A metaphor is using language to compare two different things on the basis of the characteristics that they share. It is a powerful tool we all can use to change attitudes quickly, effectively, and lastingly.
It takes only a small piece of a metaphor to evoke the whole. - Suzette Haden Elgin, Ph.D. "How Metaphors Filter Perception and Complicate Communications." pages 146 - 154.
I find it of interest that language for humans has some need for a metaphor to bring about changes in our knowledge, understanding, and perceptions. I can only guess that this is so simply because the human minds pension to resist change and misunderstand normal language. There are so many variables to language and communications that even in the best of situations we are mistaken in what we hear, see, and perceive.
I can also make the guess that we all come into any language interaction with preconceived thoughts and understandings as related to our personal perceptual filtering system. When it gets dicey is when we use them to "assume" we know what others are thinking, meaning, and conveying in conversation.
If we use metaphors then don't we have to know and understand what others will perceive to understand as to the metaphor as it relates to the intended meaning. It is possible our metaphor may not be perceived by the other person as the same or related to our intent.
In general, use of metaphors will provide others an easier and gentler path to change. One that they may accept more readily than blunt information, i.e. your wrong and I am right. This latter example would stimulate resistance, not acceptance.
Why discuss this in a martial arts blog? Well, if your trying to achieve a level of defense where a primary and important aspect is avoidance and/or deescalation then this would assist in achieving those goals.
Last comment here, do you know what the unifying metaphor is for the group you are a member of or the individual you are trying to lead to change? If not, maybe in lieu of simply stating they need to change do some discovery to find that unifying metaphor that will provide them an opening to change and keep their "face" intact. A simply complex endeavor don't you think?
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