Positive Change
There's Potential In Your Problems!
Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones
"Happiness requires problems" ~ H. L. Hollingworth
One of the things I like best about my job is helping others see their problems as "proof of potential power for positive change." When people share the problems they are going through with me, if the timing is right and they are open to it, I show them how to use their problem as a launching pad to help them blast out of the problem and into the orbit of the solution. In this process they often begin to see the blessing of new growth in the "middle of the manure".
Years ago I came to the realization that my job is not to fix or remedy people's problems, but rather to assist each person is seeing just how amazingly creative and powerful we each are. When we can re-frame our perspective of the problem and begin to see it as a demonstration of our ability to use (or perhaps misuse) our creative power, we can then choose to use that same power to recreate something else. The only catch is, we need to be willing to take ownership of the problem first—it's called waking up and being fully conscious! The challenge is that it will require us to release the role of being a victim, which so often gets assigned to us by others, but mostly by ourselves. Why must we let that role go? — Because victims are powerless. I say this respectfully, knowing that while it may be true that at times we can all be legitimate victims of certain circumstances or events that might truly be beyond our control, we are none-the-less 100% response-able…that is, we are ABLE to respond in a manner that can lift us out of the victim role and into the role of victor, if we choose.
In other words, we may not always be the initiating cause of our own problems, but make no mistake about it, we are always the decision maker when it comes to how we react (or respond) to them. Therein lies our true point of power! The moment we accept ownership of the problem we have stepped out of that problem and onto the pathway to the solution. This is also when the infinite Knower within is instinctively called forward to assist in manifesting the proper resolution of the problem. Whether we are guided to do it ourselves, or with the aid of others, including professionals in whatever field is needed, we do it consciously. If you want to spiritualize this process, rather than turning to God to tell Him how big your problem is (victim role), visualize yourself turning to your problem and telling it how BIG your God is (victor role). Then watch the problem begin to shrink until it is nothing more than a pebble on the pathway in front of you.
When we are conscious and fully connected to the moment we will discover that we are the ONLY decision maker in our life and we are ALWAYS charting our own course and it takes the wind right out of the sails of most every problem. It's in that holy instant when we cease reacting and start responding, when we consciously stop allowing problems to define us and make our decisions for us that we are lifted to a whole new perspective where we see things quite differently—as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks…as opportunities to grow and evolve rather than simply endure. As Lee Iacocca wrote, "We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems."
Is it possible to see every problem as an opportunity? It's not only possible it's mandatory if we are to truly be the captain of our own vessel through this marvelous journey called life. So, try seeing the problems you encounter today as full of potential and see each one as an opportunity to claim your natural birthright as the powerful creative Being you have come here to be!
Mindfulness Practice For Today:
* What problem looms on your horizon today that you can use as a launching pad, to lift you out of the problem and into the orbit of a new solution? It will require you to be awake!
* Live consciously today and commit to being proactive with the next problem that arises on your path. Make a decision, even before it shows up (and eventually it will if you are alive) that you will perceive it as another stepping-stone to a life worth living.
* In the face of every problem, breathe and say to it: "Thank you for being in my life. You are a testimony to my creative power…now watch me transform you into a blessing!"
Peace, Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones
For more on Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones, visit his web site:
→ DennisMerrittJones.com