Mind Map Inspiration

Homeless cure

Paul — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:05:17 +0000

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

Paul — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:52:07 +0000

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:

Lessons from birds Mind Map

Squirrels in the park Mind Map

Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own.

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Heath Robinson

Paul — Tue, 01 May 2012 08:18:38 +0000

Background: W.Heath Robinson (1872-1944) British author-illustrator, best known for his weird and wonderful ‘inventions’ he drew for the “Strand” magazine.

Dictionary definition: Heath Robinson – absurdly ingenious and impracticable (after the name of the cartoonist)

What an achievement! An illustrator so famous for his inventive cartoon contraptions that he not only has absurd devices referred to as “Heath Robinson” he also makes it into the dictionary! The incredible influence of fun illustrations

What if dreaming up a “Heath Robinson” idea is not so absurd after all? What if active encouragement of the wacky and insane helps birth highly original innovation and inventions? The more fantastic the better.

If you come up with an idea and people laugh at you, you may be onto something, after all, the mobile phone was initially laughed at and now you are more likely laughed at for not having one. Intriguing how the once thought crazy often turns trendy.

Your imagination could create the next thingumajig whatsit doodah – it only takes a thought and you have approximately 60,000 thoughts a day.

So, what is the most absurd, crazy, wacky idea you can think of? Will your idea make it into the dictionary? What can you come up with that is absurdly ingenious and impracticable? What Heath Robinson contraption or idea can you invent?

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

Heath Robinson links of interest:

W.Heath Robinson on Wikipedia

W.Heath Robinson Gallery at http://www.chrisbeetles.com

Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own.

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Natural joys

Paul — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:54:32 +0000

Natural joys rarely need words so I have made this a wordless mind map.

Natural joys surround us daily; only, how quickly we forget them – how soon our thoughts overlook life’s natural wonders and the beauty of living.

Remembrance and reconnection, a few seconds of awe, can lead to deep appreciation and gratitude. Being thankful for simple pleasures and all the marvels and miracles of being alive.

The crunch of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Twinkling stars lighting up the night sky.

Fragrant flowers shining in the sun.

Ripples and reflections on a pond.

Clouds drifting and swaying.

Birds climbing and soaring.

A stranger’s smile of mutual acceptance.

The majestic colours of exotic animals.

The peaceful stillness of grazing cattle.

The sky ablaze as the sun sets on the horizon.

The wonder of your senses connecting you with the world.

All of these and thousands more – natural joys, simple pleasures; and it only takes a moment to notice.

A fleeting glance, a sudden realization, connecting heart to planet; plugging without to within.

The point of realization that life is the journey, not the destination.

So near and yet so far; the distance between two thoughts.

Natural joys surround us daily. Wait for the gaps between your thoughts, look, listen, sense, appreciate.

It’s all within reach to the one who sees it.

Be the one.

The natural joys are waiting – always.

Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own.

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Inner gifts

Paul — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:53:38 +0000

This mind map shares ideas for consideration and expansion along the theme of the many beautiful inner gifts we can all feel grateful for. Some come, some go, some are permanent, some impermanent – some we might label good or bad, most of the inner gifts we have are reasons to feel thankful and blessed.

Perhaps you can add more or create your own mind map to celebrate the multitude of inner gifts that form part of being human. Some inner gifts we each share, others may be unique to you as an individual, your likes, tastes and preferences.

What makes you who you are on the inside? Focus on the good, the positive, and the things that you can be grateful of and thankful for.

Inner gifts – an exploration in gratitude and thankfulness. What are yours?

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

Homeless cure

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Lessons from a swan

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Heath Robinson

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Natural joys

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Inner gifts

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