The Real Problem
With all the wild change in our political and social realms, it is important to stop and recognize what is truly important. Krishanamurti said when we are seeking solutions to a problem we tend to ignore the one who is seeking, and that is the problem. If we do not investigate how our mind perceives any situation, we do not see the whole picture. It is often in the way we frame a situation that we can either recognize an innovative way forward or regress into the same pattern that was complicit in creating the problem in the first place. It is all a matter of perspective.
Our perception always determines outcome. If we become fearful and unhappy, we need to shift our perception. Anne Frank, in her “Dairy of a Young Girl,” said it this way (somewhat paraphrased):
As long as sunshine and cloudless skies exist, I cannot be unhappy. The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go out in nature, because only then does one feel all is as it should be and that the universe wishes us to be happy. Amidst the simple beauty of nature there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.
Anne Frank experienced the incredible horrors of war and isolation. Nevertheless, she recognized the the universe (God, in her words) wants us to be happy. In the language of Vajrayana Buddhism, it is said that the entire universe is a “field of enlightened intention.” The earth, water, fire, wind, and space that surrounds us seems to wish our enlightenment. If we listen deeply to those elements encoded deep in our psyche, we abide in an unshakeable untroubled awareness.
This is not resting in passivity. We are compelled to follow the intention for happiness through our skillful activities to relieve suffering in the world, knowing all suffering comes from those who feel separated from the enlightened field of experience. In other words, the real source of every problem is believing in the illusion of separateness, the realm of ego grasping, which prevents us from experiencing the simplicity of nature’s gift; our true nature.
So rather than reading this gibberish or wallowing in angst, maybe go outside no matter the weather and feel yourself embraced by the elements. Let your thoughts mingle with the breeze and bask in the sun. Let the rain wash you of disturbing emotions. Take off your shoes and wiggle your toes, sprouting roots of connection into the soil. See what happens. And then see where you can be of service to others.