Exercise: Body mapping
- Verity Buckley
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Body mapping is a creative tool used to visually explore thoughts, emotions and practice. It is widely used in participatory research, but within coaching, it can be used to unpack an experience, reflect on personal or professional development, or simply take stock of how you are feeling in an embodied way.
Step 1: Grounding
Take a moment to prepare your space and get settled in. Find a piece of paper, ideally at least A4 size, and some drawing materials. You might want to use coloured pens, pencils or paints, but a simple biro is absolutely fine! Sit comfortably, take a few slow breaths. Gently bring attention to your body.
Step 2: Drawing your body
On your paper, draw a body to represent yourself. Don’t over think it. This can be as simple as a stick figure or outline. There are no judgements on artistic skills!
Step 3: Reflecting and adding detail
Use the prompts below to reflect and annotate your body map. You can write words or phrases, draw symbols or emojis, use colour or shading - whatever feels natural, comfortable and expressive.
🧠 Head – knowledge and expertise
What do you know? What have you learned - formally, informally, or through life experience? (e.g. strategic understanding, awareness of different sectors, the structure of a team or organisation, your next career step)
❤️ Heart – values and emotional qualities
What matters to you? What do you care about? What motivates you or feels meaningful at life or work? (e.g. empathy, family, work/life balance, income, trust, collaboration)
✋Hands – practical skills
What are you able to do? What strengths do others see in you? What skills do you use and develop at home or at work? (e.g. project management, facilitation, budget management, crafting, running)
👣 Feet – behaviours or actions
What comes next? What might you want to move towards? What steps are you taking? (e.g. completing a course, getting a promotion, being more patient)
Step 4: Reflection and close
When your map feels finished, take a moment to pause and reflect. What stands out to you? Is anything surprising, missing or particularly prominent? You can circle or highlight areas that feel important.
As a final step, make a note of one area of pride and one element of further development for your future self.
Printable worksheet
Examples
Here are some example body maps from impact-themed workshops I have delivered:
Comments