The Image as Metaphor

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The most basic use of visualization involves inviting an image to emerge in response to a question, and then working with the image. The images that come in this way have the powerful ability to sum up with a telling metaphor the basic structure of whatever it is you are asking about.

The metaphor tends to be so accurate that the more you explore it, the more it can seem to correspond on every level and in every detail, not only with the specific problem but with your life as a whole. Suddenly the implicit becomes explicit and a resolution emerges.

Begin by encouraging an image to emerge, and then study it from a number of perspectives. Then enter the image, and deepen the exploration from inside it. Finally, look back and get a sense of what led up to the present situation, and look forward to what is the next step for you. Try out this step in your mind.

Begin by clearing a space and relaxing, as described above. Now invite an image to emerge. Say: T would like to allow an image to emerge of an animal, plant or object that somehow represents who I am or what I need to know at this moment in my life: the first image that comes to mind, whether as a word, a picture, a sound or a fleeting sense. This image is now sitting in the chair opposite.'

When the image emerges, say, 'Thank you, Unconscious. I appreciate the gift.'

If nothing happens, try the following strategies until something emerges:

As a last resort, take the 'nothingness' or the blankness of not having an image to be your image, and explore that.

Study the image

Allow the image to become clearer. What does it look like? What colour is it? Does it make a sound? Does it have a smell? Does it move, and if so, how? What is its relationship to the environment? Imagine that your mind or spirit is free to study it from every perspective- from above, underneath and every side. What more do you notice?

Become the image

Step into the image. Get up and sit in the chair where you saw the image, or just step into the image in your mind. Feel it absolutely, for example, the wind blowing through your wings if you are a bird, or the earth around your roots if you are a plant. Now return to your own seat and question the image. Change seats when you are the image, answering the questions. As you tune into the image, questions relevant to your own situation will arise, but here are some suggestions:

Get a sense of the history

Ask the image about the background of the present situation:

Get a sense of the possibilities

Ask:

Let your mind float up from your body and look down, studying the image from above. If you could tell it something from this perspective that would help it, what would it be?

As soon as an answer emerges to these questions, follow through by suggestion, 'do it, and enjoy it,' and continue to ask, 'What happens next?' until you reach a natural resting point.