Is Having Problems a Problem?

"The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise, and thinking having problems is a problem."

-- Theodore Rubin

This quotation reminds me of the opening lines of The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck, where he informs us that life is difficult, but that once we accept that life is difficult, it is no longer difficult, it just is. Pie-in-the-sky, airy fairy expectations always prevent us from accepting reality. If you think you should live in a problem-free zone, you eat up untold energy fighting against having a problem rather than just solving it.

Do you have problems? Of course you do. So do I. So do all God's children. Life=problems. Luckily life also equals solutions, and joy, and awareness and a whole lot of other things. Some problems can be solved, some an be outgrown, some can be dissolved, and some you just have to learn to live with. Perhaps the best you can do is not eliminate problems altogether, but upgrade your problems so at least they become more and more interesting!

Personally, I prefer the term "challenges" rather than the word "problems." I know it may just sound like empty semantics, but "problem" is such a loaded word in our culture that I think it just stymies many people before they even get started. It's like the word God. I prefer the term Spirit. God has so much baggage! Spirit is much cleaner, less personalized and harder for your subconscious to react against.

So, be they challenges or problems, accept them. Step up to the plate, or sit down on your cushion, and see what you can do about them. Solve or dissolve. Don't worry, more will arrive. An endless stream of problems, challenges, opportunities, called life. One last word of advice -- enjoy!