Core Metaphor
Oh sweet, sweet insights. So special when gifted to us through journey and relationship. Last weekend we left the skis on the shelf and dusted off the canoe gear for a lovely weekend of getting back in the boats and meeting the river again. It felt like home, it felt like unconscious competence when I reflected on my drive home how I had really moved past the point of doubting whether or not I remembered how to paddle at the beginning of each season.
There were a few rapids and skill building maneuvers and there were slower flowing straight sections. It is so nice to have both, we appreciate each one more with the contrast of the other. Once we got into the calm section we could drop deeper into our conversation and my paddle partner was a fantastic listener, like one of those people who are using their super power to hear and see you, and let you know you are being witnessed. I told her about my journey in my career, what it had been like to put adventure retreats on the calendar this year, which had just been announced to our group of staff at our lunch break! I expressed the challenges of clearly articulating a mission when it feels so vast and varied. From my ramble she pulled out this insight and asked a clear and genius question:
“What is the Core Metaphor of your business?”
Oh sweet, sweet clarity. What a fantastic question. So much of what we do for each other in relationship through our growth is just rephrase things so that we can hear them better, so they hit home with each of us. Your mission statement, your purpose, your '“1 thing”. All of these just seemed to big for me, I needed to write a whole page of mission statement, I felt that I needed to include every role that I play in my life into my purpose from river guide and instructor to friend to daughter to aunty to neighbor to “that friend” that is always baking treats in exchange for what ever help is needed…. My one thing? I just couldn’t narrow it down, at least not yet.
My Core Metaphor? Adventure. It is the lens that I see everything through when I find inspiration. From a health crisis to a healing journey, from long drives back and forth to work, exploring deeper conversations with friends and intimacy with a partner. When it is an adventure, it is all good. It is a learning platform, a journey, and it is filled with grace to experiment, try something new and pay attention to what happens. That’s what you do in adventure, embrace uncertainty with an appropriate level of safety and risk balance. With direction and guidance. With joy and enthusiasm.
What is your personal Core Metaphor? In your business/work? In relationship or family dynamics? As a team or in your friend group? How do you apply the logical and relatable qualities of a thing to the more etheric experiences to better understand and grow?
My friend Sarah has a counselling practice of her own, you can connect with her on FB @sarahannelliman
