week!
Successful Masons awesome man, looking forward to seeing comes next to be honest. Freemasonry is truely a great community of hard working and positive (at most times lol) men working together, only a month thus far (but had to wait for a summer time shut down) I'm really enjoying everything and really I'm very passionate about it. My mother lodge lol it's funny, you can see the age within and on the outside of the building, it's surely not flashy but certainly with the age, the history is very visible. Old photos of past members etc it's fascinating
U will be ok I remember my initiation I come to America not knowing good english but I work hard with one brother and remember every words by heart tham I like it so much work all up to 32 degree welcome to best on the world
Thank you brother!
Very good information Brother :.
useful info for non Masons too.. thanks👍
Glad it was helpful boeingbwoy
say the first word, then say the first and the second, then say the first, second, and third, then say the first, second, third, and fourth, etc...etc...
I do the Charge After Initiation and the Extended Second Degree Tracing Board. I learnt it line by line. Much easier to accomplish than all the interactive stuff
That's really the most important point, thanks reddishtykes, it's that everyone learns in their own way. I know some people that see patterns in each lecture, others need pneumonic devices, and others use visual drawings that only make sense to them but they queue the next line for them. We all have to do what works best for us. My hope with this was to offer additional ideas for those who are still searching for something that works for them.
The lodge is a timeless void of peace and holiness. The first thing you realize, is you're smarter than you thought you were! And, no brother can embrace Masonry, without becoming more intelligent. Only learning and love can be taken from this incarnation.:.
Thank you Brother
In Illinois, we have a workbook, so I try to write it out, then I compare. Then the sentences that I missed or screwed up I do kinda a 10x10 of those
really appreciate big up!
Thanks for the help and insight into learning, I am going through the Chair in June here in the UK and have been reading the installation day after day and listening to it on my truck as I drive from place to place with work it sort of sticks, but doing the 10 x 10 lock makes it stay in a lot more easily. Yours S&F from a fellow Mason
Thanks for the tips!!!So mote it be.✝️▪️▫️
Thank you Masons , My new home America
thank you for the tips.
I would say write every thing down like you want to remember it, and make sure if it's a solid thruth. And maybe some philosophizing with the pen even if the answer looks off.
Wonderful ideas and concepts. I have used several in my long pieces. I once tried learning pieces from the last paragraph going back to the fist this gives a strong finish. Floor work idea noted above "do it in living room" works. Jestures with hands to aid sequence and memory. Finally if a word is momentarily forgotten substitute an equivalent word and quickly move on. This maintains the cadence of the piece and preserves understanding. This must not be overdone. Repetition as he says is the only way, I especially like the paragraph linking idea, it can be used between sentences. Finally add drama via tonal vatiations. Above all talk to the candidates do not just recite the piece make it memorable. p.s. try symbol language to aid with memory. Write out difficult parts over and over from memory. Combine techniques. Give yourself enough time start to learn the piece early.
Thanks u brother's
Thanks brother! Glad it was helpful.
What about those without any car? Can you suggest anything? I would be grateful. Thanks.
This memorization technique WORKS!
Wonder why no mention of the memory palace or memory peg systems?
I would say using quizlet or anki to create flashcards is a better way to memorize things than the 10 by 10 lock method, at least during the initial acquisition of the information.
Will be using these tactics to finally get my 3rd degree proficiency done, and the Stair Case lecture.
Do you know why the new russian flag (after the soviet union crashed) has the double eagle mason logo on it? Is putin a mason? Just curious if yall would know? I was thinking about going to a mason hall near me, can anyone walk in?
thank you Brother
I find reading my ritual out loud and writing it out 💯 Stay sqared Brother's!
Thanks buddy.
Great video. Btw we make complete range in masonic regalia.
Thank You
Same way I passed my driving theory test 🙏
Thanks for sharing. SMIB
Thanks for the advice Bro.
I've never held office in the Blue Lodge but have in the Chapter, Ark, Cryptic and Preceptory.
No matter how much I think I've learned the ritual I always seem to go blank on the night, maybe it's just stage fright.
But I'll certainly try the 10 x 10.
Thanks Knights Templar, glad this was helpful. Repetition is the key. Best wishes.
Cool program. I always admired groups like The Masons. Thinkers and doers.
Thanks Jeffry. Please stay tuned because in a couple weeks I'm going to show just how much good these men are doing in ways that nobody knows about. We have a video coming out this week to help lodges with their installation meetings, but then next week we'll start campaign to show the world some amazing things that these guys are doing behind the scenes. Thanks for watching!
how much do they spend in keeping power over normal people struggling?
Thanks for the information Bro
I don't have too much trouble memorising the ritual but my mind tends to go blank when I'm on the floor
I do the 1st Souj. in the RA and 1st. ADC in the Templar Grade and therefore have to lead the candidates around the floor to all the different aspects of the degrees and it's trying to remember the floor work as well as the ritual that throws me off
However, fraternal greetings from Scotland
I'm not in Knights Templar (although I should be since Commandary No. 1 meets in our building), so I don't completely follow your references, but I do understand how floorwork and lectures combined are a challenge. I recently did an SD lecture (some call it the MC lecture) in the 2nd, but due to health reasons the candidate had to sit down, threw me off and I missed a full sentence! Just left it out completely. Ugh. I think we should start practicing with distractions. The worst is if a GL is attending and he turns or tilts his head as if I missed a word, then I spend the rest of the lecture thinking about what I missed. A word to any GLs reading this, please keep your head still! :) Thanks Bro. Knights Templar. Great to hear from Scotland!
I like your videos brother
Good stuff
Thanks Troy!
WOW ! This is so informative ! I love your videos, they help me build myself further as a person and work on my social skills. How can I join your Lodge ? Kind regards, Aleksandar Đurić.
Thank you Aleksandar, I really appreciate the kind words. Do you live near Wheaton, IL? If yes, stop by our next meeting. If no, find a lodge that IS near you - make sure it's a legitimate recognized lodge (lots of fake lodges out there - over 400 in the US - doing some shady things and giving real Masons a bad name), and then get to know the members at that lodge. Visit a couple lodges if you can, and choose the one that fits best for you. Thanks again for the very kind comment.
@@SuccessfulMasons Thank you very much ! May success be with you, always. Kind regards, Aleksandar Đurić.
Its whats in your heart that matters...
I’m a truck driver have hard time getting regular time to studying wish I could use the book to study
Jj Godfrey have you heard of audio books? Maybe record yourself reading and play back over your stereo on repeat. I drove for 20 yrs and educated myself in everything that was not common knowledge.
Does listing to it in your sleep work? I am on the threshhold now..
Love to drive alone and use it as my study time ;))
Also walking my dog , is a great time ;))
I want to join what should i do to join
Great video brother! Another way that our young Masons can memorize the work is by simply being active in Lodge. I'm willing to bet that you participate at least once a week, and as you mentioned in the video, practice often on your own. That's the way to become proficient! It's up to us to build our Lodges with quality men who are eager to learn the philosophies of the craft, and understand that being a Mason is a lifelong journey which requires a true commitment of time and that Masonry is a labor of love. Once a man understands that, the words will come by osmosis.
Thanks! I agree that staying more involved helps develop more interest and a natural curiosity to learn the work, and thereby making it much easier to learn. Unfortunately osmosis hasn't worked for me yet, I'm still working hard at getting the words exactly right, but hopefully that will start kicking in soon! :) Thanks for watching and commenting!
Yes in deed! The more a Candidate attends, or the more times he comes to watch the same Degree he just went through is a big help in making it all come back together. And it helps him remember what was said and why it was said. Plus, if he brings his guide book, he can read along with the ceremony to help him understand the coded letters per word better.
i try to infuse chan teaching with masonry, as the disclipline of practice .
i heard that by reading material that you want to memorize, if you read it and then re read it in a different text font it helps to reinforce it in the memory
Thanks Nick, I've been debating whether or not to create a follow up video to this because I've heard so many great tips and tactics since I posted this that I'm sure more ideas can help. I'll add this one to the list. Just quickly for you here though, one of my favorites, a grand lecturer shared with me that he will write down the first letter of every word of the lecture and just read that. So to anyone else, it's just gibberish, but it helped him ensure he never missed a single word. It's working for me too now. It would be worth giving it a try.
This is actually a really smart idea.
Nick Daigle except we don’t write anything down, all our knowledge is passed down through oral tradition.
Saying it aloud helps tremendously. You hear it, which reinforces what you are trying to accomplish.
Freemasonic 🌐 Hope 🕯️Light👁️💙 Beauty🖖
Wael jbara albargouthi astaghfirullah
Sadly the soundtrachk was so degraded I could not understand a word said.
Thank's again for putting this content out, I wanna become a frater follow in my grandfather's footsteps to become a High Degreed Mason, However he was pretty unbelievable at public speaking & memorizations, which I am not! I luv what the Rosicrucian order stand for etc, any input would be greatly appreciative!!.👌👁🌹👏
I did not know how difficult some people found committing masonic ritual to long term memory.
I have managed to learn 10-12 A4 sized pages of stuff in no more then two short nights. With a couple more to practise my presentation, after less then a week an entire extended tracing board is word perfect, and sounds like something Orson Wells, would be proud of. When I used to tell my fellows how easy I found learning this stuff, they either got politely or otherwise pissed with me, or obviously did not believe a word I was saying. I therefore shorty stopped doing so, as they seem happier if I lie to them, by saying it took months of hard work. About 12 years ago I was booked to do a long address to the Brethren, but the DC had neglected to inform me that I had, until the night before the meeting. So I got the book out, and had the entire thing all but perfect by the the end of the first night, after no more than 4 hours work in total.
I seriously don't know how I do this, all I really do is divide the ritual into separate sentences on my PC, and take it one sentence at a time. It all seems to stick like glue, as if I learned it all before during a past life.
Lucky for you
I need to learn the master mason exam I have just reached the fellow craft phase I have my booklet I just don't know a handful of the words.
My heart is even in it and everyone is "too busy to run the passage by me so I can memorize it
Great advice.
I have found writing it out helps obviously being sure to obmit sercrets. Then destroying text after it’s in my mind.
Thanks Darren B, writing does help, but I too was concerned about writing anything down, but a grand lecturer once shared with me that he would write just the first letter of each word down when memorizing. That helped him focus on getting every word right, and if anyone else ever saw it, then it would just appear to be gibberish. That's been working for me as well. I hope that helps.
Thank you for your videos I want to be one
My initiation is two days away, wish me luck :)
Adam Schmitz
I am a Freemason and have very big problems to remember everything.I'll try it, maybe I have more success with it.
Thank you Brother.
I've chosen to do the long form to honor my late grandfather, ive got my work cut out for me lol.
That's great! You'll be glad you did. In Illinois we started using the terms "Traditional" and "Limited" instead of "Long" and "Short" form. Hopefully that will catch on so brothers see the value in learning all the work. Good luck!
@@SuccessfulMasons I'm in Illinois and at my lodge it's still card long form
It's like lyrics I'll listen to the song for 2 weeks during those 2 weeks I'll read the lyrics to the s ok ng and after 2 weeks I'll have memorized 60 - 70% of the song I've been doing this since I was young lol
Thanks Adam. Repetition is key. There's a great book called "Outliers" by Malcom Gladwell (not a Masonic book, just a good book) in which he talks about putting in 10,000 hours on something to become an expert. I often think about that when I'm repeating something for the 9th time in set as a reminder that I've still got 9,990 more times to go!
I've tried practicing lectures while walking around the lodge.
That is the best way to do it, Brother. Because it's completely different than doing it at home alone, or in your car alone.
Great presentation, although I don't have a great memory for detail I do remember images and events. For me repeating over and over and over one sentence at a time is how it sticks and like you said it leads to deeper understanding from the repeated reflection on the words and various intentions behind them.
I see some comments below from folks not inclined towards memorising for fear of leading to indoctrination which does make sense and sadly I feel we see far too much of that in the world today, blind obedience without measured analysis and understanding before application. I have done a little reading around ancient Judaeo-Christian esoteric philosophy, nowhere near enough to qualify me to speak on any particular aspect hence my recent decision to embark on the journey of Freemasonry. I was also raised with some exposure to Methodist (Mother), Buddhist (Father) and Catholic (school and high school) religious beliefs, all of which resonate with me deeply in some way and do not seem at odds with one another as they are just different ways of expressing similar concepts.
I think the practice of memorisation leads to a deeper more powerful reflection as you are able to hold the entire text or passage in your mind as you ruminate, reflect, ponder and dissect without judgement, ego or attachment.
Despite my recent introduction to the practice I too echo the comment that nothing teaches the mind how to both focus and relax by training it to remember. I have struggled with anxiety for years and this helps me to focus my thoughts toward something I find very positive, rewarding and enlightening as it works to combine the absolute with the infinitely abstract.
Thank you for these thoughts Chris Cosgrove, and I'm glad you liked the video. I agree that memorizing leads to more powerful reflections when you give thought to what you understand of what you're reciting. Even more interesting, for me at least, is memorizing some lines which I don't understand at all but then much later, in a different setting such as a church sermon or reading an old philosophy book, seeing the exact lines you've memorized and getting a much deeper understanding of the message you are hearing/reading at the moment AND of the ceremony for which you originally memorized them. That's happened a few times now and they've been extremely moving experiences.