Metaphors describe one thing in terms of another and give form to things which are otherwise difficult to describe.

 

Suppose, for example, someone says that trying to stay in control is creating a ‘tension all around the top half of my body, like big iron armour crushing inwards’, we get a very graphic sense of how this person is experiencing their situation from the metaphor they have used.

 

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Metaphors are not simply a figure of speech; they play a fundamental role in the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. It seems that we actually structure our thinking through metaphor, although we are not usually consciously aware of doing so.

 

When you shine a light on the metaphors that you naturally use to describe your experience you often reveal a richness of information that would otherwise have remained hidden. These metaphors can be an almost magical way of getting to know yourself better. They are a richly creative way of bringing mindful awareness to your experience.

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Below is a lovely mindful activity that invites you to explore your experience through metaphor which you might like to try.

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'Discovering the magic of metaphor as a way of exploring difficult issues in a way that is so creative and resourceful has made me a better parent.'

EW - parent

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'The Listening Space process demonstrates clearly and simply how personal metaphors can influence your behaviour and change your life for the better.'

AC – retired teacher