Sometimes when I walk, I find it easy to not pay attention to what’s around me, often it is a path I have walked so many times. After taking this photo and looking at it later, I saw many metaphors of life.
A metaphor is defined as “a word or phrase applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.”
Metaphors are a great way to activate the right hemisphere of our brain. The right hemisphere brings in information in creative and open ways for the left hemisphere to process. The more we can intentionally use both hemispheres of our brain the more integrated they become. This integration maximizes the effectiveness of our whole brain.
Looking at the picture my metaphor…
Building an intentional path (not always straight) headed toward our vision (blue sky) can sometimes be blocked (by trees) or not always clear (clouded). We build our path on strong values (good support posts), and although new information can overwhelm and test our values (grass and rising water at the path’s edge), what we have learned from our past stands tall (the tall grasses, aged from the passing seasons). Revisit your values (check the structure), keep your eyes toward your vision (head up so you don’t fall off the path), and enjoy your experiences, (past, present and future) learning from them, not becoming them.
Try finding a few metaphors in your daily routine. This will help you see things differently and deepen the experience of what you are automatically processing. We use so little of our brain’s potential. To support growth, we need to step out of our routine and integrate different ways of taking in information.
Intentionally engage your brain in new ways, everyday.
