"We can't solve our problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." ~ Albert Einstein
Pussing your thinking brain more, strengthens the existing pattern of thinking. The problems that you struggle most to solve - the ones that drain your energy, deplete your resources and frustrate you repeatedly - can be solved. But not within your current pattern of consciousness.
Why?
Because the problems you’re struggling with, aren’t separate from the patterns of your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. The stickiest, most stubborn problems you deal with - are symptoms of habitual patterns of consciousness. These problems are literally created by and inseparable from these patterns. They reflect the patterns of consciousness with which you’ve identified. That’s why efforts that arise from within these patterns, perpetuate the problems.
So, it takes something other than "more thinking".
It takes awareness. Awareness isn’t a pattern. Awareness disentangles you from the habitual patterns, the habitual way of experiencing and engaging the world.
Simply stated awareness is the capacity of observation:
Observing thoughts without engagement.
Observing feelings without attachment.
Observing senses with full presence.
At first this can feel a bit disorienting.
As you let go of habitual patterns it can - initially - feel like you’re losing your grip on reality. It’s not reality that your releasing. It’s patterns of fixation; conditioned patterns of consciousness. You’re recognizing that there is more to reality than is contained in the conditioned patterns.
You’re opening up.
This opening is effortless. It is the effortless effect of awareness. Awareness deepens and expands simultaneously as you loosen your commitment to the patterns of conditioning. As you rest in awareness, automatically - the world opens up before you.
You see - without judgment - how believing in the patterns is the primary obstacle that has ever limited you. The direction of your attention shifts:
From saying no to problems to saying yes to awareness.
From struggling against problems to resting in awareness.
Awareness does all the healing, solving, transforming.
Want to see how this works?
Experiment with this two-step process.
Step 1) Whenever you’re facing an obstacle or problem - stop and become aware of the thoughts, emotions, sensations connected with this problem.
Step 2) Notice that you can witness these patterns. Allow all the nuances of the pattern - the thoughts, emotions, and sensations - to be. Don’t solve them. Don’t fix them. Let go of seeking solutions. Experience the patterns arising and dissolving in the field of awareness.
Try it and see what happens!