1. The document discusses developing a metaphor to describe one's perspective on conflict. It provides examples of metaphors and explains how metaphors can help clarify abstract concepts. 2. Readers are prompted to develop their own metaphor for how they view conflict and include it in their response. They are also asked to reflect on how their metaphor reflects their feelings about conflict and how it could influence relationships. 3. Readers should then watch a video on conflict and respond using 15-20 sentences reflecting on their metaphor and how conflict could be used to strengthen relationships.

1. Discussion/Response: Managing Conflict/Conflict as Metaphor 11 unread
reply.11 reply. After
Discussion/Response: Managing Conflict/Conflict as Metaphor11 unread reply.11
reply.After studying Lessons 13. 1 and 13.2, you’ll want to prepare for this assignment by
carefully thinking about how you “view” conflict. Is it a “necessary evil”? Do you see it as
something you’d rather “run from” or do you relish a “good fight”?How do you approach a
conflicting situation? Do you try to avoid it at all costs? Do you “come out swinging” with the
attitude of “it’s my way or the highway”? Do you try to “accommodate” and “play nice” in
most challenging scenarios?You see, we often react to conflict or “deal with it” based on how
we visualize it. So, take some time here to develop your perspective of “conflict”. Ask
yourself, “how do I view conflict”? Can you distill your view to a single metaphoric
statement?If you’re not familiar with metaphor as a figure of speech, think about it as taking
an abstract object or action and comparing it to a concrete concept, action, or object in
order to clarify or better understand the first abstract thought or notion. You see, we want
to clarify or identify hidden similarities between the two.Basically, when we compare the
abstract thought to a more concrete thought we understand it better…. we get a better
grasp of the meaning. A metaphor however is not a definition it’s figurative language and
it’s often quite eloquent and theatrical. For example, the phrase “The eyes are the windows
of the soul”is an expressive and eloquent way to say that an individual’s eyes can help us see
who they are as a human being. We can see a person’s emotional state or character by
looking deep into their eyes. The eyes are not literally windows, but if you take the time to
listen and look at someone deeply in conversation you may find out the essence of who they
are as a human being. Another way to think of it could be “Kayla’s eyes are the windows of
her soul.” We can see Kayla’s emotional state by looking into her expressive eyes. Another
example of a metaphoric phrase is“Patience is a virtue.”Having patience is an asset. It’s a
gift. It is enduring. It is a persistent quality…. a durable and desirable characteristic. And
finally, we can make the metaphoric statement“Love is blind”when we are in the throes of
love (consumed with love) and we may not be capable of seeing the flaws in our loved one.
We may not choose to see the flaws or we are incapable of seeing the flaws or inadequacies
of our loved one. Do you see how metaphors can help make sense of challenging terms or
experiences. So, can we create a metaphor for conflict? How do you “see” conflict? What is
your perspective? Is conflict–“an airplane flying to the ground” — (preparing to land or
about to crash land) “biting your lip” — (it hurts but you do it anyway)“a strong cup of

2. coffee” — (you need it to wake up in the morning, but too much keeps you from sleeping at
night)————————————Here’s your opportunity to be creative in your
thinking….1. Develop your own unique perspective of “conflict” into a single metaphoric
statement and include it at the top of your post. Be original. Make it your own. It’s critical
that you complete this work first. 2. Only then do you want to watch the following video-
While doing so, ask yourself: How does my metaphor reflect how I think and feel about
conflict? What are the options inside the metaphor?Does my metaphor orient me to see the
“ugliness” or the “beauty” in conflict? How might I transform my metaphor to transform my
view of conflict and thereby transform my relationships? In what ways can I use conflict
communication as a tool to deepen and grow my relationships that are near and dear to
me? (Use the story in the video or your own experience to think about this.)TEDx Talks.
(2016a, December 1). The beauty of conflict | Clair Canfield | TEDxUSU [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55n9pH_A0O83. Develop your response to these
prompts using a minimum of 15 to 20 sentences and post them below your metaphor
statement.