Treasure Mapping

This is a happiness project about Treasure Mapping. This project has to do with exploring a route towards personal enlivenment through the process of tapping into intuition and through the development of a more authentic Self.

I have always loved hunting for treasures at birthday parties, Christmas, Easter, and Scavenger Hunts. I have early memories of rushing home from school to watch Spin and Marty on the "Mickey Mouse Club" hunt for gold dab loons after following maps.

Maps show us the way and because my work involved forms of therapy, my interest was keen for doing Treasure Maps that evolved in the Creative Arts Therapies that I had studied. I used the process often in my groups especially when I knew that the majority involved were on the cusp of deeper personal growth. I use this technique myself whenever I become aware that I am sorting something in the inner world. I become most aware of that need when I find myself busy sorting or cleaning in the outer world. Sometimes, it is the change of seasons or when my mind becomes particularly active, that I feel the longing to get more in tune with what I call my authentic or higher Self. This particular project of Treasure Mapping I believe, is instrumental for helping the process of Self-actualization, (being who you really are at the core) to advance.

I could say that this project has become a hobby over the years for me. I have found the process an invaluable way to check on my intuition that is a wise and guiding voice within every one of us. This important aspect of the Self tells us to chase after our wildish dreams, whether to move halfway around the world, start that creative business one might have been drawn toward for so long, or just to live each day with more simplicity.

You have probably felt that inner nudge or spark that accompanies intuition. It may be a feeling, energy, or a moment of inspired insight. Tuning into our intuition is simply the act of listening to our bodies and to the whispers of our hearts. We are all born with intuitive ability and the project of Treasure Mapping can help to refine this skill throughout our lives.

The materials involved in the project are: a good and sharp pair of scissors like Fiskars own, several magazines chosen at random, paper glue or a glue stick, and a medium to large piece of white Bristol board or cardboard onto which the pictures can be pasted. I suggest that one keep a journal just for the process of Treasure Mapping.

Give yourself approximately one hour to quickly 'rip' pages from the magazines that have an appeal. Do this with little thought and use your intuition. This project has nothing to do with perfection or performance rather it is an experiential and expressive art form. Create one pile for your pictures and another pile for any letters, sentences, or phrases that you favor. It may be a good time for a break and/or snack. If you do this with a group of people, it is best to stay in your silence in order to allow for the free flow of ideas without interruption.

When you come back to the 'picture pile', it is time to sort quickly in terms of what you want to keep and what to throw away. This is the required process of sorting that we seem to come around to many times in our lives.

Acknowledge to yourself whether there appears to be pictures that are similar or if you suspect that any themes are showing up. When you feel finished quickly begin to place the pictures on the board and then, when you feel satisfied, begin to glue the pictures onto the board. Once you have completed the gluing, take some time to sit with your opus. Just notice what might be coming up for you as you engage in this process.

It is time to go to the pile of letters, words, sentences, and phrases and begin to paste them over the pictures in a way that resonates with you. Allow your intuition to guide you once again. Allow no censorship whatsoever. Another break is probably due and it is important to honor the spirit of silence once again.

Sit with your board that is your Treasure Map now and notice what 'bubbles up' from within and begin to write in your journal. Take as long as you need but do not censor your writing. This is an entirely non-judgmental process. It is important to pay attention as you view your Map, to noticing when your intuition is speaking to you. It does so through micro sensations, both physical and emotional that you experience.

I can share with you that I noticed right away how much I use the words, "I see" and I feel" and "I sense". In my last Treasure Mapping I realized that I was in transition once again and that I was recognizing through the images I intuitively chose how more accepting I was becoming in terms of my age and how important my friendships with women were at this particular stage of development. I have felt less hurried and I have less of that tendency to compare myself to others. I felt that I was truly growing into myself. I believe that I have developed a keener sense of awareness about all that I encounter. I am less judgmental and I can relax into inner knowledge. My appreciation for all that is, has deepened incredibly. I attribute a calmer inner state to Treasure Mapping several times over the years.

I believe that it is important to differentiate between instinct and intuition.

The four qualities of instinct are:

1. Ensures that your basic needs and comforts are met.

2. Encourages you to choose the safest option.

3. Has a sense of urgency.

4. Focuses on the outcome.

The four qualities of intuition are:

1. Nudges you to expand beyond your comfort zone in order to grow.

2. Asks you to explore what feels most in alignment to you.

3. Allows things to unravel fluidly in their own time.

4. Focuses on the experience.

The words instinct and intuition are often used interchangeably. So what is the difference between them? The moment of instinct feels like a physiological reaction that has to be acted on immediately to stay safe. It can often lead us to experiences that feel uncomfortable. Intuition tends to come through with less urgency feeling more fluid and open for exploration.

Some guide questions that you might like to ask yourself are as follows:

What am I learning about myself in terms of the images I chose? In other words, if these images could speak, what would they say?

What is my Treasure Map trying to tell me?

My treasure map showed me…

If possible, share your findings with another who you can trust. Engage in any discussion you feel that you would like to have with that person. I need to make a point of emphasizing self-care when you desire to increase your capacity for channeling intuition that helps you to tap into infinite universal wisdom.

For your body, you might want to eat better adding more fruits, vegetables and grains, explore meditative yoga postures, and try some massage, acupuncture, Reiki or qigong practices that move energy.

In nature you might take more walks, and at home, diffuse essential oils like lavender that is soothing to one's whole being.

In your mind, make a conscious effort to release old limiting beliefs, habits and patterns. Remain open to synchronicities; be mindful of aligning your words, intentions and thoughts to embody a sense of your higher Self.

Put the Map that is full of Treasures for you on a wall for some time so that you see it often. Add to your journal writing whenever you feel the inspiration coming through your intuition concerning the Treasure Chest that you are. You are definitely into the process of flourishing. Enjoy and let them all know that you are Alive!