A metaphor is defined as a figure of speech, in which an implied comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something in common.
It conveys a picture, which captures the essence of what is being said. It’s the lens we are looking through and helps us make sense of our experience and defines how we think, speak, and act in everyday life.
Neuroscience research found that metaphor activates different parts of the brain (Benedek et al 2013). It is not just the mere production of language, it activates areas involved in visualisation and memory. A rich tapestry indeed and one to be explored.
Our clients may talk in metaphor to explain how they are feeling – “I feel like I’m swimming up stream.” “It feels like I’m walking through treacle”, to express overwhelm. Or “I feel like I’m on top of the world” to express excitement and achievement. It can be so beneficial as coaches to pause when we hear our client’s talk in metaphor, to allow space and time, to reflect what it means to them.
Is the lens they are looking through limiting them or helping them tap into possibility? What does the metaphor tell us about their thoughts and feelings? Often metaphors will be said unconciously. Pausing and reflecting back the metaphor, gives us direct access to the unconscious mind. What a gift!
Using questionning to explore the metaphor more.
What kind of (their metaphor) is that?
Like what?
And that’s like what?
And where is (their metaphor)?
What happens next?
Activity
We can also use metaphor to reflect on our last year and plan for the year ahead. Try this for yourself;
Thinking back to last year ask yourself
- What did you achieve?
- What are you proud of?
- What did you learn?
- What metaphors come to mind?
What were some of the challenges, parts of you that were not helpful and cropped up?
What metaphor comes to mind?
Looking at the year ahead what would you like to achieve?
- What do you want to be proud of?
- What metaphor sums this up? Comes up for you?
Exploring metaphors with our clients is a gift and a rich tapestry. I think that’s two metaphors in one!
