How do I solve my problems?

As always, two answers. One based on relative truth, and one based on non-dualistic Truth.

In the world of contrast, problem solving is really what human life is all about. We are presented with problems and obstacles from the moment we are conceived. We then begin learning and developing tools and strategies for solving these problems. Some tools and techniques work better than others, and many individuals develop a personal perspective of how the problems of life work. Some become very confident in their ability to problem solve, while others develop a helpless attitude that ultimately culminates in the purchase and display of a bumper sticker that says "Shit Happens."

Actually, every single person is eventually presented with a problem (or two, or twenty) that is not solvable. What do we do in that case? Several possibilities. We learn to live with and work around the problem. We ignore the problem. We try to get others to solve it or at least alleviate it for us. We agonize over it. Or we simply stop defining it as a problem.

To lead into non-dualism, I will point out a very interesting phenomenon that is very public and well-known in the United States. People in the lower and middle socio-economic classes tend to distill all problems down to "lack of money." A great many of our problems could be solved if we had unlimited funds. Well, in this country there actually are people who have unlimited funds. High-paid CEOs, doctors, specialists, lawyers, authors, celebrities, inventors, etc. In the United States, rich people are very visible and admired by the populace because they are examples of the culmination of the 'American Dream.' (Interesting term.)

But, closer examination reveals a dark side. The more a person is able to solve the superficial problems, the more likely they are to gain a view of existential problems. And problems of existence can't be solved with money. So a great many wealthy people turn to substance abuse, masochism, and suicide. It seems that the more we use wealth, power, and education to develop our sense of self, the more likely we are to turn to those three avenues.

Viewed from the perspective of non-dualism, this is not surprising. All of our problems within human life are merely reflections and symbols of our real problem. Our real problem is that we believe we have successfully made a world and a universe based on the idea of differentiation. Our real problem is that we are utterly convinced that we exist. So the solution is to accept that life, as defined by us, can't be Real. If Perfect Oneness is Real, Separation and imperfection cannot be. Ultimately, the solution will be to accept Oneness. For now, the best approach is to at least begin to QUESTION.

Here are some helpful questions (based on a non-dualistic view) for the next time you have a problem.

~ Am I seeing this situation accurately?

~ Am I defining the problem accurately?

~ Have I ASKED for help?

~ Am I ASKing questions, or making statements?

~ What am I afraid of in this situation?

~ Would I rather be right or happy?

~ Am I willing to be taught a better approach?

~ Is there another way to see this?

~ After I ASK for help, can I set the problem aside for a while?

~ Can I see how separation has caused this problem?

~ Can I see any degree of union or oneness in this problem?

~ Can I think, say, or do anything to bring more unity to this situation?