I have been reflecting on the spiritual implications of addressing certain situations through three lenses or modalities:
- Solve
- Resolve
- Dissolve
I say “situations” rather than “problems” because it is becoming increasingly clear to me that situations only become problems when one uses that frame to define them. Problems are created by individual interpretation, not merely by happenstance.
Solve
“Solving a problem” is a very analytical energy. It implies that something is a problem and therefore must be solved to no longer be a problem. It is usually focused on the individual’s best outcome, and may or may not be at the expense of affecting others negatively.
Resolve
To resolve something, is to come to a peaceful, mutually agreeable resolution. Whereas if one were solve the problem of the crowing of the neighbor’s rooster by removing said rooster, that would likely not be a resolution that neighbor would find agreeable. It would solve the problem but not resolve it.
Dissolve
To dissolve with something is to surrender to it. To dissolve into it and to flow with it, through it, and to it. To not try to change it to suit one’s needs, but rather to no longer have those needs. To be in harmony with something and transform it from a problem to a blessing.
Now, striking a practical balance between these approaches is often prudent.
It can be very stressful and frustrating to walk through life trying to solve every problem that you chance upon, especially since you are likely creating problems this way. I believe there are an inexhaustible amount of problems out there for those who seek them, and the emotional toll of a endless stream of problems is less than ideal.
Resolution can be very satisfying and rewarding, but many things are not so easily resolved. Resolution requires the input and effort of multiple parties, and sometimes one or more of those parties are in an underdeveloped or inflamed emotional state that disallows for harmonious discourse.
When neither of the above are possible, or instead of allowing it to present as a problem in the first place, dissolution can be a wonderful approach to lighten the burden of taking an active approach to solving, fixing, resolving, or improving.
We often give power to problems, and by changing the lens and viewing them as lessons, blessings, or opportunities for growth, we can begin to develop our spiritual flexibility, while simultaneously shortening our to-do lists for a bonus practical benefit.