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Lifting the level of your problems
“You will never solve a problem at the level of thought at which it was created”
– Albert Einstein
This insightful observation of Einstein’s provides the world with the key to
resolving every imaginable problem on this planet, from a family tiff to an
international crisis.
Will we ever learn how to apply this universal principle of solving age-old
problems and healing deeply seated wounds and long held grudges? Or will we
continue to cling to our prejudices, justify our positions and forever refuse to
see the other side’s point of view?
The answer to this question is that it’s a choice each one of will have to make
for one’s self.
What does this mean in real life?
It means that in order to be effective in resolving a problem of any kind, be it
of a scientific, mathematical, mechanical, or interpersonal nature, you have to
grasp, embrace and live by a completely new philosophy of life. A life viewpoint
founded on a conviction of the oneness of us all. I relate below, an experience
I had which would have cost me my life had I failed to adhere to this principle.
Accosted at gunpoint
It was jogging at 4.30 a.m. and being accosted at gunpoint, that gave me a
life-changing experience – one which offered me no option but to apply a
universal principle for resolving conflict, a principle prescribed by Albert
Einstein who said, “You can never solve a
problem at the level of thought at which it was created.” Clearly, I had to lift the
problem I faced to a new level.
I first raised the vibe between us, by fully accepting the situation, by freeing
myself of all traces of fear, anger and judgement and, embracing my adversary’s
right to do whatever he believed he had to do; then said,
“Sir, you have the power to kill me, but I believe that in your heart you are a
good man, and if you were to do that, you would not feel good; so I’m going to
pray for you and me.” As I
turned, I heard him disbelievingly exclaim.
“You love me?” I swung round and said, “of course I love you, because we are
brothers in this land and we are here to build our country, not to kill each
other.” With more remorse than I
had ever seen on a man’s face, he apologized six times and left.
My reflections on this experience
1
I was lucky? Maybe, but then
“you make your own luck”
(G.Player)
2
The power of lifting the problem
to a new level was truly endorsed
3
Freeing yourself of fear and
anger, is extremely self empowering
4
The might of surrendering one’s
self to higher powers is colossal
5
We need a more enlightened way of
tackling our crime problems
Keith Edmeades – February 2010
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