Mind mapping is a visual
organizational tool for brainstorming around a central theme or topic. It helps
to identify connections between and among ideas. It has been used for planning,
studying, learning and for problem solving. Mind mapping has also been used as
a journaling technique.
A mind map is traditionally created
on a piece of paper with a pencil or pen, but there are digital options
available. Start with a circle in the centre of the paper and write your theme
or topic inside this space. Create branches around the centre with lines
connecting subtopics or keywords to the central theme. Create smaller
branches from these main branches for facts, examples or steps to take.
As you work with your mind map, you may discover additional connections. Use
lines to identify these connections.
Using a mind map for journaling is
great if you are a visual type of person. It’s also good for just getting ideas
out of your head and onto paper. A mind map will also allow you to see
connections that you may not have identified before.
Journal mind mapping can work around
a central goal or task, something that you love or love to do, a
feeling/emotion or around a memory. You could even try using a photo at the
centre of your mind map.
When mind mapping an emotion, your
initial branches can be the reasons behind the emotion, physical sensations
associated with it, thoughts or beliefs about the emotion, behaviours
associated with it, triggering events and coping strategies. The smaller
branches would be a deeper dive into each of these areas. For example, if you
are mapping joy, one of your initial branches could be time
alone. The smaller branch from time alone (self care) could be
something like a hot bath with rose petals or a hot shave.
Google can be helpful when you first
attempt a mind map for journaling. Do a specific search for ideas for secondary
and tertiary branches for your chosen theme or topic. Google AI will have some
suggestions, and you may find other sources with topics similar to yours that
will help you get started. A word of warning, if you find something that you
want to use on Google AI, copy and save the information as a subsequent search
will be different.
Some people like to colour code
their mind maps. Others will use shapes or different line thickness to
differentiate the levels. Make your mind map however you like using tools that
work for you.
Check out the August journal card
for some suggestions on how to mind map joy. It will give you a place to start
and help you to determine if journal mind mapping is for you.
Mind mapping is a great way to explore
a theme or topic in a way that you may not have considered before. You might be
surprised by what you learn and discover connections that you did not know
existed. A mind map can take you places you’ve never been before. Co-ordinates
not required!
•Cupola Corner sells a selection
of handmade coil bound journals that would be perfect for
many types of journaling.
Check out other journaling posts
here: Journaling Posts
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References:
Leaca Young. (2025, January
26). Six Creative Ways to Use Mind Mapping In Your Journals.
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59iJ1t6JWLI
Overall Adventures. (2022, July
28). How to MIND MAP (in your journal!). YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDk7EjmC10M
what would the tertiary branches be
for a mind map about an emotion - Google Search. (2024). Google.com.
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+would+the+tertiary+branches+be+for+a+mind+map+about+an+emotion
