Mind Mapping - Journaling Tool
Using both the right and left brain allows big ideas and details to blend
together.
“...if we are willing to abandon our usual coercive tactics and approach our
problems sideways and kitty-corner we stand a good chance of finding our way
through some interesting gates.” – Eloise Ristad
Mind mapping is also called clustering or webbing. It's a quick, whole-brain
brainstorming process that organizes random thoughts quickly. It combines big
picture information and details on the same sheet. It connects key thoughts and
free associations to a core subject.
To create a mind map, select a focus, write it in the middle of a page and
circle it. Then create and label spokes radiating outward from the centre to
represent different sub themes. From there, you can create and label branches
off the main spokes, and even smaller branches off the branches, to represent
different aspects of each theme. Every time you draw and label a branch off a
main stem, you are mapping a new layer of detail. As you create your mind map,
drawing symbols and pictures will help you anchor the concepts in your mind.
This structure allows you to graphically map a complex hierarchy of associated
words, feelings and ideas.
Mind mapping is a creative way to set goals, solve problems and design action
plans. It quickly records ideas in a free-form way. When groups use mind
mapping, the thoughts of each participant easily trigger ideas in others. This
dynamic group interaction encourages breaking free of old patterns to uncover
new and innovative approaches.
EXERCISES
Getting started:
- Create a mind map to chart your life. Write your name in the middle of the
page and circle it. Then create and label spokes for main life themes (e.g.,
family, work, friends, money, hobbies, goals and aspirations, etc.). From each
spoke, add other radiating lines and on the lines write the thoughts that come
to mind about that theme. Map what has been, what is and what will be. Be
creative. Assume that resources are not a problem – you can have or do anything
to make your path unfold as you dream it. Pay attention to your process. What is
going through your mind? What is coming from your heart? Do this periodically
and compare your mind maps to see how your beliefs, desires and priorities are
shifting.
Go deeper:
- Pick a fear or shadow part of your self for which you want more understanding.
Allow your mind to create the main spokes for sub topics and then add details as
they come to you. You might want to let one spoke hold ideas around the cause of
the fear. Another spoke might explore ways to heal the pain and bring more love
to your life.
Reach higher:
- Start a mind map with the word God or Soul in the centre. Allow your mind to
create the main spokes for sub topics and then add details as they come to you.
|
4 FREE Tools for developing mind power, creativity and intuition. Get your mind working FOR you, not against you.
(your information will
not be
shared with anyone)
|
|
One tool alone will triple your creativity. Check out our other many Creative Thinking Exercises and Resources.
