“Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.”
—Rumi
 

 problem is simply a clue. It’s a clue that more attention is needed, not less.

It’s a clue demanding more creativity or conscious, compassionate communication. Like sitting down with the real person you’re struggling with and doing your best to express your points of view (instead of expressing them with an imaginary person in your head).

Self-hate is a clue that more self-compassion is needed.

Anger is a clue that maybe there was a breach of integrity somewhere (like he said he was going to do something but didn’t).

Suffering over feeling alone is a clue that perhaps inviting others may shift the energy.

While feeling helpless is a clue that a proactive, empowered approach may be required.

What if feeling small is a clue that guides you to evoke the part of you who is BIG?

You see, most of the new age approaches to problem-solving I hear these days are the equivalent of whisking them away under the carpet.

“Oh, my partner is so mean to me. That means I should be at peace with it and learn to deal. I need to breathe when I feel the impulse to riot. I have cravings and I know they’re the ego, so I need to stop it.”

Well, those “solutions” are what happen when the voices get ahold of the teachings, pervert them, and use them to disempower you.

Cravings could be the ego – or they could be clues to crave something beneficial. Put that craving to work! Instead of putting it toward what causes you to suffer, put it toward what creates freedom and good.

Remember, problems are clues to go deeper. They’re an opportunity to get super curious. Problems should set your spirit on fire with enthusiasm and wild creativity.

If there isn’t any, put your attention there. And search for more clues!