by Kathirasan K
The one solution that fixes all problems does not exist. Yes, it doesn’t. The sooner we recognise this fact, the better we can be living our lives.
In Mindfulness we learn to accept facts as they are. In fact the function of knowledge is present a piece of information as it is without altering the object. One of the definitions of mindfulness is to constantly 'recollect the nature of realities'.
This brings us to the way we perceive problems in our lives and in organisations. We often look for a single solution that could potentially fix all problems. And there are also people who claim with zeal that they have 'found' a solution that could fix your problems. On the other hand, there are others who with a similar zeal claim that there are no problems at all that needs to be fixed. Both are solutions.
This belief in finding that one solution can sometimes create a sense of fanaticism and polarisation. History informs us that wars and conflicts were directly or indirectly caused by this assumption that "I have gotten a solution". This applies to organisations too when we assume that a single way or intervention can solve all its problems. Service providers too sing the same tune. This is likened to a carpenter who believes that all solutions are made of wood or a blacksmith who believes that all solutions are made of metal.
But the world and organisations are far too complex to have a single solution to fix all its problems. And so it is with individuals.This awareness that there is no one solution that can guarantee a problem-free smooth journey is a great way to be. But that does not mean that we should not look for solutions. What we need is to drop the search for a 'dream solution' that does not exist. Instead we should recognise organisations and individuals as complex beings with multiple parts making up the whole. Each part has specific needs and hence requires unique solutions. It requires time, patience, skill and knowledge to find a solution that meets a particular need.
Whether these multiple solutions lead to a desired goal depend on time, experience, knowledge, people and a host of other factors. It is like a fishing net, where tugging one end may affect or unsettle other parts of the net. Every part of the net is interconnected.
Hence, being mindful would mean that we face challenges and problems with the awareness that we individuals and organisations are diverse and complex, and a single solution will not do the job. We are also mindful thatthe solution of today could become a problem of tomorrow.
In an interview about Mindfulness, a reporter once asked me if mindfulness would guarantee results. To his surprise, I responded with a firm "No". I further explained that Mindfulness is not a panacea, and that it would definitely work only under 'favourable conditions'. So if you believe that you have found answers through this article, please read the article again.