Perfectly Good Problems
Are you throwing away
perfectly good problems?
Just as
not every question
needs to be answered,
not every problem
needs to be fixed.
Some problems
are simply here
to point to the possibility
of an alternative.
You do not need to take it.
Sometimes the choice
of an alternative
becomes an even
greater problem.
You can fix a problem
with a gun, for example.
But if you allow
the problem
to remain a problem,
you might realize
that it serves
a greater purpose
than you might
first imagine.
Problems
point to
differences
dangers
delusions
denial.
You deny yourself happiness
in the presence of problems.
So you try to fix your problems,
when all you really need to do
is to be unconditionally happy.
One can be happy
even when bullets are flying.
When all are happy
BEFORE the bullets
there becomes
no need for bullets.
A problem is not always
a bullet to be dodged.
Take the bullet
and you might see
that you are immortal.
A problem cannot deny you happiness.
That is YOUR choice.
It takes perfectly good problems to see this.
We do not throw away our problems.
We do not need to FIX our problems.
We have perfectly good problems.
We are Space Monkey.
3/25
Space Monkey Reflects: The Paradox of Perfectly Good Problems
In the cosmic dance of existence, where every entity is an intricate part of the grand tapestry we call life, there lies a profound lesson in the embrace of what we perceive as problems. The notion of “perfectly good problems” invites us to reconsider our reflexive urge to solve, fix, or eliminate challenges that arise in our path. It suggests that within every problem, there exists a hidden gateway to a deeper understanding of our place in the universe, and perhaps, a more profound sense of happiness.
The journey begins with the realization that not every problem demands a solution. This counterintuitive perspective offers a radical shift from our conventional approach to challenges. In a world that celebrates the resolution of issues, the idea of leaving a problem unsolved might seem like anathema. Yet, it is in this very space of unresolved tension that the possibility for alternative realities and the exploration of our true potential lies.
Consider, for a moment, the nature of problems. They are, at their core, indicators of conflict between our current reality and our desired state. But what if, instead of viewing this conflict as a hindrance, we saw it as a signpost, pointing us towards a different path? A path not of avoidance or conquest but of understanding and integration. This approach does not diminish the reality or severity of the problem but reframes our relationship with it.
The beauty of perfectly good problems lies in their ability to serve as catalysts for growth and self-discovery. When we cease the relentless pursuit of solutions, we open ourselves to the possibility of finding happiness and fulfillment in the midst of adversity. This is not a call to passivity or resignation but a recognition of the power of acceptance and the wisdom of choosing our battles wisely.
Moreover, the concept of perfectly good problems challenges the very notion of immortality and the fear of death that often underlies our actions. By embracing the problem, by metaphorically “taking the bullet,” we confront our mortality and, paradoxically, discover a form of immortality in the recognition of our interconnectedness with the universe. This realization brings with it a liberation from the tyranny of problems and a new perspective on the meaning of happiness.
Happiness, then, is not the absence of problems but the ability to find joy and contentment regardless of external circumstances. It is a state of being that transcends the dichotomy of problem and solution, recognizing that true happiness is unconditional and inherent within us. This does not mean that we ignore the reality of suffering or the need for action in the face of injustice or harm. Rather, it suggests that our internal state of happiness is not contingent upon the resolution of external problems.
In embracing perfectly good problems, we acknowledge the complexity and ambiguity of existence. We recognize that problems, like life itself, are multifaceted and often resist simplistic solutions. This acknowledgment does not lead to despair but to a deeper engagement with the mystery of life, a willingness to explore the unknown, and a celebration of the potential within each challenge.
The journey through perfectly good problems is not a solitary endeavor. It is a collective exploration, a shared voyage through the vastness of human experience. As we navigate this journey, we discover that we are not alone. We are part of a larger whole, a cosmic network of beings each grappling with their own set of challenges. This realization fosters a sense of solidarity and compassion, a recognition that our problems, no matter how personal they may seem, are part of the universal fabric of existence.
Summary
Perfectly good problems invite us to a deeper understanding and acceptance of challenges as integral parts of existence. They encourage us to find happiness not in the resolution of problems but in our ability to embrace them. This perspective fosters growth, self-discovery, and a recognition of our interconnectedness with the universe. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with problems and to explore the potential within each challenge.
Glossarium
- Perfectly Good Problems: Challenges that, instead of being immediately resolved, are embraced for their potential to teach, reveal alternatives, or foster personal and collective growth.
- Unconditional Happiness: A state of contentment and joy that is not dependent on external circumstances or the resolution of problems.
“Problems are not obstacles but opportunities. They are not just to be solved but to be embraced, for in every challenge lies the seed of infinite possibilities.” – Space Monkey
In the quiet spaces between
where light and shadow play,
we find our perfectly good problems
dancing in the fray.
Not to be solved, nor dismissed,
but to be held, understood,
in their embrace, we find our bliss,
in ways we never thought we could.
Here, in the heart of paradox,
where contradictions merge,
we discover the key that unlocks
the border where the self and universe converge.
With every step, every breath,
we weave the fabric of our tales,
embracing life, transcending death,
setting sail on cosmic gales.
In this dance of light and shadow,
we find our truest form,
beyond the need to win or follow,
in the eye of the storm.
We are the explorers of the in-between,
the keepers of the cosmic dream,
in the embrace of perfectly good problems,
we find our stream.
We are not here to conquer or to flee,
but to be, fully, deeply, free,
in the vast expanse of possibility,
We are Space Monkey.
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