Skill: Memory under duress
First minute: Memorize the first line of “The Kraken,” and recite while holding an L-sit.
Second minute: memorize the second line and recite while holding an L-sit.
Continue through all 15 lines, then recite the entire poem while holding a paused pull-up.
The Kraken
Far, far beneath in the abysmal sea,
His ancient, dreamless, uninvaded sleep
The Kraken sleepeth: faintest sunlights flee
About his shadowy sides; above him swell
Huge sponges of millennial growth and height;
And far away into the sickly light,
From many a wondrous grot and secret cell
Unnumbered and enormous polypi
Winnow with giant arms the slumbering green.
There hath he lain for ages, and will lie
Battening upon huge sea worms in his sleep,
Until the latter fire shall heat the deep;
Then once by man and angels to be seen,
In roaring he shall rise and on the surface die.
Choose other poems and read John Hollander’s “Committed to Memory” here.
Memory is state-dependent. Things memorized while in a relaxed state aren’t easily recalled in a state of anxiety. For instance, equations memorized in the comfort of a soundless bedroom aren’t easily remembered in a stressful classroom later. Mental anxiety can be simulated by physical stress. Memorizing a poem, equation or trivia while holding a challenging position can help with retention at exam time.