The last whisper, on Spiritual Concepts, led me to look at metaphors to gain understanding. Working with the spiritual realms could lead you to believe there is a spiritual classroom for the seekers of our world. I often pride myself on the use of metaphors as a learning tool to help understand the whispers from spirit. But am I the metaphor master or are they? (tee hee)
Metaphors are defined by cultures and society as a one of the most powerful tools for the spiritual artist. They represent a cognitive strategy for analogical problem-solving as abstract models of reality. Metaphors are context-sensitive expressions used to add texture and beauty to what can be a dry description.
Psychological research on metaphors has exploded in the last 10 years to help us understand not only their literary power but also their psychological potency when used as a learning technique. No wonder the use of a metaphor can shift the energy! In simple form, metaphors compare two concepts that are unrelated. When Jesus told his followers he was “the bread of life”, he compared himself to bread as an expression that faith could sustain your spirit in the same way food sustains your body. Comparing concrete, well-understood ideas (a seed, an ocean, a stage of life, etc.) to abstract ideas (the soul, the spirit, human energy, etc.) can create a bridge across the river of learning to the land of understanding. I may have just violated metaphoric law by using that many in the same sentence, which means it’s time for a whisper on metaphors:
Metaphors can be a powerful tool for evolution when used to help awaken the spirit. Hidden talents and knowledge buried in the subconscious can be triggered to rise up to a higher level, where understanding meets wisdom. Metaphors have the ability to move beyond demonstration and comprehension to create change at the unconscious level. When this occurs, diagnosis of an issue leads to strategies emerging from a deeper place of understanding the true nature of a problem or issue.
The best use of a metaphor includes examples of things understood that lead a person to a different perspective, which creates release of limitations. Metaphors that offer the best match for the inquiry can strategically control perception. When it comes to designing a metaphor to fit the circumstance, there are endless possibilities. Creative thinking and the use of intuition can produce amazing bridges toward understanding abstract ideas and concepts.
Brainstorming can dissect the metaphor to find ways to apply knowledge to any creative design process. Metaphors are one of the greatest processing tools available. Combining mental processing with metaphors is a powerful way to explore the possibilities outside the traditional way of thinking. Divergence occurs with a positive shift inspired by the illumination of thought. New constructs can open the door to non-stop improvements through inspired motivation.
One spark of light created by a metaphor can give new direction and a release from unhealthy attachment. Paradigm shifts signal the release from old patterns. Understanding is forgiveness that leads to the acceptance that allows love to illuminate the path.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“But metaphors help eliminate what separates you and me.”
Haruki Murakam
