“The key metaphors help determine what and how we perceive and how we think about our perceptions.” Mr. H. Abrams
Perceptions are created from life experiences and can be your biggest source of encouragement or create your biggest mental block. Working as a therapist and life coach, I spend a lot of time delving into the perceptions of the people I work with using interpretive images as metaphors. Why? Metaphors tell a story or provide a visual clue to help us see alternative ways of looking at personal challenges.
Creative and powerful, metaphors have a unique and significant influence, bringing clarity and attention to your specific situation. Some refer to this experience as an “aha moment.” One of the most transformative is the key metaphor that emerges from the optical viewfinder known as a kaleidoscope. Described as a “key” metaphor because it offers ever-changing images and ever-changing perspectives that everyone can relate to. Speaker Rosabeth Moss Kanter illustrates the metaphor of the kaleidoscope as a window to the world, in which you look at a set of elements and intentionally reassemble those floating fragments in how you perceive yourself and your world. All of which make up your life. The smallest change has the potential to create a new consciousness, as was the case in the story of Kate, my friend’s daughter.
My Friends Daughter: History of the Seen and the Invisible
When the door was opened, my friend was shocked by the tears that were running down her daughter’s face.
Stumbling to speak through tears, my friend’s daughter said, “It’s not fair, it’s not my fault, it’s just not fair!” Curious, my friend stopped doing what she was doing to listen. He wanted to know more about what had upset his daughter so much.
“What’s not fair Kate?” asked my friend.
Justifying her tears, my friend’s daughter said: “As I am the tallest in my class, they always put me last in line. Only once would I like to be the first, it is not my fault. I did not ask to be tall, it is it’s just not fair. “
My friend replied calmly. “Kate, do you remember the kaleidoscope lesson?”
“That sometimes you have to go exploring to find a solution,” Kate replied.
Okay, my friend said, “Let’s explore. Why don’t we start aligning ourselves with you like you would in school?” Kate looked at her mother and did as she asked. Now, standing behind her, my friend yelled in her best militant voice “change position” and Kate found herself in the front row, right where she wanted to be.
Kate excitedly said, “Oh, Mommy, if all I want is to be first in line, I just have to turn around!”
By prompting Kate to think about the kaleidoscope lesson in conjunction with my friend’s intentional instruction, Kate was able to view her situation in a new and different way. It doesn’t matter whether or not you agree with the concept that problems are created when you stop looking for solutions. What is helpful is realizing that challenges cannot be turned into opportunities when an obstacle you face consumes your full attention.
Remove: Although what you see is not up to you or me, the way it looks is up to you.
Making your kaleidoscope
While I don’t think you need any practical excuse for owning a kaleidoscope other than for sheer enjoyment, don’t forget to find the fun by exploring creative solutions!
For instructions on building your kaleidoscope, visit http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/activities/funscience/be-dazzled/
Change your thinking, change your life!