How to Coach Yourself and Others Better Coaching Through Visualisation | Page 219

Have you ever wondered what people mean when they say “I can
see light at the end of the tunnel”, or “I feel like I’ve hit a brick
wall”?
Metaphors are often used as a way of expressing views that may be
difficult to describe literally or may be too challenging to state as
they are. They deserve your attention because they are giving new
messages at more than one level of feelings, values and another
person’s experience of the situation..
What are your beliefs about life?
If you answer the question, "What are your beliefs about life?", your
answer will probably come in the form of a metaphor. Amongst the
many possible answers are life is an adventure, a struggle, a war
zone, a dress rehearsal, the main act, a competition, a dance or
possibly even a game.
As human beings, we constantly think and speak in metaphors.
Often people talk of "being caught between a rock and a hard
place." They feel like they're "struggling to keep their head above
water" because "they're carrying the world on their shoulders." Do
you think you might be at least a little bit stressed out if you thought
about dealing with your life challenges in terms of "struggling to
keep your head above water" rather than "opportunities to become
emotionally wealthier"?
15.2 What is a metaphor?
Analogy, simile and Metaphor
In analogy, parts of B may be compared with parts of A, but B is not
considered to be the same as A. The association is much weaker than
is the case in similes or metaphors.

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