Problems & Inequities

From 1993:

Problems and Inequities

There are two kinds of difficulties that enter our lives: Problems and Inequities. In fact, the are not unrelated but simply different ways of appreciating an imbalance. When viewed with Reason this imbalance appears as a problem. When viewed with Emotion the imbalance appears an as inequity.

Reason functions to define items by separating them from the background against which they exist. Therefore, a problem is an identification of the specific area of imbalance, which allows one to focus corrective efforts at the source. Looking for a specific solution to a specific problem works fine unless the problem is just a symptom or manifestation of some greater imbalance that has not yet been plumbed. In this case, the problem might be impossible to solve because it is reconstructed by the greater imbalance the moment it is eliminated. On the other hand, the problem may disappear, only to cause another problem elsewhere as the greater imbalance redirects its energy away from the resistence caused by a solution. This might be illustrated by replacing an inefficient valve on a machine only to have the increased pressure blow off a weak gasket down the line that can't take the more efficient flow.

Similarly, Emotion functions to sense the relationship between items. Therefore, an inequity is sense that the items considered are not in harmony. There may be an overabundence in one place and a difficiency in another or disharmonious affects of the items upon each other. Trying to establish equity works fine unless the inequity is actually caused by specific irratations that need to be addressed. In this case, the inequity may recreate disharmony because the relationship continues to suffer from an irritation that has not been relieved. On the other hand, harmony may be restored, only to spur disharmony elsewhere as the irritation demands a response somewhere. This might be illustrated by a child who is called on the carpet because he is not doing well at school, cleans up his grades but begins to shoplift.

In truth, problems and inequities co-exist and are related so that one is effected by anything done to the other. The important issue is to determine whether one is truly bothered by a specific difficulty or by an overall disharmony. This is a completely subjective call. Once made, one can proceed with confidence that one's energies are being most efficiently applied to restore blance between oneself and one's environment.

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