I agree, Dan, that one has to be careful about redefining powerful words. We have enough of that already as words are manipulated in our current political climate. Becoming complacent about problems of justice wouldn't seem to be the author's intent. In dealing with personal and creative "problems" there's room to consider that things we call problems can also be opportunities for growth and learning What about the baby crying at 3 am? Yes, it is a problem, but it can also be a chance to bond with one's child or to be challenged into stretching the capacity for patience. What about writers' block? Or painters' anxiety or any other block to creativity? These may actually be a call to write, paint or live more authentically rather than try to force our way through "problems" of creativity. It seems Rosamund Zander Stone is suggesting that when everything is an invitation to live more deeply, even not being creative can sometimes be the most creative thing you can do. That turns a problem into a gift. Even in the discouraging political climate of today, I am finding a gift in that I am moved beyond complacency to action, so what I see as a problem is turning out to be the impetus for greater personal action for me and many others.
ORIGINAL COMMENT
I agree, Dan, that one has to be careful about redefining powerful words. We have enough of that already as words are manipulated in our current political climate. Becoming complacent about problems of justice wouldn't seem to be the author's intent. In dealing with personal and creative "problems" there's room to consider that things we call problems can also be opportunities for growth and learning What about the baby crying at 3 am? Yes, it is a problem, but it can also be a chance to bond with one's child or to be challenged into stretching the capacity for patience. What about writers' block? Or painters' anxiety or any other block to creativity? These may actually be a call to write, paint or live more authentically rather than try to force our way through "problems" of creativity. It seems Rosamund Zander Stone is suggesting that when everything is an invitation to live more deeply, even not being creative can sometimes be the most creative thing you can do. That turns a problem into a gift. Even in the discouraging political climate of today, I am finding a gift in that I am moved beyond complacency to action, so what I see as a problem is turning out to be the impetus for greater personal action for me and many others.