The Dalai Lama Quote on Handling Problems by Zooming Out and Looking From a Broader Perspective

“When we help others, the focus of our mind assumes a broader horizon within which we are able to see our own petty problems in a more realistic proportion.  What previously appeared to be daunting and unbearable, which is what often makes our problems so overwhelming, tends to lose its intensity.”

Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness

Beyond the Quote (60/365)

This is where the idea of “first world problems” comes from.  We will complain about and feel overwhelm from the problems that are prevalent in our world—as small or as large as that world is.  If our world is small from inexperience or lack of opportunity, then our small problems will appear to be big.  If our world is large from a plethora of experiences and plentiful opportunities, then even our “large” problems will appear to be small.  If what we have to complain about, for example, is some stupid thing someone said to us, and our world is small and we don’t have anything else affecting us, then why would we complain and worry about anything else?  That which doesn’t immediately affect us doesn’t immediately concern us.  The entire scope of our focus is directed at the only thing that is calling for it, which in this case, is the stupid thing someone said to us.  That is our entire world and that is our only problem to focus on.  Until it’s not.

It takes initiative and effort to see problems from a broader horizon.  Maybe we could zoom out from the intense focus we were putting on the stupid thing someone said and we could broaden our scope to include the problems our family members might be facing?  Maybe we could check on them and have a real talk about how they’re doing?  Then we might have a few problems that we can split our attention on‚ maybe take on some larger problems that take precedence over some stupid thing that someone said.

And once you do that, maybe you zoom out your focus again to include your friends and continue to shift your focus appropriately.  And once again, maybe you zoom out to include your community, then beyond your community, then to some of the places in the world where the problems are the most severe and intense.  This act of zooming out puts the stupid thing that someone said into immediate perspective.  What was once “daunting and unbearable” under the intense focus of our attention can quickly become feeble and petty in the grand scheme of things.

This is not to say that we should just let people say stupid things to us whenever they want and we should just ignore it and “zoom out.”  Although, that’s actually not always bad advice.  We should, however, be ready to communicate our perspective, stand up for ourselves, properly deal with what they said, and take the appropriate actions when it’s necessary.  Once that happens though, or we decide that nothing needs to be done or that the person who said it isn’t worth the effort, then we can zoom out of our own mind and look at that broader horizon.  This can be particularly useful if you feel stuck in a cyclical train of thought and are feeling bothered by what might be considered a first world problem.

Your girlfriend said something that upset you?  Zoom out and notice that at least you have a girlfriend and are in a position where you’re allowed to date.  Mad that the waiter brought you a burger that had cheese on it when you asked for no cheese?  Zoom out and realize that you have the resources to not only buy food in a restaurant setting, but you can afford to pay someone to bring it to you.  Angry that someone cut you off in traffic?  Zoom out and appreciate the fact that you even have a car, can afford gas, have access to roads that are drivable, and know how to drive a car.

If you’re reading this, this principle of zooming out applies to you too.  Zoom out and notice that you have access to a device that can access the internet!  And you can read!  And you have time to read!  You don’t have to zoom out too far to see how many of the problems we might be concerned with are relatively small in comparison.  But, again, does this mean that zooming out is a solution to problems?  Most of the time, no.  Sometimes it can help you forget about a “problem” that had no business being a problem in the first place.  But, if it’s a legitimate problem that you’re facing, then before you zoom out, you should take care of yourself first.

Remember, you can only ever give back what you have.  And if you give everything you have to others and leave nothing for yourself or your own problems, then everybody suffers.  But if you care for yourself first, prioritize what needs your focus and what doesn’t, and then zoom out to help the world around you, then you’re going to be in a more sustainable position to not only continue helping, but helping better.  Remember, sometimes problems can take on a weight and a burden that they have no business taking on—keep that in check!  Take a good look at what’s bothering you, put yourself into some other people’s shoes, then tackle the most relevant problems in your world with a clear mind and a full heart.  We need you at your best.

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