AKA The Method of Loci or Memory Palace, the mind palace was developed by the ancient Greeks to capitalise on the idea that the mind is better at memorising locations than facts.
Your palace is a memorisation of the layout of somewhere familiar to you filled with images which, by association, trigger your memory.
I will repeatedly use either ‘image’ or ‘object’ here. You can use words to alert you, but ‘image’ is just easier in context.
UPDATE : 'it need not always be objects for the triggers. I for one have a set of colour and sound combinations that often form abstract concepts that lead to my memories' -
Your palace is a memory aid, not a memory. You have to be aware of storing things in there in order for them to be there.
Most people will only need a small palace (ie a single room) for temporary storage; hence Sherlock’s talk of deleting things from his hard-drive. I use a large one as I’m a show off and a hoarder, but I also have a temporary storage section.
No, you won’t feel the need to mime things out when you’re searching for something. Yes, you’re perfectly entitled to if you wish. Do expect some gesticulation, though not everyone feels the need so don’t put pressure upon yourself if you find you’re completely still.
YOU ARE READING
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN MIND PALACE (SHERLOCK)
Non-FictionI will try to teach you how to make your own mind palace. (Like Sherlock Holmes)