Modern problems originate from modern solutions. They are problems society has crafted and thrusted upon us. Think about the experiences one may encounter over the day.
Frustration from sitting in traffic.
Stress from minor dips in the stock market.
Anger from a technical difficulty on a device.
Irritation from misplacing a set of keys or a phone.
In the grand scheme of things, these problems are inconveniences. None of them would exist without modern solutions.
No cars? No traffic.
Stock markets create concerns about investments.
Technical difficulties are due to technology.
Misplacing our items is a problem of abundance.
Our ancestors never had these problems. Their list of problems were finite and fatal.
Finding food.
Attracting mates.
Creating shelter.
Protecting oneself from predators.
Adapting to the local climate.
These ancestral problems are rooted in the need to survive and pass their genes along to the next generation. While some ancestral problems may still be relevant, most modern problems are minor inconveniences that do not threaten our survival.
Does this rationale appear harsh? Look beneath the surface. This vantage point provides one with a fresh view on their reactions to modern problems. Difficult moments are helpful when they keep our current circumstances in perspective.
Despite the inconveniences, I’m grateful for the modern solutions we have today. Both the modern solutions, and inconveniences, are here to stay; we can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube. Instead, we can sit in traffic, notice a dip in the stock market, or experience another subtle inconvenience, and leverage this timeless perspective as a reminder to come back to the present moment.
The current emotions might be difficult to sit with, but one must acknowledge and examine their feelings in order to strengthen their self awareness. Are these emotions worth stressing over? Will they matter in the next five years, five months, or even in the next five hours?
Understand that even the most difficult days will pass. In the interim, we can take a deep breath and focus on one step at a time.
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