by Debbie Woodbury, founder WhereWeGoNow.com
People who work crossword puzzles know that if they stop making progress, they should put the puzzle down for a while. Marilyn vos Savant
Recently, I was working on an accounting problem and came to a dead end. I was frustrated that, try as hard as I might, I couldn't find a solution. Finally, dejected by my failure, I gave up and walked away.
The next day, I returned to my work and the answer to the problem was looking me right in the face. I was stunned. What had seemed like a complex, unwieldy problem the day before, was actually very simple and easily solved. Where had the answer been hiding the day before and why hadn't I seen it?
To solve problems, we have to be engaged and focused. We have to be present. But mindfulness is not the same as concentration. As Albert Einstein said, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it."
We're only human and finding a higher level of consciousness isn't always doable, especially when we are overtired and stressed. I can't tell you how many times I've butted up against a brick wall of my own making - I just couldn't think anymore but kept trying because I thought I had to keep at it to solve the problem. In truth, it is always smarter to walk away, even for a few minutes, to give our brains the time and space to work through our problems.
The next time you're grappling with a problem, personal or otherwise, ask yourself whether you're actually working it too hard. Take a moment to step back - do some meditation, grab a glass of water or make some tea, take a shower, or go for a walk. By walking away from the problem, you're actually giving your brain the time and space it needs to sift through possible solutions.
We've all been taught the value of "working the problem," but it's important to realize that our brains are capable of working at a much deeper level than mere thought. So, next time you are stressed out and completely unable to force a solution to a problem, remember the words of Charles Schultz, "No problem is so formidable that you can't walk away from it."
Is something bothering you? Put it down, give it a break, walk away and forget about it - for now. Trust your higher consciousness to keep working on a solution. You might be surprised, like I was, at how simple a complex problem can become when our brains have the time and space to be mindful. Has this ever happened to you? Let me know.
ABOUT: Debbie Woodbury is a cancer survivor, blogger, speaker and advocate. She created WhereWeGoNow.com, an interactive online community for cancer survivors living life beyond cancer. Join her to share and connect with other survivors!
http://www.wherewegonow.com
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Add a Comment6 Comments
I so agree with you. The minute I step outside, my mind clears and I feel more able to breathe. Maybe that's the secret, breathing and centering yourself, rather than focusing solely on the problem.
I've experienced this phenomenon so many times, but, now that I am more aware of it, I'm going to walk away more often.
Survival > Existence,
Debbie
December 22, 2011 - 6:36amThis Comment
We are very unique creatures. The technique you describe works in every aspect of our lives. It could be dealing with a problem with your spouse, a child, a boss, or a disease like cancer!! Physically and/or mentally taking yourself away from the situation and doing something else will shed new light to help find a solution or give you solace. When it is a physical condition you are dealing with you may have a change in attitude. My way of clearing my mind and emotions is going for a long brisk walk.
December 22, 2011 - 7:53amThis Comment
Hi Tory:
Isn't it funny how our brains work? I tend to work a problem into the ground, instead of trusting that a little distance will actually help. Glad you worked out your problem - I bet that coffee tasted great once you made that call!
Survival > Existence,
Debbie
December 21, 2011 - 2:36pmThis Comment
This Comment
Hi Rosa:
Right after I wrote this post, it happened to me again. I couldn't find something, walked away and did something else, and immediately upon returning, there it was! I think it's true that any worry clutters our mind and gets in the way of finding solutions.
Thanks for commenting to my post and Happy Holidays!
Survival > Existence,
Debbie
December 20, 2011 - 9:34amThis Comment
Thanks for sharing Debbie. Sometimes we just need to learn when to stop, go outside, and take a deep breath. I know that I, personally, have to clear my mind by either doing something that I find relaxing or simply doing nothing at all-- as long as it has nothing to do with what's bothering me.
Here's to keeping our minds free of the clutter!
Rosa
December 20, 2011 - 8:31amThis Comment