Bring Me Your Problems
Every single so-called problem we face, every fear, worry, and feeling of anxiety, is the result of being unaware of our true self. We search high and low for solutions and various ways of escape from these undesirables whether through therapy, relationships, religions, or substances (none of these I am judging right or wrong by the way).
What Are Problems?
One observation is that we call these feelings and experiences “problems”. For various reasons we have defined them as wrong or undesirable. They are things we must escape or fix, or so we think. Of course, problems are defined differently throughout various times and cultures. What one considers a problem today might not have been so a thousand years previous. Nevertheless, we define these problems, and then with variations of intensity, focus on these problems with the goal of figuring them out and fixing them.
The Vicious Cycle of Focus
What many of us remain unaware of is the fact that with focus comes greater intensity. It’s a vicious cycle of focusing on the problem which then feeds on that very focus. For example, a therapist might say something along the lines of, “let’s dig into this problem and examine its roots”, etc. The patient digs in, focusing intently on the problem, keeping it in the front of the mind. Perhaps the root is discovered, perhaps not, but what inevitably happens is the problem gains momentum and either grows or changes form (becoming a separate, deeper problem) continuing its torment of the mind of the patient. The patient may be asked to remain vigilant, watching for the problem to rear its head and then take some action. Again, the patient has the problem at the front of the mind, remaining alert for it to peak around the corner. And, so we become ouroboros, eating our own tail, thinking in the words of Alan Watts, “Haven’t we been here before?”
This goes not just for this type of therapy, but for almost any supposed “solution” to our supposed “problem”.
However, the observation still stands that we call these feelings and experiences “problems” in the first place.
Bring Me Your Mind
I am reminded of Bodhidharma being approached and pleaded with: “My mind is not yet at peace! I beg you, master, please pacify my mind!” Bodhidharma replied, “Bring me your mind, and I will pacify it for you.” The response was, “I have searched for my mind, and I cannot find it.” Bodhidharma said, “Now, your mind is pacified.”
What are our problems, and why do we label them thus? Bring me your problem, and I will pacify it for you. When we search for our problems, we might just find no “problems” at all.
Separation Anxiety
What is your problem? Is it truly a problem or merely perceived to be a problem? As mentioned above, every so-called “problem” we face is the result of being unaware of our true self. When we believe ourselves to be separate from all that surrounds us, separate from the whole, we at the same time define things as problems. This is the true meaning of “separation anxiety”! The mistaken belief in separation brings with it unavoidable anxiety.
What I have realized over the years (with the help of a few dead friends) is that this separation between “myself” and everything else is nothing more than an illusion. When this realization is deeply felt, or experienced, there are no longer any “problems”. I don’t mean that what we labeled as “problems” simply no longer are happening, although, they may cease in many regards. But, the very idea of a “problem” is no longer relevant where one has awakened to their own identity as inseparable from the entirety of existence.
The Whole Process
“Problems” are simply patterns of the process of the universe. Much like watching ripples across a pond and judging some particular ripples as bad or undesirable, the one who believes himself to be separate from the whole cosmos judges “problems” as bad. This is done from a place of isolation; isolation from the cosmic organism as a whole. The word “isolate” is derived from the Latin word insula, which means “island”. Believing oneself to be separate from the whole is like an island believing itself to be separate from the earth, simply because it cannot see its connection for the cover of water. Of course, as John Donne has said, “No man is an island.” And, I add to that, every man (and woman and child) is the whole.
No Goal, No Problem
The goal of the realization of oneself as synonymous with the whole is not to have no problems. Just as there in reality are no problems, there is likewise no goal! Everything is the process and flow of the entirety of cosmic energy. Not realizing this is just as much the process of existence as realizing it is. It’s just that realizing is a lot more fun than not. And when we understand this basic truth, there is no longer any problem, no question, and even no “things”.
So, Bring Me Your Problems…
So, bring me your problems, and I will pacify them…
I understand that all of this may seem abstract to some, especially when it comes to dealing with incredible challenges. But consider these things when wrestling with your next “problem”. Try acknowledging the problem’s illusory nature as well as your true identity as existence itself. And remember, letting go of the illusion of separation and realizing one’s true identity is not about escaping reality; it is a direct experience of yourself as the entirety of existence as it is…whole, complete, and without barriers. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject, and how it affects your experience. Comment below or reach out directly through my contact form. As always, I’m available for private one on one sessions here.