How do you prepare?

I have a sketch book that is steadily filling up with all sorts of my version of mindmaps. Over time I suppose I've developed my own approach, as I suspect most people do.

For me the value of minpmapping is the opportunity it gives me to just think. You can follow a single thought or just keep generating new ideas. Eventually it has to be resolved into something, but as a process I find it really helpful. I use mindmaps for all sorts of things, not just preparing sermons.

I've tried various computer based mindmapping programmes, iThoughts on the iPad being a firm favourite, but a pen and paper seems more natural to me and actually easier to create. The biggest problem is finding a plain paper notebook. Eventually I bought an A4 sketchbook which does the job.

If you haven't tried mindmapping you may find that it will take time to settle to a process that suits your thinking processes. It did me. But persevere and you might be surprised how you get on.

All in one place

If you're interested in mind mapping then you might be interested in a new resource that pulls together many of the blogs that are out there about Tony Buzan's creative concept for mapping ideas.

Alltop is an "online magazine rack of popular topics" and there is a page just for mind mapping junkies.

I like mind maps, but I tend not to follow the strict rules as laid down by Buzan. I use them to outline sermons and ideas, to map organisations and ministries and to dump stuff out of my head. I've used a few software packages, but the problem with these is often that it takes more effort to create the map you need than it does if you just grab a sketch book and a pen. In fact I have one notebook dedicated to mapping. 

Years ago you used to be able to buy a notebook that alternated plain pages and lined pages. If I could find an A4 spiral bound version of that notebook today, I'd buy them in bulk! Mind map on one side, outline on the other. Personally the best of both worlds! 

I feel the thread of another series of posts coming on...