The power of metaphor: Creating space for growth and transformation
This coming winter, I’m teaching Psychology of Metaphor at the Institute of Imaginal Studies (IIS). It’s a class that changed my life before I even taught it. Back in December 2006, during my interview with the Director of IIS, he asked me what I wanted to teach. Without thinking, I blurted out, “Metaphor.”
The funny thing was, I didn’t know much about metaphor as an academic subject, and I certainly wasn’t a linguist. But Spirit was speaking through me, nudging me toward something profound. Developing and teaching a class on metaphor opened up an entirely new world for me—one that continues to shape my work and understanding today.
The True Power of Metaphor
We often think of metaphors as clever linguistic devices, but they’re so much more than that. A metaphor links two seemingly unrelated things in a way that offers fresh insight or a new perspective. When we explore something unfamiliar, metaphorical language becomes essential—it’s how we make sense of the unknown.
For example, life might be described as a journey, or a relationship as being “in over my head.” These aren’t just figures of speech; they’re ways of creating meaning. Metaphors bring us into what I call aesthetic space or third space—a realm where deeper connections and fresh wisdom can emerge.
Why is this important? Because aesthetic space is essential for human development. Without it, we can’t grow or evolve. Metaphors aren’t just tools for communication; they’re pathways to transformation.
Space as the Key to Change
This idea of creating space for new things to emerge has fascinated me for years. In graduate school, I was captivated by the book Free Spaces: The Source of Democratic Change in America by Sara Evans and Harry Boyte. The authors describe how political movements are born in “free spaces”—voluntary associations like churches, social clubs, and civic groups where people gather, connect, and exchange ideas.
The concept of free spaces applies far beyond politics. When you think about it, the only way real change happens in our lives is when we create the space to receive it. Whether it’s aesthetic space inspired by metaphor or physical spaces for connection, it’s the openness that allows for transformation.
Why Metaphor Matters
In my workshops, I guide people into this “aesthetic space” through metaphors, helping them access deeper layers of creativity, clarity, and growth. Metaphors aren’t just a teaching tool—they’re a way of seeing the world differently, of making connections that spark real insight.
If we want to grow, evolve, and create meaningful change, we need both metaphor and space in our lives. Metaphors expand our understanding, and space gives us room to let the new ideas take root. Together, they’re the foundation for transformation.
So, what new space can you create in your life? What metaphors are waiting to guide you into fresh wisdom and possibilities?
