Metaphorical Playtime

It's metaphorical playtime - a chance to get creative and see things in new ways. Using new metaphors expands your thinking, and helps you "get out of the box." Let's look at some examples.

What is a belief? Some would say (optimistically) that it's a "truth." I like to say that beliefs are "tools." The metaphor chosen can totally alter our perspective, but we don't have to see it only one way. Using many different metaphors will give us many perspectives.

When seen as a "truth," for example, a belief becomes something that you want to cling to. After all, you wouldn't want to base your thinking, your decisions, or your actions on non-truths. A "tool," on the other hand, is something used for a given application. Then, when the job calls for a different tool, you set down the one you have and pick up a better one. It's a radically different view of beliefs, isn't it?

What other metaphorical understanding of belief could we play with? They could be "programs," like those in computers. This might be similar to "tools," due to their disposability - we replace programs when better ones are invented. It might suggest other things, like the "corruptibility" of programs, or the difficulty in using some of them.

What else? A belief might be a theory, certainty, cage, or bridge. Beliefs could be components of identity: "I am the one who believes these things." Every metaphor you apply gives you a different perspective, and potentially new insights into the matter.

Metaphorical Experiments

Metaphors can be played with intellectually, to see how well they help you understand things. They can also be tested in reality, to see through experience which are more useful to you. This metaphorical play can expand your thinking and improve your life, but how do you do it? Just consciously change how you think about things for a while, and note the effects. The following is one of my favorite examples.

Some people see being an employee as being a "slave" - not a very motivating or encouraging metaphor. Slaves have few options, and are forced to do things. Now, lets peruse the alternatives, and find one to try out. Certainly, a "partner" commands or demands more respect. Being an "actor" at a job, just temporarily playing a role, makes it easier perhaps. You know it will come to an end eventually, and you feel satisfaction doing well in the role in the meantime.

However, my personal favorite is seeing employment as being in business. As an employee I chose to be businessman selling my labor. That left my choices were wide open, since I could always look for better "customers." And I did. Also, neither I nor my "customer" (employer) owed anything to the other except what was agreed upon, so I never felt bitter or taken advantage of. If you are an employee, try thinking of yourself as a business person instead. It will change your experience.

Metaphors Gone Wild

What's the best metaphorical understanding of our planet? Is it a garden needing tending, or a self-sustaining organism living for its own purposes? What about religion or philosophy? Are they social constructs, or personal recipes for happiness? And the marketplace? A battle field, or a symbiotic relationship between customers and businesses? Are good ideas gifts from above to be shared or hard-earned gold to be hoarded away?

(Also see the page More Metaphors Gone Wild.)

The power and range of your thinking ability is measured in part by how many ways you can look at things. Having more perspectives equals more creative possibilities, which is exactly what metaphorical play gives you.