Although we all like to believe that we are part of the solution, or that we have the solution, how do we, you, I, how do we know that we're not part of the probem?

Who is determining what “reality” is? Why do you accept that “reality” is that you are part of the problem?

I suspect that we each are part of the solution AND part of the problem – and maybe both at the same time sometimes. Cut yourself some slack! :)

Well thanks @llewis. I appreciate that. But when checking the scale, although I have lots of great ideas, and truly believe that I know how to be part of the solution, the fact remains, when it’s all added up, in reality, I am very much a part of the problem, and do very very little to be a part of the solution.

The biggest thing any of us can do is to go forth with a smile on our face and kindness in our hearts.

Be present, pay attention to what presents.

To carry the weight of the world is an act of a neurotic ego.

Just get up every day and do what needs to be done as it shows up.

Be it not driving that day if you do not have to or scaring a deer out of the road in an act of compassion for the deer and the next driver, or opening a door for a person with a smile and a friendly word.

Just do the one thing that presents and be at peace with that.

I agree with @Coloma that you shouldn’t be carrying the weight of the world. But, I applaud your recognition that you’re pretty much doing very very bad things all the time. I know I am.

The amount of money I spend on entertainment…that could be feeding hundreds…hundreds…of people.

I’m working towards reducing that harm.

One needs to define the problem before there can be any determination for a solution.

The problem is greed and over consumption. I do not give enough to charity. I have too many possessions.

@RealEyesRealizeRealLies – and you probably always will.

@RealEyesRealizeRealLies

Well..then get up tomorrow morning and thin the herd of stuff and make a donation to your local thrift store.

I work at a thrift/book/second hand camping store in my community and it is not only really fun but a great community service.

I totally get off on people finding great deals and fun things as well as necessities.

Stop thinking so much and just do something!

A safe bet @iamthemob.

Ok @Coloma. Good suggestion. Thanks.

I am part of the problem, as are all of us. Sometimes, my hypocrisy makes me sick.

It’s all in ones mindset.

I do what I do and don’t carry around any self imposed guilt trips.

There are so many ways to contribute you only have to find one or two.

Okay, I havn’t donated my body to science, yet, I’m still using it. lol

Lighten up and just do something, anything, big or small, that’s all there is to it.

Carrying guilt and acknowledging reality are not necessarily synonymous. I appreciate your input @Coloma, but I do have a very pointed question for you. Although you are trying to do your share to be part of the solution, do you have any question whatsoever that you are not part of the problem as well?

Carrying guilt and acknowledging reality are not necessarily synonymous.

THANK you…! ;-)

That’s a great question. It is very difficult to really know that—perhaps humanly impossible. However, I think those who occasionally ask themselves that question, and give the answer serious though, are far less likely to be part of the problem than those who go through life confident they are not and never could be.

I don’t believe that I’m part of the solution. In fact, if war did not exist, I’m pretty sure I’m the one who would have invented it.
I just have opinions…and therein lies the problem. I wonder if knowing truly is a step closer to victory. Maybe my mentality is shot. Well, fuck it. I’m just trying to live, like everyone else.

Simply by existing, we are all part of the problem – by existing we are using up resources faster than we are replacing them. The best we can to is to try to lessen the weight of our tread on the Earth, and to have respect and compassion for everyone else.

@RealEyesRealizeRealLies

What problem?

There are no problems, only situations.

The world has had it’s situations from the beginning of time.

So, no, I don’t view my existence as a ‘problem’.

I’m here now, I do what I can.

I live a peaceful life, care for my property organically, take in animals in need, support several charities, work for my community and live a simple, relatively non-invasive life.

I am not a glutton for ‘stuff’, don’t have to have the latest and greatest of anything from technology to cars, and I spread as much goodwill as possible.

Good enough! ;-)

@RealEyesRealizeRealLies I’d like to know more about those “great ideas” that you have “on how to make the world a better place”. Perhaps the world would benefit by your sharing them.

Sure…

Idea #1, it is specifically for myself. Don’t be such a greedy slob. Emphasis on “Don’t”

Idea #2, again to myself. Give time and/or money when and wherever possible, even if it hurts.

I’d start with those before going on to others. But see, even my great ideas are selfish, and only for myself. You can’t have them… :)

@RealEyesRealizeRealLies Say what?!!
Could you please be a little less obscure?

I suspect that the “world” might need a bit more clarity.

That’s #3 @lloydbird… Clarity, yes the world needs more. But I get mine first, remember.

@RealEyesRealizeRealLies ”But I get mine first..”
Now, that would be as someone that is a part of this world, right?
And if so, if you get yours “first”, then so should the “world”. Eh?

As long as we’re clear on that.

Yeah ;-)