The biggest discovery I made in my studies to become a hypnotist was in being able to discern other people's metaphors and use them in communicating (rather than my own).
Personal metaphors are jam packed with information and emotion.
For example, when someone talks about being part of a "club", it seems like an innocent word doesn't it, but to them the club metaphor may mean the inclusion or ostracization of a social group.
Of course, some metaphors are universally understood (especially archetypes) and can be the transport system for new instructions to the subconscious mind. I used the Warrior metaphor for my eyes-open self hypnosis: http://summonthewarrior.com and people seem to respond really well to it, myself included!
This, and many of the suggestions in the original thread, and pg's default response, are all falling into the same trap: they are attempting to fix a people problem using technical solutions.
If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
I haven't been formally diagnosed with bipolar, but I sure as heck have many of the symptoms, including feeling elation and depression at the same time. I also have chronic depression.
What does that mean? Nothing, except I completely see myself in Andre's description. What am I doing about it? Exercising, reading affirmations, trying to watch the diet (tough when broke) etc, etc.
But I read Andre's story and it makes me very sad.
Personal metaphors are jam packed with information and emotion.
For example, when someone talks about being part of a "club", it seems like an innocent word doesn't it, but to them the club metaphor may mean the inclusion or ostracization of a social group.
Of course, some metaphors are universally understood (especially archetypes) and can be the transport system for new instructions to the subconscious mind. I used the Warrior metaphor for my eyes-open self hypnosis: http://summonthewarrior.com and people seem to respond really well to it, myself included!