Mind Mapping Your Journal Entries
Clustering, also known as mind mapping, is a great way to save space and time when journaling. For those of you who are not familiar with mind maps, you can Google the words or read one of Tony Buzan’s (the creator) books. At the end I have included the ten basic rules of mind maps.
A mind map is a powerful graphic technique that harnesses words, images, numbers, logic, rhythm, color, and spatial skills. Unlike linear notes, it allows your mind to work with expansion.
Mind maps are an incredibly powerful memory tool. While studying for my CPA exam, I created a very large and detailed mind map that covered multiple walls in my home office. When I was taking the test, I could close my eyes and see the mind map and go directly to the answer.
We both know that a picture is worth a thousand words. In Mind Mapping, you can use a word to trigger a set of memories, or you can draw a picture (no matter the art) that represents a story or memory for you.
You can use mind mapping or clustering techniques to record a single event or a full day of events. If you’re working on time management, you can also use a mind map to keep track of time and tasks. For this, you’ll want to rotate the paper landscape, add a central image, like a clock, and use the branches that point in the same direction as the clock time: noon or midnight would be up, one slightly to the left. midnight etc The sub-branches would be a word that would represent your focus or task during that time.
After attending a personal development event or that night, I like to reflect on my experience by drawing a Map of what I remember. This is a great way to transfer my thoughts from short-term to long-term memory. If I took notes, I choose a word or image that represents each individual branch thought for each area. When I remember a thought that doesn’t connect clearly, I record a trigger word for what I remember along with a question mark right before I go to bed. In the morning I have the answer or a complete image that is based on that Map. Sometimes the morning also brings additional ideas or fuel for thought.
By keeping your Maps or Groups in your journal, usually all in one place, you can quickly review previous Maps to build on. Since Maps provides a master aerial view, it’s easier to see how the dots connect: the moments of surprise or the patterns of unmasking. They stand out more easily than on linear notes.
Maps also shorten registration time. What would normally take pages or an hour in linear writing now takes 15 minutes.
Being creative and having fun with this technique is important to the experience. Mapping encourages the use of colored pencils, pens, and the use of pictures instead of words. My drawing skills haven’t improved since third grade, but after a few hundred crooked planes, I can now draw them from various angles. But I still stay with the stick people.
Ideas count too. Ideas always occur during our writing. We are writing, an idea comes up and we must try to keep it on the edge of our mind or record it somewhere quickly before it slips away. Start a map on a new page, put the idea in the center of the page, and then come back to finish writing. You will see your mind drift back and forth as you continue to write.
Of course, Maps and Clusters have many other uses, such as brainstorming (alone or in a group), research, reading, studying, or memorization. Therefore, learning the technique is worth learning. I use them for just about everything, including the three books I’m working on right now.
Basic rules for mind maps:
1. Side sheet.
2. Pen or computer
3. Select theme, problem or topic and purpose.
4. Start in the center of the page.
5. Use color to trigger memory. Each separate parent branch has a different color, and each child branch for that parent branch remains that color.
6. The branches closest to the center are thickest.
7. Each idea starts a new branch.
8. Use images to express ideas whenever possible.
9. The image or word must sit on the line and be printed.
10.The line must be the same length as the image or word.
You can also keep a separate map journal. Every few years I remember to buy a journal for that purpose. One of my favorite map journals is Bienfang’s Note Sketch Book. You can order them at many places on the network. Our local Staples store usually has them in stock. They are different because the top of each page, about three-quarters of the way, is blank and ready for your Map. While the bottom has lines to write on.