“Letting Go” Mind Map Large version available within the Letting go Mind Map Set from http://www.mindmapinspiration.co.uk (Navigate to Mind Map Sets section) Blog Post: http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/letting-go-mind-map-paul-foreman/
Letting go is a very healthy option and like many health options we know it is good for us and yet we are not always 100% committed to make the changes for our own good The steps required to change yourself (in whatever way you wish to change yourself) can only be made by you. This is reassuring to know because that means you are not reliant on someone else or your outer circumstances changing – it is an inner and personal job
The Letting Go Mind Map uses many Acronyms to aid recall I successfully used acronyms such as the ones in this Mind Map to overcome my own internal problems which were predominantly thought-based, so I can vouch from experience that they do work. If you are committed to making positive change and letting go I recommend trying Acronyms and creating your own Mind Maps that will assist you in achieving your goals and intentions.
Letting go is very similar to forgiveness in that you can worry over something for ages, years even, or you can worry for a minute or two, get over it and move on. Forgiveness as with Letting go is the healthy option. The change will only come when you finally let go. If you cannot do it yourself please seek professional help. I am not a professional – I share advice gleaned through direct experience and I fully understand that everyone has unique and individual circumstances.
You can invent your own Acronyms to suit your personal circumstances and the things you wish to remind yourself to let go of Here are the examples I used in the Mind Map with brief explanations of what and why I created them
PAST Problems Always Stem from Thought Naturally, this isn’t always the case, however, if you reflect deeply often what is perceived as a problem is little more than a thought or assumption that the mind likes to validate Investigate for yourself to see if this is true for you. PORK Past Old Repetitive Known When identifying thoughts and investigating whether they are a habit, feeling, emotion etc it is helpful to notice if your thought is lodged in the past. Is it an old story you keep revisiting, a repetitive thought that is getting you nowhere – in short, is it a thought that you know and realise is either non-productive or negative or both. By questioning your thoughts and being aware of them you can detach from the negative thoughts and focus on more valuable, productive and positive thoughts JAG Jealousy, Anger and Greed Noticing your emotions and thoughts as events happen you can quickly identify what type of thought it is that you are having and that helps you to not get sucked into a story that holds you trapped. For example; if you notice yourself becoming jealous you can investigate the thought asking yourself why you are feeling that way – the same goes for anger and greed and many other inner reactions very often thought-based When you investigate honestly and deeply you will find that almost all of the negative thoughts are illusion based
RAFT Replace Attention Focus Thought Your thinking expands, a bit like throwing fuel on a fire. You can choose to replace your thoughts; rather than repeating old, repetitive or negative thoughts that are bothering you. You can become more aware of your thinking – effortlessly direct part of your attention onto your thinking at all times, so that you are not swept away and at the mercy of your internal dialogue Choose what you focus on – rather than fighting your thoughts, allow them in, see them as non-problematic and make the decision to follow only the thoughts that give you value and peace Finally, realise thoughts are only thoughts; like clouds passing by in the sky. Another idea is viewing thoughts as snow – as your thoughts build up imagine they are snowballs that join and get bigger and bigger and if left to their own devices they may well become an avalanche!
I AM Ifs and Maybes As you watch your thoughts, look out for sneaky words that lead you astray such as ifs and maybes – it will help you become aware that what follows might not be worth following up on as it could simply be conjecture. You could “what if” for the rest of your life without necessarily getting anywhere When you use the word “maybe” it pretty much says and now I am in “guessing mode” BAN Buts Are Nuts This brilliant idea came from a book called “The Impact Code” by Nigel Risner http://www.nigelrisner.com/ If you use the word “but” you have practically wiped out everything you just said prior to the word “but” Many times I have seen this in action – often the words after a “but” contradict what was said before, but then again that could be quite wrong!
PUMP IRON Positive Useful Matters Productive Important Right Opportunity Now This is a long acronym and perhaps less practical although each element does have great meaning Letting go is about looking at where you are focusing your thoughts and actions The pump iron acronym looks at a handful of the many possible areas to consider. Each word offers a question to ask yourself such as: Is what you are doing or thinking positive? Is what you are doing or thinking useful? Does what you are doing or thinking matter? Is what you are doing or thinking productive? Is what you are doing or thinking important? Is what you are doing or thinking right? Is what you are doing or thinking an opportunity? Is what you are doing or thinking “now” orientated?
FUN Focus Upon Now Coming back to the present moment (a moment you cannot leave other than via your thoughts) is crucial to letting go. Ask yourself honestly “where” what you need to let go of is? Is it now?
COIL Choose Only Inspiring Labels A lot of your inner talk consists of a bunch of labels. When you watch your thoughts you will quickly notice that you often add a label without knowing if it is correct or not. It can also have a bearing on your level of happiness: Are you focusing on what is right or what is wrong? If you really watch your thoughts you will see how a flurry of labels (I don’t know the collective term for a group of labels and flurry sounds great!) can quickly add up to what you perceive to be a miserable day! If you track back and honestly ask yourself “How did I get here?” you may notice it started with an insignificant event or judgment.
The “Tools” branch of the Letting Go Mind Map is a quick summary of the key points and some extra tools for helping you let go such as:
Redirecting your attention, habits and focus Replacing old, repetitive or non-productive thoughts Clearing the air by talking things through with others or writing things down and analysing your thoughts, feelings and emotions to identify what it really is that you need to let go of or forgive. The 5W 1H system can also be used for investigation.
Letting go is something you need to be 100% committed to, starting from now. Whether you let go in small chunks and build up until you are completely free or decide to let go in an instant is up to you. Often the effort required is the same, whether letting go now or next year, so do yourself a favour, take action – get over it and move on! Forget the excuses and the “buts”: Focus on what you do want rather than what you don’t. Put your efforts into something that really matters and if it isn’t positive, don’t be surprised if you keep stirring the same old pot and getting nowhere. Let go. The happiness and enjoyment of your life depends on it.
Your questions, suggestions and comments are welcome
More about Acronyms http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acronym_and_initialism More on Letting Go http://www.spiritualinspiration.co.uk/#/lettinggo/4523280973 More on Forgiveness http://www.spiritualinspiration.co.uk/#/forgiveness/4522706379 More on Stop Thinking http://www.spiritualinspiration.co.uk/#/stopthinking/4520706593 Plus Stop Thinking Tips http://www.spiritualinspiration.co.uk/#/stopthinkingtips/4528776110
Suggested further reading: "The Power of Letting Go" by Patricia Carrington "Stop Thinking & Start Living" by Richard Carlson "Loving What is" by Byron Katie "Feel the Fear and do it Anyway" by Susan Jeffers "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
To see more Mind Maps by Paul Foreman visit the Mind Map Inspiration Website www.mindmapinspiration.co.uk and Subscribe to the Mind Map Inspiration Blog to receive new Mind Maps, plus creativity and drawing tips. Blog at www.mindmapinspiration.com
Mindmaps ® were invented by Tony Buzan They help us progress from "linear" (one-dimensional) through "lateral" (two-dimensional) to "radiant" (multi-dimensional) thinking.
For more information see his books and visit the following websites:
www.buzanworld.com www.imindmap.com
E-Books available from http://www.mindmapinspiration.co.uk
In this E-Book I share how I create ideas and help guide you towards the land of infinite possibilities. Never be stuck for an idea again! Contents Includes the following Mind Maps: 5W1H Idea Creation Topical Ephemeral or Practical Immortal Theory of the Brain Idea Planning Ahead and the Bigger Picture Sparking Ideas What is Original? Thinking Styles Thinking styles template Creativity Toolkit Mind Map Planetary Thinking 360° Thinking Creative Focus Odd Combinations Thinking outside the Box Thinking outside the Box Checklist Curious Brain Constant Daily Learner
Why simple is often best Fresh ideas Use thinking – don’t let it use you Lifespan of an idea Simplicity of an idea Everything stems from a thought Planning ahead and the bigger picture Sparking ideas Random thinking styles Creativity Toolkit Outside the box outside the box Ideas don’t dry up – thoughts do Constant Daily Learner Land of infinite possibilities
Beginners guide Colour wheel and use of colours Suggested Equipment Drawing Fish Drawing Cats Drawing Books Using Stencils & Templates Drawing Hats Mind Map Templates Drawing Curves & Shapes Detailed breakdown of “Fantasy Mind Map” Enhancing Creativity through Thought Reduction Drawing Speed Tests Drawing Faces Lettering Photo to Cartoon transfer Drawing Tips and Tricks Doodleboards Mind Maps
Learn how to take your drawing to the next level in my second E-Book and discover the secrets of "How I drew my minds" Including: The thoughts behind the maps Mind Map structure What products I use Tips and tricks for drawing Colour placement Image placement Detailed image analysis Illustration walkthrough step by step Fast sketching Idea generation From a simple line and curve to an image Overlap and 3D Plus a few surprises!
“Happiness Beyond Thought” 85 Page illustrated E-Book - Including Mind Maps £5.99
Includes: Happiness is your primary state Stop Thinking Happiness is inside you Go Within Meditation Organisation – Inner & Outer Coming back to now (Present Moment Awareness) Includes the following Mind Maps: Happiness is your primary state Stop Thinking Tips Happiness is inside you Go Within Meditation Organisation Present Moment Awareness Positive Acronym Your Name Letting Go Plus a Bonus Mind Map
Discover true happiness and inner peace Learn how to stop incessant thinking and take control of your thoughts Learn how to meditate, relax your mind and body and foster inner calm How to stay in the present moment How to let go, find simplicity and transform your life for good Simple tips and strategies for a harmonious and stress-free life
“Mind Map Game Boards” 46 Page E-Book Plus 8 Large JPEG Image Set £5.99
Choice Maker Game Board Use the Choice Maker Game Board as a Random Choice Selector for idea generation, fun and more Choice Maker Blank Version The Blank version allows you to create unique Choice Maker Game Boards of your own Boredom Buster Game Board Select random hobbies, ideas, pastimes and interests; for occasional daytrips, days out, or lifetime pursuits Chore Choice Game Board Add a fun element to sharing out or selecting chores using the Chore Choice Game Board Positive Thinking Game Board Enhance your mood and create a positive thinking environment with the Positive Thinking Game Board
Theme Maker Game Board Create ideas and storylines from the images within the Theme Maker Game Board “My Favourite” Mind Map Outline your personal favourites for a snap shot of your unique personality
Bonus Mind Maps Two Bonus Mind Maps
Mind Map Game Board Image Set (8 Individual Large Size JPEG Images) You can print the images out in whichever size you wish and even laminate them for longevity