Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.
A problem cannot be solved if you do not know what it is. Even if it is really solved already you will still have the problem, because you will not recognize that it has been solved. This is the situation of the world. The problem of separation, which is really the only problem, has already been solved. Yet the solution is not recognized because the problem is not recognized.
Everyone in this world seems to have his own special problems. Yet they are all the same, and must be recognized as one if the one solution that solves them all is to be accepted. Who can see that a problem has been solved if he thinks the problem is something else? Even if he is given the answer, he cannot see its relevance.
That is the position in which you find yourself now. You have the answer, but you are still uncertain about what the problem is. A long series of different problems seems to confront you, and as one is settled the next one and the next arise. There seems to be no end to them. There is no time in which you feel completely free of problems and at peace.
The temptation to regard problems as many is the temptation to keep the problem of separation unsolved. The world seems to present you with a vast number of problems, each requiring a different answer. This perception places you in a position in which your problem solving must be inadequate, and failure is inevitable.
No one could solve all the problems the world appears to hold. They seem to be on so many levels, in such varying forms and with such varied content, that they confront you with an impossible situation. Dismay and depression are inevitable as you regard them. Some spring up unexpectedly, just as you think you have resolved the previous ones. Others remain unsolved under a cloud of denial, and rise to haunt you from time to time, only to be hidden again but still unsolved.
All this complexity is but a desperate attempt not to recognize the problem, and therefore not to let it be resolved. If you could recognize that your only problem is separation, no matter what form it takes, you could accept the answer because you would see its relevance. Perceiving the underlying constancy in all the problems that seem to confront you, you would understand that you have the means to solve them all. And you would use the means, because you recognize the problem.
In our longer practice periods today we will ask what the problem is, and what is the answer to it. We will not assume that we already know. We will try to free our minds of all the many different kinds of problems we think we have. We will try to realize that we have only one problem, which we have failed to recognize. We will ask what it is, and wait for the answer. We will be told. Then we will ask for the solution to it. And we will be told.
The exercises for today will be successful to the extent to which you do not insist on defining the problem. Perhaps you will not succeed in letting all your preconceived notions go, but that is not necessary. All that is necessary is to entertain some doubt about the reality of your version of what your problems are. You are trying to recognize that you have been given the answer by recognizing the problem, so that the problem and the answer can be brought together and you can be at peace.
The shorter practice periods for today will not be set by time, but by need. You will see many problems today, each one calling for an answer. Our efforts will be directed toward recognizing that there is only one problem and one answer. In this recognition are all problems resolved. In this recognition there is peace.
Be not deceived by the form of problems today. Whenever any difficulty seems to rise, tell yourself quickly:
Let me recognize this problem so it can be solved.
Then try to suspend all judgment about what the problem is. If possible, close your eyes for a moment and ask what it is. You will be heard and you will be answered.
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The Following is Forwarded from Pathwaysoflight.org
Lesson 79
“Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.”
As I worked with today’s idea, I saw how applying the understanding that there is one problem and therefore one solution can help me with the seemingly varied of the “problems” in this world. I saw that an easy way for me to describe the one problem is the belief that loss is possible.
Separation brings the experience of loss. When I remember that separation is impossible and I remain at one with the Love that created me, the perception of loss disappears. I no longer feel threatened. And with this sense of safety comes deep peace. When I am in this place of deep peace, I have let go of any idea of defining the problem myself. My mind is open to the Holy Spirit’s solution. I find that even my perception of the problems of form in this world find easy resolution.
The solutions come through synchronicities and ideas come into my mind that changes my perception of the problem. This is a result of accepting the idea of one problem, one solution. I no longer try to define the problem myself. I then experience the peace that comes with remembering the real solution, which is my unity with God. And then my mind is open to Holy Spirit’s inspiration in how to be most helpful in the situation I see myself in. This frees me from fear and doubt and saves me time to continue my focus on healing my mind. It is a win-win situation leading to growing awareness that I remain safe in the Heart of Love.
I am learning from this lesson to recognize the real problem -- separation -- behind every problem. I am learning to step back from separation’s perspective, which is the ego’s perspective. The ego always sees in terms of separation. The ego is the idea of separation.
Within the ego thought system, there is always a continuous flow of problems because the underlying problem is trying to be separate from Love. The ego operates within the framework of time and space. Love operates within the all encompassing, framework of formless Love, which is eternal and changeless. Whatever thought system I attach to, I will experience.
This lesson is reminding me to step back from the ego thought system. The ego thought system is an hallucination. We could never truly be separate from our Source, which is all encompassing Love. When I step back from the ego thought system, I open to what is real. It fills my heart and mind.
In truth, we all are the Spirit of Love. As Love, we all are eternal. What we all are is outside the framework of time and space. As I practice stepping back from what I think I know and go to the Holy Spirit with every perceived problem, I am again returned to the awareness that I am Love and that nothing else matters because nothing else is real.
From this perspective, there are no real problems. The awareness of peace returns. My priorities get shifted. I return to the experience of God’s peace and joy. With peace always comes understanding. When the light gets turned on, the darkness disappears. Separation is seen for the bogus thought system it is. The ego is seen for the false idea it is. Simple, uncomplicated Love returns to my awareness and I remember that all is well in eternity. All is really safe, no matter what hallucinations appear to be real. All are loved. All are Home.
Just as the lesson states, there seems to be no end to my problems; just as one is settled, another arises, then another. And unless I recognize the problem, I'll never know the solution. And it is so true that there is never a time in my life when I feel completely free of problems and at peace.
Most Holy Spirit, help me have the willingness to understand what this lesson means because I do despair when just as I feel a sense of peace, another "problem" surfaces and I sometimes feel like giving up and, like the lesson says, a "failure." Help me to step back and recognize the problem as is truly is -- the thought of separation. I am grateful today for the fact that my Source is trying to reach me and help me live a more peace filled life. Thank you, Father. Amen.
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