Canyon Ranch (Massachusetts)
Mind mapping ... it may sound like a Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster, but in reality this simple life-enhancement tool is a highly effective way of tapping into hidden creativity, unlocking inner potential and finding solutions to everyday problems.

Therapists who use it say that mind mapping, developed in the 1970s from tools used by semanticists, begins by simply writing down a central idea or focal word on a sheet of paper and drawing a circle around it. From that point, you add a branch with a related word, then sub-branches with new words related to the previous word - until finally you have returned to your original thought. Then you start all over again with another series of branches and sub-branches until the theme has been exhausted.

In the end, you wind up with a shape similar to a child's elaborate rendering of a sun, with a central thought surrounded by associated thoughts radiating outward.

This simple procedure turns out to be an amazingly versatile tool, because it captures what author Tony Buzan, the popularizer of the practice, calls brain bursts - a rapid spray of ideas that feels like creative fireworks going off in your head.

The next step is interpreting what the map means. During this phase people often experience either clarity about their central subject, direction on how to take action, or an A-ha! moment.

Creative thinking, problem solving
Mind mapping can work for people with a wide spectrum of issues. Therapists and others have used it for people with concerns that range from raising difficult teenagers, to finding a purpose after retirement, to simply becoming more creative.

Because of the large number of associations produced and the free-form spontaneity of the process, mind maps tend to reveal new ideas and possibilities. Many items in a map can be used to start another map. And, because mind maps are a way of representing thoughts spatially, the mind forms associations almost instantaneously, allowing you to capture ideas quickly, as they come.

Ready, Set, Map!
While the most successful way to develop a mind map is with the help of a trained professional, here are a few basic guidelines to try on your own:

Where to begin. The first step in mind mapping is to decide on a focal word (a central idea or thought) you wish to analyze. Write it down in the center of a large piece of unlined paper. If you use the paper horizontally, you will have maximum space for jotting down other ideas as they expand from the center.

No editing. Spontaneity is crucial to successful mapping. The concept of mind mapping is to think creatively and non-linearly. There will be plenty of time for modifying the information later, but at this stage it is important to get every possibility onto the mind map. Sometimes it is an obscure possibility that seems to come out of nowhere that becomes the key insight.

Uppercase. When writing your ideas and associations try to use uppercase printing to enhance the readability of your map.

Leave room for more. Mind maps should always be flexible and dynamic, so leave space as you go so you can add to your map later. You may also wish to highlight key areas, add information or point out questions.

Your finished mind map gives insights and wisdom that might surprise you. It can be a great help as you set goals, make changes and plan for your most fulfilling future.

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