LIFE IS LIKE---

Metaphors and LifeMetaphors can help us understand life. A metaphor compares dissimilarthings on the basis of some underlying commonality. A new insight orbroadened understanding is created.Metaphors belong to the larger class of symbols. The word symbolcomes from two Greek root words meaning "to throw" and "together."The word symbol therefore means "to throw together." This is what asymbol does. When you cannot say what something is, you can say whatit is like. A symbol throws together a subject that is not understoodwith an image that is understood in an attempt to throw light on thesubject. It compares or throws together one thing that we dounderstand with something we do not understand in order to help usunderstand the thing that we do not understand. (Now, do youunderstand?) Symbols take us from a concrete, surface level ofunderstanding to a greater depth of meaning. Metaphors do the same.Life is like...Thinking of life as a journey, is a metaphor. We can think of life'sjourney in many different ways. From our beginning life is taking usto a destination with challenging adventures along the way. Life maybe seen as an ocean voyage across unknown depths where stormsoccasionally toss us about as we seek the safety of calm shores. Anold bluegrass song tells us that life is like journeying on amountain railway with hills, tunnels, dangerous curves and the need of a brave engineer.