How to Mind Map - Introduction

I suggest that you start learning how to Mind Map by drawing them yourself using pens and paper.

While I don't object to using Mind Map Software, I would like you to get the 'feel' of Mind Mapping by at least doing the ones in the introductory lessons by hand.

The chance of having pen and paper ready is far greater than having your computer with you.

You will need the following:

• Clean sheet of unlined paper, preferable A3 or equivalent size
• An A4 or equivalent will also work, but an A3 gives you more freedom to expand
• Coloured pens. I suggest felt tipped pens, but any coloured pens will do.
• Your Imagination!

You are now ready to draw your first Mind Map. And to surprise you, you won't be using any words at all!

1. Draw an image of your house in the centre of the page. I recommend that it is about 3cm x 3cm (+-6-7 inches)
2. Draw five branches coming out from the image. Make them thicker closer to the centre and thinner as they radiate outwards.
3. Draw two to three thinner branches off these.
4. Ensure that you use different colours throughout.
5. Now draw an object that you thinks represents each room in your house on the main branches.
6. Draw some of the objects in the rooms on the sub branches.
7. You now have your first Mind Map!

Don't worry whether you can draw or not. This Mind Map is for you alone. You don't have to show anybody.

Have a look at my crude hand drawn Mind Map below. While the drawings are simple, I can recognise what I drew immediately. In fact I can 'read' these simple drawings better than I can my own handwriting!

Without you knowing it, the above exercise demonstrated the following:

• The enormous power of the visual cortex
• The memory's amazing recall abilities through the use of images for emphasis and association
• Aesthetic pleasure - simple enjoyment of the images themselves
• The breaking down of resistance to the use of images in the learning process
• The ability for a Mind Map to aid in mental relaxation
• The beginnings of developing the extraordinary powers of visualisation and perception as utilised by the great artists/thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci

You now have the basics of how to Mind Map. Try a few 'image only' Mind Maps before you move on the the more advanced lessons. If you do this, you will not only learn how to Mind Map, but also how to Mind Map using your amazing visual abilities and the powers of imagery.

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