map making

If our world devolves into the world of one thousand years ago (Corona-panic, nuclear war, AI — pick your devolution scenario), I know what job I’m gunning for — map maker.

I’m fascinated by the skill, patience and creativity required to transform one’s surroundings into a navigable document.

Scale, gradation, dimension — music to my ears. I really missed my calling as a land surveyor.

Here’s the hidden lesson in map making. They do a great job centering us — physically and mentally. They make us more aware of our immediate surroundings and the easily forgettable space in between milestones. They are a trap door into mindfulness.

And, making them with others is a great exercise in consensus building. Sure, that hedge may be a little farther away but it’s probably not worth fighting over. Low stakes negotiation moments all over the place.

Today, in your class have the class draw maps. Pair up and do a map of the school first (inside or out). Then go at it alone and map out your favorite place to relax. No wrong answers.