Weekly Newsletter: Too Close

     At times, we can’t — as the saying goes — see the forest for the trees. When we are in the midst of a crisis, it is often difficult to step back and allow some time and space to give us a chance to reevaluate the situation. Problem solving is often obstructed when we are too close to a situation to be objective to what is going on.
    Instead of pushing for a resolution sooner rather than later, it might be wise for us to remove our presence and see if the problem can resolve itself. The fact that we step back also encourages others, especially those who may not be as close to the problem, to step forward and offer advice or guidance that we didn’t see because we were unable to let go.
     This “stepping back” is at times done physically. But, it can also be simply a mental release and surrender. Some find that prayer helps. Some find that meditation helps. Some find help in contemplation, but all three of these practices can backfire if we are using them to solve the problem and not to let go of it. We see this frequently in family situations. Our children fight and we want to solve the problem, but often we are just too close to be unbiased. By stepping back and giving the situation time and distance, many times the children will work something out together.