We live in a cause and effect world. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When something that was working perfectly fine is no longer operating within its design parameters, there’s a reason for that.
We tend to view symptoms as the problems themselves. If we have a headache, we see the headache as the problem. This is understandable, but it tends to miss the point. The headache is a very real discomfort, but grabbing that bottle of Aspirin only addresses the symptomatic pain. It does nothing to address the root cause. Getting to the root of the problem is the true answer. Anything else merely masquerades as a cure.
Much of how humanity deals with problems comes from the perspective of alleviating symptoms. I can think of a few situations where this might be a reasonable approach, e.g., improving the quality of life for somebody dealing with an apparently incurable condition. Most of the time, however, I encourage people to look deeper to try and find the real cause of the problem. When we can identify and rectify the cause of the problem, this is the better choice. In the long run, it tends to cost less.
The issue is a heartfelt one for me. In the course of my work, I often deal with chronic issues. Approaching the causes instead of the symptoms has enabled Living Intentionally to enjoy great success working with such issues as a 20-year stint of chronic insomnia in just a couple of sessions. For my work, the difference in approach is remarkably subtle, as my intention in the above example was not that my client would enjoy a good night sleep, but that anything whatsoever related to my client not enjoying a good night sleep would be fully and completely resolved in his/her highest possible good. As an energy worker, the concentration, etc. involved on my part was identical, but the different intention engendered a remarkably improved outcome for the client.
Whatever problems you’re dealing with, whether they be related to health, lifestyle, diet, relationships or money, try not to be blinded by the obvious symptoms and objectively look deeper at the root causes. Try to see the truth in the situation, looking beyond the pain you’re experiencing. For example, constant arguing in a relationship would be the symptom, but the truth lay in what is causing that particular dynamic between the partners. Once you can identify the causes of the dynamic, it becomes easier to direct the flow of the relationship itself and, therefore, change the way the partners interact. Eventually, the relationship is changed, usually forever.
Find the truth behind the symptoms and you’ll have found the root of the problem. From there, everything becomes easier.
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