The business of Problem Solving

Image from Lucy's album

Yet another reference to Einstein... J

Einstein is supposed to have said that no problem can be solved at the level at which it was created.  The solution, he said, is always at a higher level.

When we learn how to enter into our Clear Water Mind state, we are able to shift from the state of mind (the muddy mind) where all our ‘problems’ exist and from where they arise to where clarity or ‘solutions’ are found.

Etymologically, ‘solution’ derives from the sense of ‘loosening’ or ‘unfastening’.  Interesting, don’t you think? 

There are two points that I’d like to discuss here.  The first is to do with Problem Solving.  The second is to do with Problem Creation J.

The business of Problem Solving...imagine this scenario: 

You take your car to your mechanic for a service.  When your mechanic calls you later in the day to give you an update, he tells you that there’s something wrong with the clutch and recommends that you have it fixed asap.  And yes, he’ll do it for you right away if you like.

Well, it sounds serious and you certainly aren’t going to be able to repair it yourself so you authorize him to do it.  He does and charges you handsomely for it too.

Now, what if, a few days later, as you happened to recount this event to a friend, he tells you that the mechanic you’d been to is known for ‘messing with cars’ and creating problems that didn’t exist so that he could charge customers for getting them fixed?

You’d be angry, I’m sure.  And you’d probably resolve never to go to that mechanic again.

Pseudo Problem Creator, Pseudo Problem Solver

Here’s the thing:  The mechanic creates the problem and then offers to fix it for you.  And, not knowing any better, you agree.  Crazy or what???

It’s rather like the conditioned/muddy mind.  It creates a problem and then proceeds to fix it for you because you have given it permission to do so.  Or not given it alternative instructions/directions J

Actually, you’ve never even questioned your conditioned mind.  You’ve never asked it questions such as:

·       Why is this a problem?

·       Who or what has created this problem?

·       How have I come to see it as a problem?

·       Do I have to see this as a problem?

·       What is it about you (the conditioned mind) that has created this problem?

·       What if I choose not to see this as a problem?

·       What are some ways of seeing this situation other than as a problem?

Now, you might be thinking that there are occasions when you do subject your mind to this kind of questioning.  Perhaps so.  It is a great starting point. 

But if you remain in your conditioned (muddy) mind state where your problem was created in the first place to seek an answer/solution, then expect to get conditioned/muddy answers/solutions.

If you want to get clear, unconditioned, fresh, inspired answers, then you will need to go a level up – to the unconditioned, Clear Water Mind state.

And when you do, chances are, you will see things very differently.  You may even have different questions to ask J.

And so, moving on to the point about Problem Creation…

The conditioned mind creates problems because it sees differences/dissonance/disagreements that appear to threaten it. 

For example:

Someone has a different opinion or belief than mine.  That’s a problem.  Either they must come to my way of thinking or I must come to theirs.  It’s not possible for us to cohabit harmoniously when we see things differently.  Until this is resolved, I cannot experience peace or joy or love either within myself or with the other person.  OR

There is too much consumerism.  I have to do something about it.  If I don’t, I won’t be able to live with myself.  This is a problem.  I am not ready to change my ways.  This makes life hard for me.  I cannot feel at peace until I resolve this inner conflict within me. OR

So and so says I should eat this kind of food.  But someone else says something quite the opposite.  I’m never sure what to follow.  Whatever I do, I have a nagging feeling that I might not be getting this right.  This is a problem.  I’m never going to be at peace until I resolve this. OR

Someone is suffering terribly from illness.  I don’t know what to do.  I want to help but I can’t.  I feel terrible about this.  I don’t want to feel this way and I don’t want them to suffer either.  What should I do?  This is a problem.  I won’t be at peace until I resolve this.

The conditioned mind can and will (given the chance) turn anything and everything into a problem.  This is how it maintains its relevance, it's purpose.  (Pseudo) Problem creation and (Pseudo) Problem solving is its raison d'être! (You may note the parallels in societyJ) 

Shakespeare said:

‘Nothing is either good or bad, except thinking that makes it so’

I know, I know.  It goes against every fibre of our…..

Conditioning!

Yes, our conditioning. 

Not against our innate truth and wisdom.  Not against our natural, free, divine, infinite mind.  But against our conditioning.

So, the question is:  Do we want to live our lives in defense of our conditioning?  

I know I don’t J. 

Do you?