When it comes to psychological health, what can we constructively do during turbulent times? One thing is to polish personal rough edges through metaphor recognition. Embracing character refinement, such as honing integrity and organization, consolidates a partnership with the unconscious, setting the stage for remarkable epiphanies. The decision to explore various facets lets curiosity overshadow resentment and blame. That doesn’t mean ignoring or discounting troublesome situations but by keeping our focus on balance and follow through a bleak horizon may trigger cathartic self-discovery. For example, the current political landscape understandably disturbs many people. The words, as well as actions, of those wielding power confounds, confuses and agitates. Therefore, if we want well being, it’s imperative to develop in ways that have possibly been neglected.

Examining the metaphors of our lives helps enliven this creative endeavor because we learn to shift our perspective during stressful periods and see the world from different angles, which produces novel insights. The more we can flexibly adjust interpretations, the less rampaging uncertainty knocks us off course. A simple key is taking small steps, allowing insight to unfold incrementally. Seeking too much change all at once often leaves no foundation for structural support and any gains realized are susceptable to instability. We might begin getting in physical shape but then injure ourselves. A financial windfall can arrive only to be followed by absentminded loss. Unforced errors often undermine progress when not paying attention to areas of procrastination. 

Seeing metaphors reminds us to remember how several meanings can happen at the same time. Therefore, when we accept that additional dimensions exist to be considered, rather than just immediate judgments, we generate more space to comprehend the bigger picture. Shortsightedness is a shortcoming everyone faces on occasion so if we refuse to clear our blindspots, dire predicaments become that much harder to resolve or reconcile. Noticing metaphors at least provides a framework for an invigorating juxtaposition of contrasts.