Solving all problems

Solving all problems

The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them. — Albert Einstein * see comments

He made this same statement several different ways. He also said “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.

Droplet
Photo by Auntie K

There are 4 things to check in on in solving any problem:

1) As long as we are “inside” a problem, we have no perspective on it. Being able to step back allows us to get that perspective. This “stepping back” is in taking the higher view, raising or expanding our level of consciousness so that the problem is in consciousness rather than consciousness (we) being in the problem. Then the problem can be seen in relationship and solutions often become obvious.

If things go wrong, don’t go with them.” — Roger Babson

2) While we need to consider a challenge closely, we want to ensure our attention is on a solution rather than the problem itself. If we simply focus on the existence of the problem, we can actually increase the problem. This is what we call worrying it. This is the issue with “Anti-war” and similar sentiments. Thats a kind of group worry. Dwell on finding the solution rather than on the problem itself.

Troubles are a lot like people – they grow bigger if you nurse them.” — Anon

3) Accept that there is a problem. One of the greatest impediments to a solution is a resistance to the problem itself. If we are unwilling to be with it as it is, we can hardly be expected to have a good perspective. We cannot step back from what we will not see. Be patient with yourself – it can take time to come to terms with a new challenge. But be prepared to recognize that at a certain point its time to allow and be with the issue as it is.

The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.” — Joan Didion

4) Blame is often a sign of resistance. If we are uncomfortable with accepting the problem as it is, we may try to blame another. Or ourselves. Trying to make something wrong appears to make something else right, but this is an illusion and just adds another layer of conflict. While it can be useful to understand the origins of an issue to help prevent its recurrence, blame just personalizes it. Blame places the issue off the problem. None of this is conducive to clarity. For the most part, people do the best they can in the moment. Often, the problem arises as a result of circumstances. This is not to say that people are without blame, only that the problem is usually in the process, not the person.

When you blame others, you give up your power to change.” — Anon

In the end, problems only exist if there is not an immediate solution. As we might imply from Einstein, if our consciousness is expanded enough, far fewer things will arise as challenges. Indeed, the vast majority of problems only exist because we are unwilling to see the situation as it is. When we are OK with what is, as it is, its remarkable how much less difficult life can become.

You can never worry your way to enlightenment.” — Ed Northstrum

Worry ducks when purpose flies overhead.” — C. Astrid Weber

Davidya

PS: Hakuna Matata

Last Updated on October 12, 2018 by Davidya

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One comment

  1. On the opening quotes, it turns out people have notoriously paraphrased Einstein or credited him with saying all kinds of things he didn’t. I learned this after this article was written. What he actually said was:
    “A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels.”

    This was in reference to war and the atomic bomb. “Consciousness” is a red flag as the word wasn’t widely used at that time.

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