Part of the problem

Being part of the problem, and the solution

Shunryu Suzuki offers a puzzling teaching in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. When you are a part of the problem, or when the problem is a part of you, there is no problem, because you are the problem itself. At first, it sounds like a riddle. However, it points to an important shift in how we relate to difficulties.

Usually, we treat problems as external enemies. Something outside disturbs our peace, and we fight it. Suzuki suggests that when we fully accept our involvement, the sense of conflict changes. The problem is no longer something attacking us. Instead, it becomes part of our life to work with.

Accepting our share of responsibility

This perspective encourages responsibility. In teams, people often blame others for issues. Yet most problems involve shared actions. Therefore, asking how am I contributing to this? opens the door to real solutions. For example, a manager frustrated with poor communication may discover their own unclear instructions.

Acceptance also reduces resistance. Fighting reality drains energy. Moreover, accepting a situation does not mean liking it. It means seeing it clearly, which makes effective action possible.

Systems thinking supports this view. In complex systems, everyone influences outcomes. Consequently, changing our own behaviour can shift the whole system.

Self-compassion remains important. Contributing to a mess is human, not shameful.

In short, ownership turns problems into projects. Therefore, choose one recurring frustration and ask what your role in it might be. For instance, notice how your tone affects a tense conversation. As a result, you gain power to change it.

Moreover, this view reduces conflict. When everyone looks at their own contribution first, discussions become more constructive and solutions arrive faster.

Keep reading

• True activity its forget
• Appearing in the world
• Collective mistake