The Mind at Work

It may be possible, when more is known about the tape recorders in our brains, that we will be able to evaluate the theory which finds a parallel between the human learning process and the activity of the "thinking machines."

We could point out that sleep-learning information is fed to the human mind by machine in a reversal of the familiar feeding of data into a machine by a human. In the first instance, the human can select the information to be given. In the latter, the machine dips into its memory bank to furnish information.

The importance of repetition in sleep-study is easily evidenced by the repeated message recordings at present available to the sleep-learner. These high-impact repeating tape cartridges are pre-recorded and can be used for many varied purposes, among them:

• Rapid language learning: increased vocabulary, comprehension, absorb proper intonation, pronunciation ... by repeated impact.



• To improve speech: hear yourself as others hear you, record your voice, note errors, record models you wish to imitate, absorb the instructor's speech pattern ... by repeated impact.

In most instances, the cartridge is available to the student with an induction pre-recorded on the tape. The sleep-learner can then record his message on the blank unrecorded section of the tape. By leaving the induction on the tape, the sleep-learner can change his recorded message as he desires.
Positive suggestions are predominant on sleep-tapes:

• Correct weight is a matter of good health. You will develop an instinct to select and eat the foods which will be conducive to good health and correct weight...



• You will succeed. You will overcome this problem...



• You will remember the information recorded on this tape. You want to remember each word, its pronunciation, its meaning...



• You want to develop your vocabulary because you know that it will be of great use to you in business and social contacts...

Statements are constantly affirmative and delivered in a calm, strong, reassuring voice. With the reinforcement, there is the promise of reward.

It should be understood that the subject really believes the message. This positive conditioning is particularly effective in view of the fact that there is so much negative thinking in the constant "no, no" and "don't" that each child hears in the course of growing up. The impression that everything desirable is forbidden is a common heritage, indeed. And so, the basic idea behind development tapes is the psychology of reward coupled with positive affirmations.

How the affirmations should be stated is a matter which the individual can decide. One school of thought says the subconscious should be directed to take immediate action. Another recommends a gradual, step-by-step approach. Examples of each follow, the first demanding immediate action, the second action by degrees:

1. From this moment forth, I shall have an intense dislike for alcohol. The slightest taste of alcohol in any form will make me violently sick. I shall become sick from even the smell of alcohol. Because of this, I shall never taste alcohol again. Before very long, the desire and need for alcohol will disappear completely. I know that I have the power to withstand the temptation to drink . .. AND I WILL NEVER DRINK ALCOHOL AGAIN!



2. I am, by degrees, acquiring an extreme dislike for alcohol. Slowly, but very surely, the taste or even the smell of any form of alcohol will nauseate me. Before very long, I will become violently sick at the taste of alcohol and I will lose all desire to ever drink again. By degrees I will accomplish this and ... I WILL NEVER TAKE ANOTHER DRINK AS LONG AS I LIVE!