Did you accidentally ignore the “spoiler alert” sign in a review of a new television show? Or do your friends tell you the key plot of the book you are reading? If you already know the plot, it's very difficult to enjoy movies, books, or television shows. Luckily, there are some mental exercises you can try to forget some stories – like repeatedly blocking memories until they're gone or practicing a release ritual.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Blocking Thoughts from Stories
Step 1. Understand that blocking thoughts is quite difficult
According to scientists, explaining to someone that mind-blocking is a difficult process can prevent “rebounding” (the return of a thought, but stronger). So, before you start, admit that this process is not going to be instant or simple.
Don't be frustrated if shadows of the story return during this process. Don't blame yourself or get angry. Stay calm and remember that this takes time
Step 2. Clear your mind as you think about the story
You need a strategy to deal with the thoughts that pop into your head. Start by ignoring all thoughts of the story as the brain tries to remember it. Instead, clear your mind – imagine what a white wall or blank paper looks like.
Memory loss can be performed more easily in some people. If this mental exercise is causing you problems, consider moving on to the next step
Step 3. Replace the shadows of the story with something new
Try to replace unwanted thoughts with other things as you begin to remember them. For example, you can replace memories of some stories with plots of other television shows you've watched.
Alternatively, try filling your mind with conflicting ideas. Replace the details of your thinking with other details that are very contradictory. For example, if you're avoiding the color blue in your mind, try thinking about red or green instead
Step 4. Repeat this process every day
Forgetting some stories will not happen instantly. To increase your chances of forgetting all the information, remove a few stories from your consciousness every day. Psychological experiments suspect this will take about a month. Over a longer period of time, practicing mental blocking can make it easier for you to get rid of a memory.
- This whole thought-blocking process can also be applied to the sensory details that relate to the memory of the story rather than the story itself. The details in question are: the face of the friend who gave the story, the song that was playing at the time, or the location where you heard the story. Try to block the memory associated with it instead of the story itself.
- According to scientists, once you destroy the mental framework associated with a memory, it becomes easier to erase the memory of a particular story.
Method 2 of 2: Deleting Some Stories with Rituals of Release
Step 1. Imagine the part of the story you want to forget
Ritual release is a mental exercise that can help you forget a memory. To start the exercise, turn a scene from a story telling into a detailed imaginary photo. The imaginary photo can be a black-and-white image or something more colorful. Either way, make sure the photo is a three-dimensional object in your mind.
Step 2. Imagine that you burn the imaginary photo
Start by imagining the corners of the photo curling and turning brown. Watch the fire devour the photo until it turns to ashes completely and disappears.
Mental release can also be done with other imaginary images instead of photos. For example, you can imagine stories like a car sinking into a lake or an ice cube melting slowly in the sun
Step 3. Repeat the ritual regularly
Memories of some stories may not disappear immediately. If so, repeat the same mental exercise every day until the details start to fade.
- It may take up to a month for this process to start bearing fruit.
- This mental exercise may not work for everyone because old memories can never be completely erased.
