Mind Map Inspiration » Creativity

Shock

Paul — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:04:09 +0000

Following on from the Creativity Principles Mind Map, here are 65 shock words to help you stimulate your creativity and thinking process.

You might like to use these keywords to help generate probing questions or simply glance at the words and use them as an idea jogging mechanism.

Also of interest, check out my E-Book for encouraging ideation called “Idea Creation” – this illustrated E-Book contains over 20 mind maps.

See also:

Power words 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.

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Flow zone

Paul — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:58:56 +0000

This mind map is a tribute to author and lecturer Dr. Wayne W. Dyer whose many books, audios and DVD’s include “Your Erroneous Zones”, “10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace”, “Wisdom of the Ages” and “You’ll See it when you Believe it”. The flow zone mind map draws inspiration from a chapter called “Getting to Flow” which appears in his book “Real Magic”

Flow zone, as I have termed it, refers to the “zone” in which creation, whatever it may be, becomes effortless and spontaneous. “Getting in the zone” is a common phrase for top achievers, musicians, athletes and artists, who enter the present moment fully inspired, where time appears to stand still and concentration on activities becomes almost meditative even without sitting quietly. The flow of experience in the moment is often beyond thought and analysis.

Flow involves being on purpose, enjoyment detached of ego and devoid of judgment – literally living bliss in the moment. Here are 5 key areas to flow summarised and condensed from the chapter:

Meaning

The overriding goal gives meaning and purpose; over and above yourself; shifting your energy to how you can serve others. You and the task are one; you become the “doing” through “being”.

Focus

Instead of being slave to the senses, you can avoid distractions and direct your mind totally to your present moment, operating clearly and freely, tapping an inner knowing that helps you capture your “flow”

Surrender

The process of letting go, dropping struggle, moving beyond senses and surrendering to both the present moment and the process, rather than the results which will follow. A quote from the chapter “Prosperity is about process, not outcome. Process is about purpose. Purpose is about loving and giving.”

Experience

The automatic experience of bliss and inner joy when flowing without striving and feeling uplifted by what you are doing; the enjoyment and the result of flowing in the moment.

Self-observation

The awareness of recognising when you are on purpose and flowing; without striving.

A final quote from the chapter:

“Flow is that kind of an inspiration, one so powerful that all obstacles seem to be removed and we are in love with what we are doing so much that it seems to just flow without any effort from us at all. You can experience flow in virtually anything”

Further reading:

Books by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer such as “Real Magic” and those mentioned above plus many more by him
“The Element” by Sir Ken Robinson
“The Work We Were Born To Do” by Nick Williams

Video excerpt:

Wayne Dyer – “You can’t give what you don’t have”

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

Creativity Principles

Paul — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:54:50 +0000

This mind map highlights a wonderful quote from the book “Head First” by mind map inventor Tony Buzan (ISBN 0722540469)

The quote cuts straight to the heart of the principles of creativity and also serves as a perfect example of summarizing text into keywords within a mind map. When I read the explanation I felt compelled to express it within a mind map.

Here is the quote in text:

“Creativity, by its very nature, implies getting away from the norm. The statistical concept of the norm, the average, gives rise to our concept of ‘normal’. Normal is that to which your brain has become accustomed; that which gives you no surprises; that which remains the same; that which no longer shocks, startles, surprises or provokes you; that which does not stretch your imagination. To create means virtually the opposite: to bring into existence something new; to give rise to; to establish an association that has never been established before” Tony Buzan (in the book “Head First”)

Using imagination to move away from the norm is great fun and it unearths original trains of thought – something accessible to everyone. I highly recommend reading “Head First”, the book is full of fascinating gems to help develop and further your thinking potential and creative expression.

Discover more about Tony Buzan at the Think Buzan Website. You can also follow Tony Buzan on Twitter @Tony_Buzan and also try Buzan’s iMindMap software (affiliate link)

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

Paintbrush mindmapping

Paul — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:53:53 +0000

Mindmapping offers a wonderful opportunity for personal expression and exploration; for developing a style of your own. One way to explore your creative side which is original and therapeutic is to create mind maps using paintbrushes.

Using a paintbrush slows your pace down; you can create in a relaxed manner, with deliberate action and contemplation. Whether you experiment by sticking to paintbrushes only or incorporate other media, you can encourage your artistic finesse and flair by creating original and personal mind maps; unique to you.

You can try many mediums; acrylic inks, acrylic paints, watercolours, coloured pencils and ink pens, to name only a few. Lettering offers another opportunity for expression; block letters, fancy fonts, even calligraphy; using brushwork or ink pens. Illustrations can also be created by brush as well as ink.

For examples of artistic mindmapping from around the world pay a visit to Mind Map Art where you can explore galleries, check blog posts (and subscribe), even rate mind maps and vote for your favourites.

In the above mind map I have endeavoured not to dictate a style; it is created as a summary of some of the many possibilities open to you when you move into mediums other than standard pens and pencils. (See also: Ideal Mindmapping Pens and Mind Map Tools of the Trade)

If you wish to learn more about drawing and how I create my mind maps check out the following E-Books:

Drawing Tips for Mind Mapping – the beginners guide to creating simple cartoons and illustrations

How I Drew my Mind Maps – the follow up; learn how to take your drawing to the next level

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

Mystery Mind Map Challenge

Paul — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:03:33 +0000

Eight branches stem from a central image of a man carrying an unidentified box up a staircase made of books. (Don’t try making one at home!) He is smiling – is he happy or does he wear a devious grin?

Branch one shows ivy reaching into the distance – what might it symbolise?

Branch two is circled by a chain – in safety or confinement – what else might the chain signify?

Branch three sports a happy/sad emblem – theatrical or real?

Branch four holds a goldfish in a bowl – a pet or a representational image?

Branch five shows boxes, one contains eyes – what is it? Why is it there? What else is in the boxes?

Branch six has a net hanging like a hammock full of thought bubbles – what might they represent? Are they thoughts or something else?

Branch seven has a snake reeling and coiling around it – fake or real? What might it mean?

Branch eight is speared by a magic wand – only is it really magic – there is a label attached – what could that mean?

There are 13 links in the chain and 13 books forming the stairs – is it significant? What other connections can you see?

Your mystery mind map challenge. Can you devise a real or fictional mind map from this central image and the intriguing branches? What might your theme be? What might you call your mind map? What 8 starter keywords would you add to the branches? Can you rise to the challenge using your imagination and creativity? Can you complete the mystery mind map challenge?

If you are a mind map trainer or classroom teacher feel free to use this mind map as a study challenge exercise.

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

Mind Map Inspiration » Creativity

Shock

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Flow zone

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Creativity Principles

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Paintbrush mindmapping

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Mystery Mind Map Challenge

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