The Monkey Jar: An Apt Metaphor for Most of Us!
Quite often an apt metaphor can convey a point better than anything else. A personal favorite is that of the “monkey jar” and how it relates to us humans often get ourselves stuck in an unwanted pattern.
In some warmer climates, expanding population growth has resulted in the need to clear jungle areas in order to build housing. Quite often this encroachment of humans on the animal habitat has resulted in conflict with the animals that were there first. In particular, monkeys.
Aside from the cute and comical image most of us have of monkeys; they can actually be very destructive and disruptive when humans try to coexist with them. Thus the need sometimes arises to clear a village of these simian neighbors.
Since apes and humans are similar in many ways, there is a natural reluctance to harm them. So, a more humane method of trapping has evolved. A clay jar with a neck that tapers into a larger bottom is tied to a tree. An orange that just fits into the neck of the jar is then placed into this “monkey jar” and the trap is set.
The monkey will place his hand in the jar and try to grab the orange; however he cannot remove his hand as long as he holds onto the fruit. So the monkey is trapped by his simultaneous desire for both the free meal and his freedom and will remain stuck indefinitely. It is then a simple matter for the villagers to attach a leash and collar to the monkey before breaking the jar (and hopefully letting him have the orange!) and leading him away to a more remote location.
Are we that much different? Consider some area you feel stuck in and look for the conflicting goals and desires. Can you make a ton of money and avoid risk and hard work? Probably, not. Is it possible to have wonderful friendships and still insist on always being right? I wouldn’t bet on it. Can you have a slim and trim body and continually given into the immediate gratification of junk food? No. We can avoid making monkeys of ourselves if we can remember that many times we have to let go of one thing to get another.
Curious about how hypnosis can help you overcome your fears and frustrations? Visit the New Jersey Hypnotist Web Site
In some warmer climates, expanding population growth has resulted in the need to clear jungle areas in order to build housing. Quite often this encroachment of humans on the animal habitat has resulted in conflict with the animals that were there first. In particular, monkeys.
Aside from the cute and comical image most of us have of monkeys; they can actually be very destructive and disruptive when humans try to coexist with them. Thus the need sometimes arises to clear a village of these simian neighbors.
Since apes and humans are similar in many ways, there is a natural reluctance to harm them. So, a more humane method of trapping has evolved. A clay jar with a neck that tapers into a larger bottom is tied to a tree. An orange that just fits into the neck of the jar is then placed into this “monkey jar” and the trap is set.
The monkey will place his hand in the jar and try to grab the orange; however he cannot remove his hand as long as he holds onto the fruit. So the monkey is trapped by his simultaneous desire for both the free meal and his freedom and will remain stuck indefinitely. It is then a simple matter for the villagers to attach a leash and collar to the monkey before breaking the jar (and hopefully letting him have the orange!) and leading him away to a more remote location.
Are we that much different? Consider some area you feel stuck in and look for the conflicting goals and desires. Can you make a ton of money and avoid risk and hard work? Probably, not. Is it possible to have wonderful friendships and still insist on always being right? I wouldn’t bet on it. Can you have a slim and trim body and continually given into the immediate gratification of junk food? No. We can avoid making monkeys of ourselves if we can remember that many times we have to let go of one thing to get another.
Curious about how hypnosis can help you overcome your fears and frustrations? Visit the New Jersey Hypnotist Web Site
posted by New Jersey Hypnotist James Malone | 10:58 AM
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