Focus

Someone said Focus not on the problem but on the solution...

The intent is so that one should not be overwhelmed by the problem and miss the solution, because it is believed that a solution lies within every perceived problem...

...is that a truism?...

One thought...if it's true that when we focus on the problem, we may not find the solution, then what if we really focus on the solution? We might not even solve the right problem...

Another thought...what if the "problem" is never meant to be solved? What if the "problem" itself is the solution? Would it be a waste of time trying to solve it instead of just living with it and focus the energy on something else?

Consider the making of a Pearl. Ask the oyster and he would tell you that the sand was irritating him...but he would not realize that the irritant was central to the process of producing exquisite gems adoring the necks of beautiful maidens...

Hence...Focus on neither the problem, nor the solution...

I posted this on my skype quote and sometime later, my boss commented:...then focus on what??

I laughed and I said I quoted this statement from a wise buddhist monk. He replied, "...no wonder - the statement is very vague and open to interpretation..."

I laughed again and admitted that I was the one who came up with it like flashes of light in my mind...

We humans are designed in a way that makes us hard to see the real big picture. The way our brain works is to focus on something before understanding anything. Don't believe me? Look around you...Look at the fights that happen...Most probably they are due to the inability to see the bigger picture and opposing parties are focusing on seemingly contradicting needs...

Since everyone needs a focus in life - hence my boss' question begs for an answer...

And so my answer is...Focus on the Purpose of the Problem... (but I didn't tell him - I let him ponder about it himself)

And I let you - whoever you are...to find the purpose of your problem...

Oh Master grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
-Reinhold Niebuhr