Finding Sanctuary: Mapping the Chaos of Your Inner World

Week 2: Mapping Your Inner Landscape

Hi Soul Foragers,

Welcome to Week 2 of our 8-week creative journey, where we’re exploring the layers of our personal stories through art, reflection, and connection with nature. Last week, we grounded ourselves in a memory from nature. This week, we’re turning inward to map the landscapes of our inner world—the places where emotions, memories, and dreams live, waiting to be explored.

Each week builds on the last, so if you haven’t had a chance to check out Week 1 yet—where we uncovered a meaningful memory from nature—I encourage you to start there. It’s a gentle and grounding way to begin this transformative process.

The Prompt: Creating Your Inner Map

This week, I invite you to reflect on your own inner landscape and create a map that represents it.

Here’s how:

1. Reflect
   Close your eyes and imagine your inner world. Ask yourself:

   • What does my mind or heart feel like right now?

   • Is there a sense of openness, or are there barriers to explore?

   • Can I picture a space that represents peace within this landscape?

   Let your imagination take the lead—it’s okay if your vision feels abstract or unexpected.

2. Sketch
   On paper, sketch a simple map of this landscape. Think about:

   • Key features like trees, rivers, mountains, or open spaces.

   • Any focal points that feel meaningful—a path, a sanctuary, a memory.

   • Note colours, symbols, or patterns that represent emotions or ideas.

   Remember, this map is for you—there’s no right or wrong way to create it.

3. Create
   Use your sketch as a foundation for a piece of art. Layer paint, collage, or found materials to bring your map to life. Add textures to mimic the feel of your landscape and symbols to represent its deeper meaning.

My Sanctuary in the Chaos

When I explored this prompt, I pictured a forest filled with birch trees, there were winding paths that twisted and crisscrossed in every direction, creating a feeling of chaos. It felt overwhelming at first—but then, tucked into a hill, there’s a cosy nook. A sanctuary. It was filled with pillows, blankets, candles, and tea—a soft, warm space to rest and work through the chaotic feelings.

The message for me: Even in the midst of confusion, there’s always a place of safety and stillness within me.

When I translated my vision into art, I began by layering paint, wasi tape and journalling my thoughts. The birch trees came to life from the wasi tape and and strips of painted paper. I planned to addlines of metallic gold to represent the winding paths—but I felt strongly that I wanted to leave thee chaotic pathways out. For the sanctuary, I ripped thick handmade paper into a heart shape, green paper to represent soft moss and set this space up with tea and flowers. The muted colours were to evoke a feeling of safety and warmth.

The process reminded me that even when life feels chaotic, there’s always a way to carve out peace—a corner where I can pause and breathe.

Grounding Questions to Explore

As you create your map, let these questions guide you:

• What does the overall mood of your landscape feel like?

• Is there a balance between chaos and calm?

• What story does your sanctuary hold?

Share Your Work

If you feel inspired, I’d love to see your creations. Post a photo of your map on Instagram (and tag me) or in the blog comments, and share what this process has revealed to you. We can all benefit from your experience and insights.

Looking Ahead 👀

Next week, we’ll explore the power of symbols and how they can help tell the deeper stories within your landscape. For now, let your inner map guide you, and remember—there’s beauty in every twist, turn, and crossing path.

Until then, happy foraging,