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Key points
- These troublesome times prompt us to find solutions that include our inner psychological needs.
- It is important to distinguish solutions offered from heartfelt generosity from those offered by dishonest schemers.
Uncertainties over the many diverse problems of our times have been lasting for a prolonged period. It should be no surprise that, whatever our circumstances, our inner mental world is changing along with our outer physical one. The objective here is to reflect on the general nature of solutions in the hope that it will ease the inner-psychological impact of the outer difficult events.
Whatever behaviors or decisions that worked effectively for us in the past may not now. Circumstances are very different, seem to change quickly, and can be shocking to our long-held norms. Consider some words and phrases that reveal recent concerns: social isolation, depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, economic desperation, and outrage, to name a few.
One indicator of problems affecting many people is how frequently “solutions” are proposed through online sites, news, and books. The suffering of the afflicted can draw the attention of generous givers as well as aspiring grifters. An in-depth objective assessment of any solution is recommended before acting on it.
Anyone might try a solution for a while and have temporary success, then unexpectedly find there is a new problem in need of a new solution. Such a pattern can repeat until life becomes a series of “solution behaviors” excessively occupying one’s attention and adding to unhealthy stress. A group of solutions is not necessarily a solution. Superficial or “quick” solutions are likely insufficient if they overtake ongoing deep self-inquiry, for that is where the enduring solutions are to be found.
There are as many scenarios of problems as there are individuals. We can’t really know with certainty what others are experiencing inside. Patience and compassion for everyone’s sake can serve as a priority when it is difficult to agree on a solution that impacts many others. Rather than focusing on faults that can blind us, sincere questioning of our personal assumptions can broaden our vision.
I offer some examples representing personal perspectives of my own recent challenges.
The social isolation at the start of COVID felt like most of my friends disappeared overnight. All my activities that fulfilled my need for social interaction came to a halt and over time my communication skills, enjoyment of conversation, and ability to empathize have been impacted in a negative way. Part of my solution is to take the time to be more courteous to strangers I encounter in everyday settings.
The difficulty of getting workmen to fix things at my house has left me with some problems still unsolved for the last couple of years. I have learned to live with inconveniences and without some amenities. I’ve learned to temporarily fix things myself with whatever I have on hand. I am surrendering quality things to find quality time.
My body awareness has increased, along with my age, and I notice every small physical change that might indicate a health problem. These lessened dramatically when I got Covid-vaccinated because it diminished my fear of loneliness and death. Being aware of others’ fears can contribute to becoming a more compassionate listener and problem-solver.
I have explored solutions to stress that sounded uplifting but I have not been very successful at sustaining the required practices. I have started routines only to have yet another new problem appear that requires I use that time slot. I’m a work in progress in this new world of confusion. I try to be grateful for what I do have, what is working, what problems I have solved, and especially anything that I experience that stirs awareness of Beauty’s calming presence around and within me.
Recently, I decided I needed to directly face what I had been avoiding: The truth about how I want to live going forward. It is time for me to accept that life will never be as it was before—a fact that has always been the case even if denied.
I gave myself a few dictums:
- Simplify your needs by giving to the needs of others.
- Whatever you cannot adapt to, say “no” to.
- The answers you need are already within you, only waiting for your egocentric needs to be released.
In difficult times some people find actions to take and comfort to receive through spiritual beliefs and practices. Others don’t. Our inner problems take individual forms of experiences. Spiritual solutions take individual forms of insights.
Whatever one’s personal journey in life, whatever one’s inner response to the intensity of current uncertainty, we each are alive together in this moment. We are inherently connected to each other, as well as to all life on Earth, through our aliveness.
We are influencing each other through our connections, known or not. Multiple problems and solutions will travel along our connections and transform others. One of my longings is that all solutions be effective based on the principles of Goodness, Truth, and Beauty.
It may be unavoidable to experience times of intense change just as it is unavoidable that evolution will continue to drive change. Creating solutions may be part of our role as conscious humans in the greater ongoing processes of all existence. The first step may be finding the solution of how to take that step together.
© B. A. Luceigh, August 8, 2021
