Introduction of a New, Contemporary, and Developmentally Flexible Mindfulness Metaphor

Mindfulness is described as an experiential state and an intentional practice aimed at enhancing attention to and acceptance of the broad range of human experience. The use of figurative language occupies a central role in the psychotherapy process. This article introduces a new analogy, not currently represented in the literature, with therapeutic utility across age groups for enhancing understanding of and appreciation for the nature of thoughts, their manifestation, and role in psychological functioning. A description is offered, along with instructions for applying it as a mindfulness exercise in a therapy context. Limitations to applicability are discussed. In applied psychological settings the integration of figurative speech can be an invaluable tool [9,10]. Robert and Kelly [11] suggest that “Metaphors may be used to improve counselor training and the counseling process by fostering client case conceptualization and facilitating counselor-client collaboration in intervention development” (p.182). Indeed, the field of psychology has a rich history of utilizing metaphors, similes, allegories, etc. as clinical tools in the therapeutic context. Blenkiron [12] offers a clinical review of the use of stories and analogies in cognitive behavior therapy, helpfully providing specific examples that can be applied to each disorder, while also importantly emphasizing the importance of tailoring use to the individual client. And while the avid reader is referred to Leary [13] for a more complete discussion of the role of non-literal language in the evolution of psychology, an especially poignant quote on the topic for the purposes of this paper can be drawn from Evan [14], who states: “the function of metaphor in psychotherapy expresses more basic truths about the subjective structure of the world and the nature of psychological activity. More specifically, it is argued that by facilitating the use of metaphor in describing one's experience the therapist is encouraging a part of the psyche that is intimately involved in both stasis and growth” (p.545). In a therapeutic context, individuals often struggle to connect with aspects regarding their own psychological functioning and the strategies relied upon for improvement. For instance, many evidencebased treatment modalities (e.g., cognitive therapy, cognitivebehavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, along with others) involve assisting the client to explore how his or her own pattern of thoughts contributes to subsequent emotions and associated behavioral tendencies. The capacity to do so essentially incorporates the foundational