Last update: Augusts 25, 2015
The use of metaphors and sensory exercises is very common in order to clarify hidden or unresolved aspects of our life.
Some new therapies, such as Wilson and Hayes' Acceptance and Compromise Therapy, use metaphors as their primary tools.
In this article we will talk about the garbage can metaphor, which we will explain the meaning of so that you can put it into practice day after day.
The power of thoughts
Imagine you have a waste bin and you fill it with garbage. Imagine a bin full of waste of any kind. At this point, ask yourself if you would be able to put your hand inside the basket. Obviously, the answer will be no.
Now, imagine that there is something really important to you at the bottom of the bin or bin. It can be money, the possibility of having a stable relationship with a person, healing after suffering from some ailment, etc.. Now would you put your hand in the bin?
If there was something really important, you would actually put your hand inside the basket. Would it make you "disgusting"? Probably yes, but, unlike in the first situation, in this second situation, feeling "disgusting" would make sense.
We are not asking you to put your hands in the trash thinking this is wonderful, feeling happy while doing it or imagining a pleasant scent.
Will makes us do things that can sometimes have unpleasant psychological consequences, but that are worth doing. That is why it is important that you work properly on your values ​​and principles.
What does this metaphor mean?
Basically, this metaphor tries to break the thought-behavior literality of most people, even if in some it is more pronounced than others.
Here's an example:
You wake up in the morning and, frankly speaking, the first thought you have about yourself or the day that is about to begin is not exactly positive. You start brooding and thoughts like "I'm a mess", "I'm trash", "I will never be able to organize myself well to do this job", come into your mind..
In this situation, the metaphor that we have illustrated wants to give you a message: what will you do with these thoughts?
That is to say, are you willing to endure fatigue or unexpected events, to put your hands in the garbage to reach the important things that are at the bottom of the bin.? A solution against the mortgage, a promotion at work, perhaps? Or, on the contrary, do you decide to merge with these thoughts and, since you think you are garbage, throw yourself straight into the bin?
What do you want to do?
Your decision:
If the goal is really worth it, the metaphor is to encourage you to endure stressful or work-filled days to achieve what you truly desire, no matter how you feel. Thoughts and feelings are automatic, but that doesn't mean you have to throw everything away.
Sometimes, you may think that you can't make it and feel discouraged, but that's normal. It is very important that you know that it is part of the process. There will be pleasant moments and others less pleasant, the point is to keep in mind that when you want something there is always a price to pay and often negative thoughts can play tricks..
For example, if your job is important to you and you don't want to lose it, enduring tough times is normal. At the same time, however, it will make you stronger, more effective, more constant. Think about the costs and benefits of getting carried away by your thoughts and reflect on the consequences.
Of course, if you act without being influenced by your thoughts, you will be in control because you will allow them to exist, but you will be able to act in a functional way.
Strive, be persevering, try not to lose your way and overcome difficulties. All of this has a meaning when in the end you will reach what you wanted or had set for yourselves: the satisfaction of having achieved a goal thanks to your efforts alone..
So, don't forget the waste bin metaphor before you throw everything, including yourself, in the trash.
