Exploring Metaphors, Space and Objects

A bit about Metaphors

We think in metaphors, up to six a minute! Metaphors help us make sense of the world. We use metaphors in everyday conversations to describe an experience and convey emotions. Metaphors can help us see challenges and difficulties differently. Metaphorical language activates our imagination.

Here are some examples of using metaphorical language:

• I’m feeling under the weather

• I’m going round in circles

• Back to the drawing board

• Today was a roller coaster ride

• That was a breath of fresh air

• I need to recharge my batteries

The ‘clean’ question “and that’s like what?” invites you to imagine your situation as a metaphor. Which might be something like “it’s like a big wave that comes over me…”

A bit about Space

• Come into the middle.

• Wait on the side - The queue is on the right over there.

• Make your way through the crowd

• Mind the gap -Too close to the edge.

• Size of a postage stamp - Like living in a cupboard. Cramped.

• Spacious - Spread out.

• Go over there - Come here - Too close for comfort - Miles away. Stand in the corner. Come into the light

• Can’t move - Fenced in - Space to move

• A different view from here.

These are some of the ways we describe actual space and as metaphorical space.

Space matters. When we are in a particular space our physical response can trigger an emotional response. For example, when I’m close to the edge of a steep drop I feel a sensation in my knees that runs up my back creating a shiver and I can feel unsafe. For another person, they experience a sense of aliveness and feel exhilarated.

Among the different Clean Coaching processes we use space, inviting you to move in the space around you, stop, and reflect on what you know from that space, it’s a bit like seeing things from a different perspective, a spatial perspective rather than an intellectual one.

A bit about Co-inspiring objects

Objects are a fascinating source of information. When we place our attention on the object’s shape, colour, texture, where it came from and what it reminds us of, these connections can often tell us something that relates to our intentions.

I have a brown and yellow ocha dish that my Grandmother made at a pottery class she joined in her eighties. Remembering this reminds me that it’s never too late to start something new.

I have a pebble I found on a beach, the particular markings look like a constellation, and as I hold the pebble I can imagine myself part of that constellation, which gives me a sense of hope.

I invite you to find an object, give yourself some time to look at it, as see if you can find an aspect of the object that reminds you of quality you like about yourself.