Homeless cure
Cure sounds unlikely. Of course it would depend on whether the homeless wish to be cured. Naturally some would, some wouldn’t. Yet, if a cure for homelessness were a reality, what might that reality look like? What, all be it hypothetical, system might represent a cure, or as close to a cure as possible?
I’ve pondered this question for months and this mind map explores an idea that came to mind by considering the adaption of existing structures. Rather than instantly mind map this idea, I chose to visualise in my mind the unfolding and developing of the idea, adding extra ideas and incubating my thinking. This is a fascinating way to create mindmaps and goes against the instinctive common sense of getting ideas down before you forget them! What I discovered is that by incubating, the mindmap essentially built itself and branched out only when ideas came, almost like my brain were constantly revisiting the issue and further evolving potential solutions. For days, weeks even, the only image was the central image as thought drafts, practice strokes and blanks circled without landing. Another way to visualise ideas is to imagine a scale model on the ground in front of you – perhaps your mindmap as a 3D model.
Naturally, the mindmap you see above is not necessarily the final answer, and could of course be further improved by others. My attempt at visualising a potential cure for homelessness centred around the existing structure of a hotel complex.
I imagined how a hotel with paying guests could be staffed by previously homeless persons. An add-on idea came later to extend the hotel and surround it with product specific charity retail outlets; turning donations into dedicated shops for each type of goods.
The hotel structure would facilitate a system of taking homeless people off the streets, attending to medical issues, clothing, accommodation, rehabilitation, training and eventual placement within the hotel as an employee. Need it stop at hotels? What other existing structures could sponsor rehabilitation programs?
Hypothetical, yes, a possibility, maybe, cure, possibly, or as near as likely.
Takeaway idea 1 ~ Entertain possible cures to problems using imagination and association
Takeaway idea 2 ~ Try incubating mindmaps instead of instantly drawing them
Takeaway idea 3 ~ A possible cure for homelessness 
I hope you enjoy viewing my Mind Maps – there are hundreds more planned here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog plus ongoing creativity and drawing tips. If you are not already subscribed, why not do so now via RSS or Email
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Lessons from a swan
Down a narrow country lane a swan stood in the middle of the road and stopped my car. It raised its wings momentarily and slowly walked around, continuing its journey – this time nearer the grassy side verge.
Nature is full of wows; pockets of brilliance – moments that can easily leave you speechless. Nature takes its course, the planet, the weather, animals moving, everything unfolding in perfect harmony moment by moment.
The beauty is often silent – the swan moved by without a sound, save for a few gentle flaps of its long brilliant white wings.
The swan had one pace, no rushing, it got there when it got there, moved by when it moved by and continued when it continued.
The road was clear ahead, yet I was transfixed in the mirror, stunned by the swans beauty, magnitude and majestic frame. A large bird with perfect white feathers, huge black wading feet and bright orange beak.
There is nothing much to do other than smile; a wonderful lesson in embracing uncertainty and working in harmony with the present moment.
I waited and watched in fascination as reality unfolded – nature imprinting yet another miracle memory; entirely visual, no dialogue and yet it spoke louder than any words could convey.
I’ve often thought about what animals might be thinking – if the swan had something to say what would that something be? All the mind can concoct is a story – the real beauty would then be lost – the beauty was in the brief moment shared.
Nature – the great purveyor of silent wonders.
This time, lessons from a swan that left me speechless.
See also:
Squirrels in the park Mind Map
I hope you enjoy viewing my Mind Maps – there are hundreds more planned here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog plus ongoing creativity and drawing tips. If you are not already subscribed, why not do so now via RSS or Email
Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own.
If you know someone who would enjoy this post and others here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog please share with them.
Follow me on Twitter @mindmapdrawer
