Solving problems

 

The best solution to a problem is not to have the problem at all. The second best solution is to willingly accept the problem and see it as a challenge. The third best solution is to know that the problem is just a monster under the bed – it is not real. 


The final solution is to know that nature provides you the solution even before giving you the problem. First you met me and then you had a problem! 


There are no bacteria in the winter since herbs to heal you do not grow then. In the spring, the herbs grow first and then the bugs arrive. In the summer, the shade comes before the summer sun gets strong. So, nature takes good care of you. 


What if longing is a problem? Longing ripens you. Do not solve all your problems. Keep at least one of them. You need something to munch on – and life goes on.


Whenever there is a problem, you either deny it saying there is no problem, or you sit down to solve the problem and make it a big issue. Neither of these help. A problem does not disappear when you deny it and it does not get solved when you sit down to solve it. The five steps to solve a problem are:

  • Recognize that it exists. 
  • See it as a small problem and do not say it is big. 
  • If it concerns people, keep in touch with them instead of avoiding them. 
  • Talk less and give time a chance.
  • Get together and celebrate. When you celebrate and put the problem on the back burner, you will see that the problem gets solved in time. 


So, it is wise not to sit down to solve a problem. Many of the meetings to solve problems end up in disaster. If you do not have any problems, you will create problems or you will become a problem yourself! If you have a small problem in your pocket to solve, it will give focus to your mind. It is better to have a problem than to be a problem. 

Relationship between joy and sorrow

 

The inability to experience joy and sorrow is inertia. Experiencing joy and sorrow is a trait of consciousness. 


Being happy in one’s own joy and sad in one’s own sorrow is a trait of animals. Being happy at another’s joy and saddened by another’s sorrow is a trait of humans. 


If you are saddened by another’s sorrow, then sorrow will never come to you. If you are happy at another’s joy, then joy will never leave you. 


Seeing that every relative joy is also a misery is a sign of dispassion. And seeing both joy and sorrow as just a technique is a sign of the wise. 


To consider sorrow mere illusion is divinity. Transcending joy and sorrow and being established in the Self is perfection.


As the late Swami Sharanananda said, “Pray for the strength to serve in joy and to sacrifice in sorrow.”