Step Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven

Step 267. There Is A Simple Solution To All Problems That Face Me Today.

All problems that face you individually have a very simple answer. How will you find this answer? Will you find it by struggling with yourself? Will you find it by trying every possible resolution that you can think of? Will you find it by worrying about it and fretting over it? Will you find it by denying it and seeking pleasurable stimulation instead? Will you find it by sinking into depression and thinking that life is so hard for you that you cannot meet the demands of your own circumstances?

There is a simple answer to the problems that you face today. It is to be found in Knowledge. Yet, to find Knowledge you must become still and observant and learn to disengage from fear and anxiety. Much of your life will be involved in solving problems, and it is in learning how to do this effectively, responsibly and even enthusiastically that you will achieve what you have come here to achieve.

Remind yourself of this idea throughout the day and do not be deceived by the complexity of problems. Problems are only complex when you are trying to derive a benefit from resolving them or from avoiding them. When you have a preference that is governing your mind, you cannot see the obvious. As you learn now to look at each problem with Knowledge, you will see that the resolution is apparent. You will see that you could not recognize this before because you were afraid of the outcome in some way or you had anxiety that the resolution of the problem would leave you bereft and poor. You will have a different vision today.

In your two deeper practice periods, abide with Knowledge. Do not attempt to answer your problems, but simply be still and receptive. Knowledge is aware of what things must be addressed and will cast its influence upon you so that you may respond to it and follow its direction. Without continual interference from you, the obvious will arise, and you will learn what to do step by step. Thus it is that you will realize there is a simple answer for all problems that face you. This will be an affirmation of Knowledge, and you will be happy that life is giving you these problems so that you may exercise your true abilities in response to them.

Practice 267: Two 30-minute practice periods. Hourly practice.

Here you will find the entire book free for download http://stepstoknowledge.com/

Here you will find pointers for getting started if this is your first encounter with this practice: Taking the Steps to Knowledge.

February 25, 2014 Round One: Fretting and worrying seem to be part and parcel of human nature and, what is more, automatic for most people. I have to remind myself not to worry and fret, it doesn’t come naturally. As I strengthen my relationship with Knowledge, however, I am finding that solutions can indeed be simple. I just remind myself that not every day is the same, not every day am I on top of everything and sailing along. Days often take turns going up and down and for no apparent reason. Nothing particularly changes, but one day I feel energetic and positive, accomplishing all I need to accomplish, and the next nothing goes smoothly, I feel tired, grumpy, and dissatisfied. I just need to take those days as they come and know that better days will follow. That is the way it has always been and that is the way it always will be. There is no point in fretting and worrying or trying to manipulate things. The key is to accept things as they are without preferences, knowing that Knowledge always has my best interests at heart. I just need to keep Knowledge uppermost in my mind.

"you will be happy that life is giving you these problems so that you may exercise your true abilities in response to them."

I nod and smile.

May 3, 2015 Round Two: Today, I am experiencing the truth of this Step. I keep talking about my current situation, how my dream of living in the country has finally come true. I have not tried to force this dream though, I have not rushed to make it a reality, but waited and taken things as they have come. I always felt deep inside that things would arise naturally at the right time and in the right place. All I needed to do was trust and release all anxiety and fear.

“to find Knowledge you must become still and observant and learn to disengage from fear and anxiety.”

Also I knew I needed not to have high expectations or too many preferences. Of course, I had certain criteria in mind that I felt were necessary, but I also knew that I had to be willing to accept what life handed out to me.

“When you have a preference that is governing your mind, you cannot see the obvious.”

Now everything has transpired, and it couldn’t be any better. I have what my soul truly needs and it is the perfect thing. The solution really is that simple.

April 1, 2019 Round Three: I will not find the answer to the problems that face me today by struggling with myself, trying to find every possible resolution I can think of, worrying and fretting about it, denying it and seeking stimulation, sinking into depression and thinking life is so hard. Instead I will find a simple answer to my problems in Knowledge. I must not have a preferred outcome, or it will cloud the obvious. I will be prepared to face what needs to be faced and do what needs to be done. I will not fight, but only strive for what I want. I will be patient.