Joan Giampa Anderson D. Arts
artist designer educator author
Why conscious mapping is essential
for your creative journey
"Imagine a world where your creativity knows no bounds, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth and innovation. That's the world 'Conscious Mapping: A Journey to the Present' opens for you. With the power of Conscious Mapping and the metaphorical 'Creative's Third Eye,' you'll easily navigate life's complexities, gaining insights that empower you to live a more fulfilling and conscious life. Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration, an educator aiming to innovate, or anyone pursuing personal growth, this book is your key to unlocking a new dimension of creativity and understanding. Embrace the journey, and let Conscious Mapping illuminate your path to discovery and transformation."
Conscious Mapping: THE 'CREATIVES THIRD EYE'
NAVIGATE YOUR THOUGHTS, SENSES AND EMOTIONS
At the heart of this journey is The Creative’s Third Eye—an inner sense of heightened awareness that helps you see beyond surface distractions and engage with life on a deeper level.
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Whether you’re a creative professional, an explorer of personal growth, or someone seeking more clarity, this step-by-step guide shows you how to unlock this third eye, using Conscious Mapping to bring creativity, compassion, and intention into your daily life.
Here's a Sneak Peek
Of What you'll learn in the book
Chapter One - A Brief History of the Subject Matter Mapping Framework:
Chapter 1 of Conscious Mapping introduces the journey behind the Subject Matter Mapping framework, a groundbreaking tool for enhancing critical thinking and creative understanding. Starting with early experiments in mind mapping, the author recognized the power of visual aids but found that students often skimmed the surface of their knowledge. Inspired by David Hyerle’s Thinking Maps and concepts from art and sensory exploration, the author developed a deeper framework, encouraging learners to “become” their subjects and connect on a sensory level. This chapter offers a unique perspective on using visual tools to transform our engagement with complex ideas, setting the stage for a more immersive, insightful learning experience.
Chapter Two - building a visualizaiton Framework:
Chapter 2 of Conscious Mapping delves into the creation of visualization frameworks as tools for structuring and understanding complex ideas. This chapter begins by defining the power of a “visual thinking platform”—an approach that merges cognitive processes with visual representation to enhance comprehension, problem-solving, and creativity. Grounded in research from cognitive psychology, the chapter highlights how visual tools like concept maps, mind maps, and flowcharts can sharpen memory recall, aid in pattern recognition, and deepen spatial understanding. These frameworks do more than organize ideas; they foster a shared language for collaboration, enabling learners to connect, innovate, and achieve a richer understanding of their subjects.
Chapter Three - The Subject Matter Map:
Chapter 3 of Conscious Mapping introduces readers to the Subject Matter Map, a powerful tool for exploring and organizing ideas on a deeper level. Starting with a guiding question, this map framework takes users through a journey of discovery by capturing the main subject, identifying essential details, synthesizing key insights, and integrating them into a cohesive understanding known as the Wave Point. With each component—the Subject, Matter, Meta-Points, and Wave Point—this chapter lays the groundwork for creating a personalized map that clarifies purpose and inspires thoughtful action. This hands-on tool enhances comprehension and allows for continuous personal growth, offering a unique way to focus on life’s essential questions, reflect meaningfully, and adjust one’s course with clarity.
Chapter Four- The Eight Perspectives of Conscious Mapping:
In Chapter 4 of Conscious Mapping, we delve into the transformative power of the Eight Perspectives, each designed to empower you through a multidimensional exploration of any subject. As the compass rose on a nautical chart, these perspectives offer distinct directions—Analytical, Emotional, Intuitive, Personal, Sensory, Embodied Object, Cultural, and Spiritual—guiding you to view your topic from every angle. This chapter reveals how to use each perspective to uncover different layers of meaning, creating a comprehensive understanding beyond surface-level insights. As we embark on this exploration, we’ll see how visual metaphors and carefully chosen symbols enhance each perspective, guiding you toward a deeper, more intuitive connection with your subject. Whether approaching a complex life decision or reflecting on personal growth, these perspectives empower you to navigate your inner and outer worlds with clarity and purpose.
Chapter Five - making a conscious map:
In Chapter 5, we reach the core of Conscious Mapping—creating your own Conscious Map. Unlike the Subject Matter Map, which provides structured organization, the Conscious Map is a compass, guiding you through different perspectives to navigate complex thoughts and emotions. This map goes beyond logic; it captures a multidimensional view of any situation by integrating the eight perspectives we explored. For instance, you can use it to navigate a career change, a personal relationship, or a creative project. Through this framework, you’ll uncover hidden connections, gain clarity, and reveal patterns that may steer your life beneath the surface. By the end of this chapter, you’ll have developed a personalized visual map—a clear, insightful snapshot of your present self and a roadmap for where you want to go. With a grounding question as your starting point, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery that aligns your actions with purpose and insight, transforming your understanding from passive observation to conscious direction.
Chapter six - two conscious mapping journeys:
In Chapter 6, we explore the journeys of Mandi and Aubrey as they navigate personal growth through Conscious Mapping. Mandi, a college student burdened by academic pressures, embarks to rediscover balance and self-care. Her journey reveals insights into her motivations and ultimately leads her to make bold, life-changing choices to prioritize her happiness. Aubrey, a musician passionate about jazz and funk, uses Conscious Mapping to delve into his artistic aspirations. By examining his influences and connection to music, he discovers pathways to deepen his creative expression. Through their distinct stories, Mandi and Aubrey demonstrate how Conscious Mapping can serve as a transformative tool, offering clarity and insight as they align their lives with their true selves. Let’s begin with Mandi’s journey and reflections on finding well-being amid life’s demands.
Chapter Seven - practical suggestions for using the frameworks:
Matter and Conscious Mapping frameworks in real-world settings. Through a versatile three-pronged approach, this chapter explores using these frameworks in education, business, therapy, and community initiatives, illustrating how they can foster understanding and innovation. With strategies for integrating sketch mapping and visual notation, readers are encouraged to "think with their pencil"—a powerful, hands-on technique to visualize complex ideas and enhance memory and engagement. By the end of this chapter, readers will be equipped with methods to create transformative maps that promote self-discovery, effective communication, and problem-solving.
unlock your creative potential with our free ebook
"Conscious Mapping is not just a tool; it is a journey to the heart of creativity and self-discovery. It's the key to unlocking the 'Creative's Third Eye' and seeing the world in a new light."
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Joan Giampa Anderson, D. Arts
