[nandm]

"Together, this collage of thoughts, feelings, and desires forms a visual Inner Map, leading us deep into our hearts and souls---to our very essence." Authors Gay and David Williamson

Creating an Inner Map

You traditionally look forward to a fresh start---a clean slate---at the beginning of a new year. But the majority of the resolutions you make on New Year's Eve can be punitve rather than positive, or they may focus on what you think is "wrong' rather than on what you think is right. After all, how many of your resolutions begin with "I will not....." or "I've got to...."?

Gay and David Williamson suggest an end-of-the-year exercise that encourages you to create an Inner Map---a sort of visual New Year's resolution that allows you to focus on your hopes and dreams rather than on your mistakes or regrets. You'll need scissors, colored paper, glue, old magazines, old greeting cards or postcards, dried flowers and herbs, small beads, glitter----anything suitable to create a collage. Reflect on an aspect of your life you'd like to improve, such as your diet, your moods, and so on. Begin to assemble a collage of images and words that reflects your deepest thoughts on this aspect. Refrain from forcing your design; rather, let your creativity flow.

Then, when your piece is finished, examine it for messages and guidance as a way to get in touch with your deepest needs. Or share this New Year's Eve activity with a supportive friend or family member or members of your support group so you can build communication and closeness.

I create an Inner Map for the New Year.