The following mind power techniques are creative ways to tap into the power of your mind. Some of them may be entertaining, but they also have more practical uses as well. A good example of one that is both entertaining and practical, is the "pupil trick." We'll save that one for last. In the meantime, here are a few of the more practical mind power techniques.

A Memory Technique

Memory systems are some of the oldest mind power techniques. Some of them get very involved, however, requiring you to first memorize "peg words" and numbered lists. These work well, but what if you want a simpler way to remember things? Try a "linking" technique.

Here's a list to remember: Soap, milk, honey, fork, and flowers. To remember it using a simple linking technique, you just start a vivid story in your imagination, adding items to it as you go. Imagine, for example, that you are at the sink, you reach for the SOAP, and find the soap dish full of MILK. You wash your hands with that, and then comb HONEY into your hair with a FORK. Finally, you pick up a bouquet of FLOWERS and smile at the mirror. Try repeating the name of each item while you mentally review your "movie," and you'll remember all five things, even the next day.

Mental Math Tricks

When I was young, I didn't "show my work" when doing equations in math class. For me, 97 x 16 became 100 x 16 (1600) minus 3 x 16 (48). It was easier that way, and almost automatic. I would just write down 1552, although I couldn't explain very well how I arrived at the answer. My teachers thought this was a problem, but many years later such math shortcuts were sold in seminars and books. You might want to learn a few of your own.

A Motivation Technique

To get motivated, talk about your plans. This is a simple, yet powerful mind power technique. If I am having trouble getting to my writing, I tell my wife about the article I'm going to write, and I'm quickly out of my slump and back at the keyboard. You really can quickly change your state of mind, but not by simply "willing" it to change. That's like trying to ride a bicycle without pedaling. Our minds have a mechanical aspect, and this is what these techniques tap into.

Do you want to use this mind power technique on others? You can. For example, to help a friend out of a bad mood, get him or her to explain something to you that they are passionate about. This process will change the chemicals in their brain, and so change their state of mind. Find the topics that work best, and remember them for future use.

The Pupil Trick

Go stand in front of a mirror. Watch your eyes as you vividly imagine something pleasurable. This can be beautiful scenery, your favorite naked body, anything that will create desire in you, or anything you would like to be looking at in reality. Notice how your pupils get larger almost immediately. Practice a bit, finding the imaginary scenes that work best, and you can make your pupils instantly larger at will.

Your pupils enlarge when you are aroused, interested and receptive. How can you use this knowledge? When your pupils dilate, the person you are talking to subconsciously senses your interest in them, and they like that. Of course this makes it easier for them to like you, and to listen to what you suggest. You certainly don't have to be a salesman to take advantage of this. Why not learn to control your pupil size, and try this subliminal mind power technique?