Metaphor

DALL·E 2024 12 02 12.35.14 A serene and creative image of an abstract weaving loom blending into musical notes and dreamlike imagery, symbolizing creativity, imagination, and tr
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Birthing new metaphors: Creativity, imagination, and social change at Esalen

I wanted to share an inspiring email I received from an amazing woman who heard me on the radio last fall. Her metaphoric imagery is so vivid and full of life, and her description of our culture being in the “neti-neti” stage of childbirth deeply resonated with me: “We are ‘not here nor there’ but…

DALL·E 2024 12 02 12.40.36 An abstract and thought provoking image of a glowing seed sprouting roots and branches in rich, fertile soil. Surrounding the seed are dreamlike, symb

Unlocking the power of key images: How metaphors shape our lives and creativity

I recently had a thought-provoking conversation with a friend about whether the images and metaphors that surface in our subconscious are “real.” Like dreams, I believe these images have something to teach us, and on that point, my friend and I agree. However, his concern lies with what I call a “key image.” Key images…

DALL·E 2024 12 02 12.44.42 A lighter and uplifting image of a tree growing from rich, fertile soil with its roots intertwining with abstract shapes like waves and webs, symboliz
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How metaphors shape our lives: Exploring key images and social change

“Don’t look for me in a human shape. I am inside your looking. No need for form with a love this strong.” —Rumi Rumi’s lines are deeply evocative and open to interpretation. As someone who teaches courses on the psychology of metaphor, I see these words as pointing to the profound power of metaphor in…

DALL·E 2024 12 02 13.35.44 An abstract and symbolic representation of love, featuring a glowing heart shaped motif made of intertwining vibrant colors like red, pink, and gold,
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Love, metaphor, and the unexpected journey into teaching

“It has been said that love does not want to destroy, but to preserve. Quietistic love has been praised, [yet]…mere passivity is surely no true love. The process of love is a creative drive, a force which, in spite of its tranquility of the present, lives a life of active realization.” This beautiful sentiment opens…

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Revisiting the Partridge Family: Nostalgia, joy, and hidden metaphors

The first LP I ever bought was The Partridge Family Album. I was 11 at the time and felt like a grown-up when I presented it to my grandfather at the drugstore and told him that this is what I wanted for my birthday. Today, my friend Robin sent me a Partridge Family Christmas card….

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