Ellesar inquired:
I'm not sure I quite understand how mind mapping works. It seems intuitively correct that creating a visual representation would affix information more deeply in one's memory, but how can you fill out the details of the map if you haven't really been consciously exposed to the material?
Raleigh Replies;
Mind mapping is like taking conventional notes, except you put the main idea in the middle of the page or (3by5 inch index card). While in alpha state or what Paul Scheele terms the Accelerated Learning State,, draw a circle around trghe main topic and as you activate your book via superreading, dipping, and skittering, the trigger words will lead to SUBHEADINGS. Draw lines out from the center circle and label these lines with the subheadings, that your OTC ( other than conscious) mind has jumping out at you as you superread. By and by, you do not need to worry about the structure of this diagram as the OTC mind just knows how to draw it. This is in itself an ACTIVATION PROCESS!
This allows the information to begin to enter your consciousness.
You then asked:
What would you use for the branches of the map if you don't know what the material's main concepts are?
My reply: Just like Obi WAn Kenobi said to Luke Skywalker, in Star Wars, "Let go. Use the Force" I know this sounds really woo woo, but it really does work. When you relax in the accelerated learning state, the main concepts do just jump out at you. Now this all happens ONLY if you have done the PR properly. If you did not PR pproperly you will be unable to pick out the main concepts in this fashion. Make sure you focus on all four corners of the page when you PR and that you are keeping your purpose statement in your mind. Needless to say, make sure you focus on the blip while you are flipping. Rest for a few minutes and then activate, by note taking with the mindmapping techniques. Use single word phrases on your mind map and print clearly. At least that is what works for me. Your mind map is your property of course, and you can edit it, use different colors, use symbols, cross link, or even throw it out and draw up a new one that is even better, as you go to deeper layers of activation!
Good luck! I am a relative newbie to the system myself ( 18 months) but I learn more and more each week as I practice PR, purchase more CDs from LSC, and check out this forum at least once a month and help others. By helping others on this post, it helps solidify your own knowledge and you get great tips from Alex Viefhaus, who is the moderator of this forum and has her own PR school, in Australia.
Feel free to ask me any questions to clarify anything I have posted here.
[This message has been edited by raleigh199 (edited April 04, 2006).]
Get active start by asking questions, check the book and activate for answers. Record information that is important to you on a mind map.