Why Problems Are Valuable

Problems have their role,

In highlighting our distress,

So we can approach the goal,

Of working on what to address.

***

We all experience life from various states of emotional undress. Life has its consistent way of undoing us. The resilient person is the one who takes the initiative and works on their states of emotional undress, always striving to overcome depressive episodes (not that most depressed people ever willingly succumb).

Problems Have Their Role

Why is there suffering in the world? It may be one of the most paralysing and perplexing of all realities; one for which we have no concrete answer.

But we can, if we want to, choose to see that problems have their role; that there is a time and a place for every problem.

Problems may have about them the recognition that something or all is not well. They highlight the symptom. They are a beacon for the cause. And if we have the interest, the throbbing curiosity, we can begin the process of enquiry and see it through.

By exploring our problems, especially by externalising them so as to employ our imaginations, removing fear, we can perceive the source and reason for our distress. Then, and only then, are we positioned to construct a goal; which is the work of recovery.

When we admit we’re undressed, undone for introspection, with our vulnerability agape, we stand on a precipice of an important consciousness. We’re beautifully poised to know what work needs to be done, and from there, if we have the courage, we can resolve our problem.

Desiring Inner Knowledge

This is the real secret: to desire the knowledge of ourselves that may even be unknowable. When we attempt the impossible like this, willing to explore our unconscious anxiety, nothing will remain untouchable, though many things we’ll admittedly never touch. (Our unconscious minds cannot be plumbed.)

The point of problem-solving is set in obtaining knowledge of the problem in order to establish a goal for recovering the situation. We dredge for inner knowledge. We get curious. From there, we find what it is we need to address.

Inner knowledge is our key. We transfer from an attitude of resentment for the problem, to an attitude of curiosity to spark change. Suddenly we’re delimited. Goals come creatively to mind. And inspiration fills our heart to implement the goal.

***

Problems have their value in highlighting to us what needs to change. If it wasn’t for problems we would never grow. As soon as we can see problems are our impetus, curiosity replaces resentment, and we feel saved again.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.