Draw A Creative Mind Map for Self Analysis
Many personal development experts share about the benefits of using mind maps. My post today takes it one step further with how I have used the concept of mind mapping for self analysis. I also share illustrations from my personal art journal that I created some time ago. I drew them as part of my pre-vision board exercises.
The (above) mind map picture that I did for self-analysis was my first. It may look simplistic but it has helped launched a myriad of creative ideas. Regarding self-analysis, awareness of who I am is important to help bring me into alignment with the vision of my future self.
What is a Mind Map?
A mind map is a diagram showing how various elements are associated or linked together around a central image or idea. It is usually presented in a radial arrangement, thus disrupting linear cues to multi-dimensional thinking.
There is much science behind creating one. To learn more, you need to pick the brains of Tony Buzan. Tony Buzan is the inventor of Mind Maps and one of the world’s leading authority on the brain and learning.
“It is in these shimmering and incessant embraces that the infinite patterns, the infinite Maps of your Mind, are created, nurtured and grown. Radiant Thinking reflects your internal structure and processes. The Mind Map is your external mirror of your own Radiant Thinking and allows you access into this vast thinking powerhouse. “
— Tony and Barry Buzan, The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain’s Untapped Potential
For the user, a mind map can be used to stimulate creativity, brainstorming, organization, prioritizing, memory recall and problem solving. I am also currently teaching my visually-oriented girls how to draw mind maps to create study notes for their school work.
Mind Map For Self Analysis
The quote below was written by Sir Charles Sherrington after studying the brain cell. He was considered to the grandfather of neurophysiology.
“The human brain is an enchanted loom where millions of flashing shuttles weave a dissolving pattern, always a meaningful pattern, though never an abiding one, a shifting harmony of sub-patterns. It is as if the Milky Way entered upon some cosmic dance.”
The quote inspired me to create the following mind map art…
The quote was also part of the inspiration behind renaming my domain as Abundance Tapestry last year. Notice the associations of “Tapestry”, “Inter-weaving”, and “Alignment” that I have recently been writing in my posts? They arose from doing mind maps and other exercises to assist myself in gaining clarity and to express my intentions.
If you ask Tony Buzan, he will point out that the Radiant Thinking model takes on the natural architecture of a human brain. It invokes both the left and right brain. Well, using a model that closely resembles a natural architecture can enhance your mental performance dramatically.
Should you look at a mind map carefully, it follows the appearance of a tree. The mind map has main and sub-branches that leads to the flowering of ideas. Hey, haven’t I been sharing my Nature Tapestry Notes and posting pictures of trees? Refer to my last post on daily inspiration messages for instance.
All in all, we don’t have to look too far for inspiration. Nature – be it a tree or the human brain – can be sources of insight to help us achieve success. Achieving success is really not about struggle but leveraging on elements that have been naturally provided for our physical existence.
Draw A Creative Mind Map
Now, who says mind maps have to look boring? You can add pictures, icons or images to make them visually appealing. Even Cinderella did one as a pre-vision board exercise to help her get to the Ball.
Resources
Interested to find out more? Check out the following great resources:
1. Mind Map Book. Tony partnered with his brother, Barry Buzan, to write the best-selling book, The Mind Map Book: How to Use Radiant Thinking to Maximize Your Brain’s Untapped Potential
2. Mind Map Art. Get inspired by Adam Sicinski and Paul Foreman to create mind map art!
Dedication to Readers
I would like to take the opportunity to dedicate this post to all my readers by sharing the following quote from Tony Buzan…
“Whoever, wherever, you are, you are using – to read these words – the most beautiful, intricate, complex, mysterious and powerful object in the known universe: your brain.”
Abundance always,
Download Your Free eBook on 3 Mindset Strategies to Turn Self-Doubt into Confidence When You Subscribe
Evelyn Reply:
April 28th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Hello Richard,
I haven’t read Tony Buzan’s speed reading book but I love his Mind Map book! Let’s get more creative, shall we?
Evelyn