Your unconscious mind is talking to you…
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the power of symbols and metaphors and how they act as bridges between our conscious and unconscious minds. These tools serve as the language of our deeper selves, allowing our unconscious to communicate in ways that transcend logic and words.
In essence, the unconscious mind speaks a language of its own—one rooted not in reason but in symbols, images, and metaphors.
Take dreams, for instance.
Dreams are perhaps the clearest example of this symbolic language. You might dream of flying and wake up feeling euphoric, or find yourself trapped in a maze and carry a lingering sense of anxiety. These aren’t random events—they are your unconscious expressing something meaningful through imagery.
I still remember when my father told me about a dream he had: riding a bicycle down a superhighway while balancing a rowboat on his back.
We never figured out that one!
But this symbolic language doesn’t stop with dreams. Symbols and metaphors appear in our waking lives as well, often disguised within the stories we tell ourselves.
Think about it: when you say, “I feel like I’m climbing a mountain” or “I’m treading water,” you’re revealing how your unconscious is processing your experience. These metaphors aren’t just idle phrases—they’re windows into your inner world.
So why am I telling you this?
Because these metaphors hold the key to transformation.
Each of us has a unique inner landscape, rich with symbols that reflect our struggles, strengths, and potential for growth. For one person, a burning candle might symbolize hope; for another, it could represent the passage of time slipping away. The meaning is deeply personal—and therein lies its power.
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So, take a moment to reflect:
What recurring images, objects, or themes show up in your dreams or daydreams?
When you think about your current challenges, what metaphor comes to mind?
Are you climbing a mountain?
Navigating a storm?
Building a bridge?
These metaphors are not just interesting thoughts; they are insights into how your unconscious organizes and interprets your reality. And once you identify your metaphors, you can work with them to create meaningful change.
Let’s say you find yourself thinking, “I’m stuck in the mud.”
Ask yourself…
What will it take to get free?
A strong pull? A helping hand? Or maybe just the patience to wait until the mud dries?
What skills or resources do you already possess that could help you move forward?
In hypnosis, this process becomes even more direct and powerful. Hypnosis allows us to communicate with the unconscious mind, offering it new symbols to replace outdated ones. For instance, instead of being stuck, we might introduce the image of “walking on solid ground” or “discovering a clear path through the forest.”
If someone says they’re “lost in the fog,” hypnosis might replace that metaphor with “heading toward a lighthouse.” That simple shift in imagery can activate internal resources and provide clarity.
That’s because hypnosis works as a fast track for this kind of symbolic transformation.
So what about you?
What metaphors are guiding your life right now, and how will you reshape them into something more empowering?
Symbols are incredibly flexible, and by consciously engaging with them, you can tap directly into your unconscious mind, because your metaphors shape your internal reality.
When we refine and update them, we transform the way we see and respond to the world. That’s why hypnosis and personal development are so impactful—they allow us to rewrite our internal narratives, one symbol at a time.
This week, I invite you to explore the metaphors in your life.
Observe them. Play with them. Let them guide you toward transformation.
And, most importantly, ask yourself: What metaphor will I choose to live by?
Metaphors be with you.
- Mike Mandel
P.S. If you’re ready to dive deeper into this symbolic language, join us for our next live hypnosis training ...
Or, MMHA members, share your favorite metaphors in the MMH Engage group—I’d love to hear them!
