Do you have a problem…now?

Try asking this question when people tell you they have a problem. Emphasise the word NOW. Maybe insert ‘At the moment”. I find that most problems are coming from the past or haven’t happened yet. For example, someone could be worried about something they did in the past or are worried about an uncertain future. If you encourage them to be present you can follow up with ‘Is there anything you can do NOW?’ If there is nothing they can do immediately, suggest that they move to accepting the situation until they can act. In truth, the only time anyone can act is at the present time. Usually the problem is not the actual problem but rather thinking about the problem. If you don’t think about the problem, it goes away. A good way of not thinking about the problem is to focus on your internal or external situation. Focus on your breathing or focus on what is happening around you without any labelling. Try it next time someone tells you they have a problem.