I Have Random Thoughts

I went on a train the other day. The compartment was packed; not even any spare standing room. A couple of old guys sitting together weren't saying anything, just enduring the misery of being pushed and jostled, even though they had seats. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, one cried out, "Tyrone Power!" and his pal smiled triumphantly. I immediately knew why. I get these mind blanks too, when I'll be talking about something but I can't remember a key word such as a name - then it will come to me suddenly when I don't need it any more.

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will999 · 70-79, M

I call it a mental block. I speak a question into the void like "what was the name of that guy again, you know that one who took refuge in the embasy of Equador to escape the authorities who were out to get him over the activities of Wikileaks", and then forget it. Trying hard to remember only makes the mental block worse. An hour or two, maybe a day or two later the answer just pops into my head "Julian Assange". The subconscious process works better when it is not pressured to perform. As soon as the name comes to me I speak it out loud. Once I hear myself say it I rarely forget it again.

damselfly · 100+, F

@will999 Mental block - yes, that's the phrase!

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