When facing difficulties in our jobs, finances, health and families we are experiencing a life that seems to be the exact opposite of what we’ve worked hard to achieve: security, happiness, safety, and health.  How might a spiritual approach make any difference in circumstances that seem to come from a hard and hostile world?

The spiritual approach to facing problems begins with the recognition that there is nothing wrong with us and nothing wrong with the underlying order of the Universe. There is something that needs to be understood. To learn anything new requires a willingness to begin; to be awkward as new skills are practiced; to learn from mistakes. When life presents problems, there is an opportunity to learn more about who we are, the purpose of our life, what is happiness and fulfillment?

Problems are not random nor are they inevitable. They are expressing something about life that needs to be understood.  As we begin to see the meaning of the situation the "problem" becomes less of a problem and eventually may dissolve altogether. 

What is needed are tools to help us move from being frustrated by circumstances to seeing the situation we find ourselves in from a larger, broader view. 

Consider the essential force of a living tree.  The underlying intention of the life of the tree is only good. The life force is for the full blossoming of every part of the tree at every stage of growth, regardless of the environmental conditions that may influence the tree. The same is true about the underlying force of life that constitutes who we are.  It is possible to become aware of the underlying good of the force of life that animates us. The more aware we are of this underlying force, the more it expresses itself through our lives with inspired direction