Have you ever had a brilliant idea or solution seemingly come out of nowhere? You're going about your day, not actively thinking about a problem, when suddenly the answer pops into your head. What's behind this phenomenon?
It's your subconscious at work - that powerful part of your mind operating below your active awareness. The subconscious takes in all the information you receive throughout your life, connecting dots you aren't even aware of. When directed at a problem, it can generate fully-formed solutions that feel like strokes of genius.
So how can we better tap into this source of inspiration and insight? An intriguing tool I've discovered is called Metaphorical Associative Cards (MAC).
MAC is a deck of pictorial cards depicting people, situations, objects and abstract images. The cards work by triggering associative thinking and projecting your inner world onto the images. This allows you to dissociate and gain new perspective on your challenges. The metaphorical nature of the cards reveals meanings in new ways.
MAC can be used for individual reflection or collaborative settings. Group activities with the cards foster creativity, relationship building, feedback and self-discovery. There are no losers in this game - it's a safe, enjoyable way to explore ideas.
The subconscious is an invaluable resource we all possess. MAC provides a portal into this inner world, enabling fresh solutions to emerge. So next time you're struggling with a challenge, take out your MAC deck. The answers you seek may be closer than you think.