Have you ever felt hopeless when trying to solve a problem? Have you ever felt lost when faced with a tough decision? Are you familiar with the sleepless nights these situations can bring, and the wish that someone would just fix the problem or hand over the answer? If only there were such a thing!
One of the main difficulties is that we focus on the outcome of our decisions. There seem to be so many possibilities and gaining certainty is almost impossible. Focusing on the outcome triggers fear. What if it doesn’t work? What if it makes things worse? The more fear we experience, the more we feel the need to find the ‘right’ solution or make the ‘right’ decision, and the more we feel the need to take control. We find ourselves going in circles, getting nowhere and feeling more and more stuck and frustrated.
This is how it is when we rely only on our consciousness to find a solution or come to a decision. A solution or decision is based on how and what we see, and how and what we see is mainly determined by the patterns of the consciousness. Patterns by nature are restrictive. This means it is unlikely that we will form a clear picture of what we are dealing with, which inevitably will limit the solutions we can see. Looking at this on a deeper level, these limited patterns themselves may very well be at the root of our problems or dilemmas. In other words, we are hoping the ‘culprits’ will clear the problems they have created. But these ‘culprits’ are extremely determined to hold on to what they have created.
Is there a better way to find a solution? Yes, by inviting the heart to be in charge of the effort. What can the heart do? It can be a bridge to help you reach your True Self. Why would we want our True Self to be involved? Because when our True Self can function normally, its realization and wisdom will de-activate or even clear the unhealthy patterns of the consciousness. This means the problem is eradicated at the root level. Most importantly, the solution our True Self provides will be truly beneficial for ourselves and all. There will be no place for fear. There is no more suffering from the problem and from trying to find a way out. We will be free. This is the power of the infinite creativity of the True Self.
How can our heart access this infinite creativity? By being in its natural state. We help the heart maintain this state by cultivating the presence of its natural qualities such as trust, openness, love, gratitude and Gongjing (true respect).
This approach is different from problem solving. Instead of busting your head on a problem, go into your heart to restore your heart to its natural state. Trust is often a good place to start. You can try asking your True Self to help. This is done with unconditional trust, meaning you have zero expectations as to what your True Self will offer, only trust. This alone can bring you immediate relief and calm. Focus on stabilizing and deepening the natural heart state rather than seeking the solution. When you have settled in this state consistently enough, you give your True Self the chance to process all the information you have gathered and more. When you are calm and your heart is in a good state, you will be able to receive what your True Self delivers. Clarity will start to emerge. You will find yourself standing on a new horizon, leaving the problem behind. What awaits you is a brand new reality beyond what you can possibly imagine.
I encourage you to try this approach. There is no limit to the difference that creativity of your heart and True Self can make in your life. Be ready to be surprised.
Yuan Tze
Experience this message as a meditation on REN XUE TV
If you would like to learn more from Yuan Tze about building heart-based, meaningful relationships check out our Learn REN XUE website for the Replay of his online workshop about Creativity that was six-part of the Living From the Heart workshop series run in 2021.