Problems, they come in all shapes and guises. Some big, some small, some are a one-time event like a divorce and others never seem to go away like that hard to shift muffin belly. Some problematic events are so profound that they can be life changing and can actually be the catalyst for a complete 180 degree turn in our lives. Whatever we say about problems, we can agree on this, to every problem there exist a solution; for every unwanted state we find ourselves in, a desirable opposite can be found. More and more people are beginning to wake up from the illusion of the human rat race. they are starting to question the false truth that they are powerless over circumstances in their lives. More and more people are beginning to awaken from this slave mindset and discovering an infinite dormant power that lies within.

The Woodcutters Tale

In today’s article, I’d like to start with an old fable:

” Once there was a woodcutter in a far-off land. One day he was commissioned by the king to go into the forest to cut down all the trees for a new fleet of ships. He frantically set to work and hacked down tree after tree with his trusted steely axe. For weeks and weeks, he huffed and puffed as he cut down the trees, pausing only rarely to eat a few morsels of food and to mop his brow.

One day, a wise old woman arrived and watched him silently for a while.”what do you want, old crone? ” The woodcutter asked.”why are you working so hard?” she replied. ” wouldn’t it be faster and easier if you took a little time to sharpen your axe?”

” Can’t you see how many trees I have to cut down today? I don’t have time to sharpen my axe!”

How often have we behaved like the woodcutter in this story? Trying to deal with the issues in life can be such an all-consuming task, that sometimes your whole life can become devoured in the attempt. Just like the woodcutter, we feel trapped and exhausted with no option but to keep on trying harder and harder as our tools become increasingly blunt. We become the proverbial hamster on the wheel, and although such tactics may have worked for us in the past, grinding, stressing and working 24/ 7, have long since hit the point of diminishing returns. Stubbornly one may be tempted to keep on trying harder in the hope than things will begin to turn around. But is it always sensible to do this? Or is it wiser to try a different approach?

A Radical Approach

To really get to grips with the challenges in life I suggest it’s time to change tact- to learn how to sharpen your “axe”. Today I’d like to present to you a perspective on goal achievement and problem solving that as crazy as it may sound, you perhaps may not have even considered. When you truly understand that you’re already equipped to overcome any adversity in life, I hope you will then feel inspired to further investigate the concepts mentioned in this blog.

Yes, there does exist a formula to successfully navigate your way through life’s challenges and conundrums. An approach that may seem radical but believe it or not has been revealed to mankind for thousands of years. You can confidently face your problems and it doesn’t have to be a twenty-four seven endless grind, ticking of to-do-lists and moving on to the next milestone. It does require some work on your part, but not the kind of work that probably comes straight to mind.

This approach can help you overcome any financial challenge, heal any health problem, resolve any relationship dilemma, in fact it can correct any unwanted situation full stop! This solution has been with you always, and its closer to you than your hands and feet. The answer lies in your consciousness, your very own human imagination and untapped its unlimited power is that magical solution to all life’s dilemmas, Utilising the power of your I AM ness is how you are able to sharpen your axe., now let me explain.

UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE NATURE OF A PROBLEM

“If there is a problem in your life that you would solve, do not set your will to work on it. You will conquer this problem in the end, not by fighting it, but by understanding it. The reason it exists in the first place is because of a lack of understanding” U.S. Andersen

To solve problems we must first truly understand them, so let’s first break down the true nature of a problem. If all things first exist in consciousness, then in its truest sense, a problem is psychological; it exists primarily in our minds. Problems are merely a block in the mind of the one perceiving them. They are, like everything else just emanations from the one source of all creation, man’s consciousness. Truly we don’t defeat a problem by opposing it, we overcome it by first understanding it.

So having established that ultimately problems originate and exists in our consciousness. We can also conclude that it’s from there, our consciousness that the associated emotions of stress and anxiety are triggered. Most people when facing a great challenge tend to think and incessantly talk about the “what ifs” and with problems, there’s normally a lot of “what ifs” associated with them. It’s quite possible for a thing to seem much bigger to you than it really is. That’s the essence of worry. It’s like a snowball; it starts small, but as you roll it over and over in your mind, it becomes bigger and bigger until it has the potential to bury you. And what if it doesn’t start small you might ask? Then if the same principle is applied, can you see how psychologically these issues eventually seem insurmountable? We become victims of our own thoughts, and as these worries become fused with the emotions of fear, we start to continually imagine what we don’t want to happen. We are literally creating the perfect recipe for an unwanted manifestation.

“although you cannot see your objective with the limited focus of your three-dimensional mind, you are now that which you have assumed you are. walk in that assumption and remain faithful to it” Neville Goddard 1948 Classroom Series

Unhealthy Habits Associated with Problems

Worrying about problems is also detrimental to our physical well being. You see worry is like sitting in a rocking chair; it’s always in motion and it keeps you busy, but it never actually gets you anywhere. In fact, if you do it too long, it wears you out and eventually make you unwell. Most people, wake up in the morning and think about their problems which are essentially memories etched in their brains. Unconsciously as they continue to ruminate on their issues, mentally they are living in the past and of course this unhealthy mental exercise brings with it the associated emotions of stress, fear and anxiety. This is how we can become trapped in a self-perpetuating cycle of negative thinking that leads to anxiety and depression.

“My blood indicated one thing in a certain test and the opposite in another. The tests only confirmed what I already knew: that the cause of my discomfort lay in the depth of my soul and not in any secondary cause – such as a thyroid, heart, liver, kidney, or anything outside of myself” Neville Goddard Imagination Fulfils Itself

Some medical experts claim that we have anywhere between 70,000- 90,000 thoughts per day . That means that there an immense capacity to be thinking incessantly about something we actually don’t want to happen. Stress alone won’t give you heart and circulatory disease, but it is linked to habits that can increase your risk. When it comes to stress it, all depends upon your coping mechanisms. Some people try to cope by smoking, drinking too much or overeating. All done in excess can increase your risk of heart and circulatory disease. Even prescription drugs such as anti depressants come with their associated hazards. In fact, in the USA a ten-year research survey revealed that iatrogenic illness is actually the leading cause of death in the USA and that adverse reactions to prescription drugs are responsible for 300, 000 deaths a year. Despite this, the pharmaceutical industry is still a multi billion dollar a year juggernaut, that as part of it’s marketing campaign dismisses any holistic alternatives, such as conscious imaging for stress management.

Okay “so I get it stress and worry doesn’t work”, you might be saying but what other choices do you have? Well Let’s explore another common approach.

Action Reaction to Solving Problems

Taking assertive actions to solve problem has been ingrained into the psyche of society for centuries. Faced with a problem we are encouraged to “roll up our sleeves “and get stuck in. But what if we are faced with a problem that no amount of action can resolve? What if we’re faced with a potentially insurmountable obstacle, a situation that just seems hopeless? Maybe a terminal diagnosis, bankruptcy or a breakdown of a relationship. Problems come in all shapes and guises and not all problems can be chopped down with our metaphorical axe.! And, yet still if we truly understand the nature of any great challenge in life, and that its solution lies in consciousness then despite its perceived enormity suddenly we become empowered to overcome it. Regardless of its perceived magnitude, one who truly understands problems would realise that the battle is won and lost psychologically.

“To change circumstances before I change the imaginal activity is to struggle against the very nature of things. I can’t do it, because my imaginal activity is producing the objective reality” Neville Goddard

Like the woodcutter in the earlier parable, most of us have spent our existence trying to take care of problems using an action modus operandi. I’m not saying for a second that physical activity is not required sometimes. however, we must first address a change in consciousness, then the correct aligned action follows. If the life lesson is to be understood and to be properly resolved, we must first do the work within. Intentionally imagining is absolutely necessary to objectify any desired outcome. We’ve been doing it unconsciously anyway. However, it takes time – lots of it in some cases – to cultivate trust in a process that seems so illogical. And the only way you learn to adopt this new approach, is by consistently exposing ourselves to the process.

If we aspire to overcome our problems through a transformation in consciousness, by intentional imagining if we are committed to this approach and are still feeling anxious then recognise the real reason behind our stress. It is really quite simple: the union between your awareness and the new state desired has not been We must still retain some doubt in our minds. The idea that by exercising control over our mental activity, can somehow resolve the various undesired situations in our lives has not yet cemented in our minds.

THE ONLY PRACTICAL STEPS YOU NEED TAKE

“every problem automatically produces its solution in a form of desire to be free from the problem. Therefore , turn your back upon the problem and focus your attention upon the desired solution by already feeling yourself to be that which you desire” Neville Goddard  Your Faith is Your Fortune

Now assuming that I’ve managed to convince you to at least indulge in the idea that your consciousness is the true saviour to your problems ., your probably asking What should I do next? How do we get out of the fix or dilemma that keeping me up all night? Simple, imagine a solution. It’s a simple process, we must create the feeling within of already achieving our desired outcome or fix to the problem through imagining and to the best of our ability faithfully maintain this inner feeling. If you haven’t read Neville Goddard’s book “The 1948 Classroom Series ” then I suggest you do so.

In any case here an excerpt on successful problem-solving process: “Let me again lay the foundation of prayer, which is nothing more than a controlled dream:

1. Define your objective, know definitely what you want.

2. Construct an event which you believe you will encounter following the fulfilment of your desire … something which will have the actions of Self predominant… an event which implies the fulfilment of your desire.

3. “Immobilise the physical body and induce a sate of consciousness akin to sleep. Then mentally feel yourself right into the proposed action, until the single sensation of fulfilment dominates the mind; imagining all the while that you are actually performing the action here and now so that you experience in imagination what you would experience in the flesh were you now to realise your goal. Experience has convinced me that this is the easiest way to achieve your goal” NEVILLE GODDARD 1948 CLASSROOM SERIES

Each time you sit in silence, exercise your imagination to resolve a crisis, you are your mediating “Christ”, to overcome dilemmas your awareness must expand. The law is simple; continue to act in faith in this imaginal activity and the solution will become objectified. All experiences in our lives follow the tracks laid down by our imaginal activity good or bad, wanted or unwanted. Now, by practicing this process you are learning to intentionally lay down new desired tracks.

When you begin interpreting biblical scriptures as they’re truly meant to be, psychologically, you’ll come to this understanding. You’ll realise that by exercising your imagination to solve your problems, you are actually calling upon the creative power and wisdom of God, Jesus Christ. For those conditioned to view Christ as an historical figure, they’ll fail to see all the wonderful practical instructions contained throughout this ancient text. Some find this notion quite disturbing and often it proves to be a bridge to far for them to cross. Is it radical? Yes. Empowering? Absolutely. One thing I can assure you from my own experience, if you are able to embrace these concepts then real transformation is assured.

CHRIST AND IMAGINATION ARE ONE

How does one eventually come to the conclusion that Christ and imagination are synonymous terms? Well Christ has been called amongst many things “the saviour”, Now if your imagination proves to be “the saviour” from your dilemma then aren’t the two the same? The scriptures instructs us to call upon “Christ ” to save us from the perils in life’s and this Christ who resides within, we are told is the door to all we seek If imagination is irrefutably the creative source of everything real in our world, and our imagination is something personal and within, you can see why it’s such a compelling argument to believe they are one and the same.

Much of what is contained in the books by Neville Goddard’s make this inference. A lot written in his books do make a convincing explanation which I won’t go into here, the lectures and books referenced below are certainly worth investigating.

Now maybe your thinking ” but it can’t be that easy. I just close my eyes, imagine a solution and then remain faithful”. I was certainly sceptical when I initially discovered this concept. And I first had to overcome my preconception of Christ as an historical character, who lived 2000 years ago. This limiting belief, I really struggled with, and I had to really interrogate this concept before I l was able to go and continue to investigate further. However, after many many months of research and study despite all the knowledge I had acquired, I came to the conclusion: that I couldn’t prove or disprove this concept. Only by putting it to the test would I verify its validity. And in the wise old words of my old mentor: “don’t knock it and until you try it, and don’t stop trying it until you master it.”

So I ask you are you open to new concepts that on the surface might seem crazy? What if this approach could not only intrigue you but also empower you to experience life in a whole new dimension This isn’t just daydreaming. It’s about actively cultivating your imagination to objectify the life you wish to lead. If I told you that this is the true way to call upon Christ, would you dare to try?

A MORE EMPOWERING FUTURE

A far more empowering future awaits Once you have acknowledged the true of the identity of Christ as your imagination. Then it’s a case of discipline letting go and handing your problems over to this aspect of yourself. All throughout scripture we are encouraged to give over our problems to “him” only now we understand we are handing it over to an internal higher aspect of self. Formatting solutions based upon the ego has no doubt frustrated you and invariably lead to worry. It’s frustrations and limited capability, possibly has been what has attracted you to todays blog. Maybe your intrigued by the idea, that your imagination can solve all the issues in your life. Or maybe deep down, you intuitively know that there exists a better way of overcoming life’s challenges. In any case if your new to the concept that your imagination is Christ, then there this audio will give you some further insight and motivation.

If you’re already familiar with this concepts, then my cosmic sibling I will only encourage you to continue nurturing this talent in your work, relationships, your goals , aspirations and problems solving. Through regular practise what’s in your heart, in your imagination will be more real to you than what you can see, hear and touch. This state of awareness will deliver you from whatever may be challenging to right now or in the future. This is when Christ has truly awakened in you.

CONCLUSION

If, you continue to obsess about the difficulty of your situation, you will end up in despair. In other words, you will feel trapped. When that happens, it’s easy to panic and do irrational things that just exacerbate the problem. Logic and reason may tell you “Its not possible, ” but Id like to remind you: Trust in the Lord( I AM) with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5. Now remember, the Lord , God, I AM , Jesus Christ and imagination are all synonymous terms. Understood psychologically this scripture is telling us to trust in our imagination, even if we don’t understand how, it will be done.

“Now look into your minds eye and define carefully the solution of a problem. When you define the solution to a problem do you know what you are actually seeing? You are seeing Jesus, for Jesus means to “save” So the state that would save that man from what he is …That is his saviour.” Neville Goddard -Easter

Exploring the nature of consciousness and how it relates to their circumstances they would come to the knowledge, that your consciousness is the source of all there is and is the only creative power. One would learn that as crazy as it sounds, we are all capable of becoming anything or doing anything that we can imagine, including the solution to our problems.

There is no objective too important or too trivial that the imagination cannot solve, but the truth is only few people take the time to actually sit down and cultivate this talent to resolve their challenges. If they would only spend a little time.