But this is NOT Newtonian physics – “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
The problem here is that we humans based everything on perception. Even the most logical and shrewd of us still do so, we can’t help human nature. So – things are perceived based on the senses and our thoughts & feelings (i.e. experience).
So, no matter how obvious the solution – no matter how much in front of our face it is – we cannot see that it’s even a solution, unless it fits our perception of what the solution SHOULD look like.
The solution needs to be hard, complex, require much effort. It needs someone who is of great authority on the subject. It needs to cost a lot of resources (time/energy/money/knowledge). It needs to be rare and unique. It needs to be outside of ourselves.
But I’ll tell you a little secret....
There is a simple way to have what you want.
If it’s getting too complex – then know that you are likely off path.
Note that I said SIMPLE, I didn’t say EASY....
We, as a society, put a lot of clout on complex. I know – I’ve work in the engineering field for over 10 years. Our education system, political system, monetary system, scientific system, legal system – is all riddled with complexities. And, if you haven’t noticed yet – the more complex the system is, does not necessarily lead to better solutions for our society as a whole.
People make fortunes on the illusion of complexity.
In my experience as an engineer, a healer, a coach – and years before all that – a person my friends would come for advice and a listening ear – there is always a simple solution.
You have allowed yourself to be tricked. And I’m not implying that someone or a government in particular out there is working hard to trick you. You have assumed that things are complex. You have essentially pulled the wool over your eyes with your assumptions.
As I say to my husband often – your assumptions make an ass out of you and me (ass+u+me). This is normally met with a roll of the eyes.
Because ‘the problem’ feels complex, you assume it’s not possible. Or if possible, requires a whole lot of effort and loss on your part.
I recently read a journalist report on slavery in Mauritania, a West African country that divides a portion of the Sahara desert. Although slavery was abolished in that country in 1981, it still secretly remains and many stories are hard to comprehend, let alone read, without feeling some emotion and horror.
The government refuses to admit slavery exists anymore since it was abolished. Secret work is being carried out to set slaves free – often one by one. But these activists struggle, because they found that it is not as simple as freeing the slave – many slaves do not want to leave (even with horrific treatment by their ‘masters’) and many do not comprehend the concept. Slavery has existed in that country, estimating back 2000 years – these are slaves born from slaves, knowing no other way.
They are not even physically chained. So powerful is their belief that this is how it is, this is the way life is, that they remain as slaves.
The article writes:
“For a slave to be free, she first must break the shackles in her mind ....Freedom is not granted ... When freedom is granted by the master you remain dependent, grateful. ... Freedom is something that must be claimed.”
And so, we may think: “Ah, these ‘poor’ slaves in Mauritania who don’t know any better and live in such suffering”. But my mind cannot help but think - how are we much different? Human nature is human nature.
Do we really know any better? Do you know any better? Do I know?
What suffering are you living in, because of the shackles in your mind?
Health is simple. Relationships are simple. Your purpose in life is simple.
There is always a simple solution. And if there isn’t, you can always create one.
Let go of the idea that it has to be complex, impossible or hard to find. Often it’s just a reframing or looking from another angle that helps you see how simple it really is.
Intuition (within a structured framework of universal principles) is the method I use to manoeuvre beyond the shackles of my mind. And it’s simple too. Surprise, surprise...
And so, in my normally round-about way – what I am meaning to say is: open your eyes to the possibility. Perhaps the solution you seek is very simple, easy to find. It may not be comfortable, but it is direct, simple, straightforward and possible.
Free yourself.