Problems, difficulties, obstacles, crises, contractions

Difficulties, problems, troubles, obstacles, crises, and constraints are all necessities for human beings living in this world. These realities stem from the very requirements of how the world and humanity function. Their existence is not, in itself, a problem—as long as they are not perceived as such. For neither the world nor humanity promises perfection, or the absence of problems. Moreover, the aforementioned conditions are not flaws. Just as the thorn of a rose is not a defect of the rose, but an intrinsic part of it—so too are these conditions. It is only when humans misinterpret and misjudge them that they become seen as flaws.

There is an inherent necessity in how things unfold. The experiences we undergo are essential for human beings to remain human, to grow stronger, and to progress. For instance, the constraints that arise from taking a wrong path serve as an invitation to correct it. And according to the principle that “everything is understood through its opposite,” the unrest and unhappiness resulting from problems are necessary for us to comprehend peace and happiness.

If the path taken is correct and the necessary actions are carried out as they should be, then the difficulties encountered are inherent requirements of the journey toward progress and development. As long as one continues persistently toward their goals, despite the passage of time, progress and development will occur. This truth, when observed with a broad and accurate perspective, will become unmistakably clear in the future. It may not be understood at the moment it occurs, but it will become evident later in life’s journey. The patience and efforts once hidden will begin to be revealed. Events once endured will become visible in the future—though they remain the same, they will no longer require the same level of struggle to overcome.

The difficulties and ease we experience, when combined with learning, lead to a better quality of life. Sometimes, valuable lessons are drawn that could enhance life’s quality, yet these lessons are met with resentment and complaint, leading to stagnation and the obstruction of progress—ultimately resulting in regression. However, the proper struggle against personal challenges—whether environmental, mental, spiritual, or physical—enables personal strength. For resilience in the face of adversity leads to growth and development. Just as in weight training, where strength is built through resistance and metal is shaped through hammering, so too do we grow weary and worn, yet refuse to surrender, and thereby develop through these very trials.

Let us remember a crucial point here: When we push ourselves, we must ensure that the difficulties we face do not generate new problems. Excessive hardship must be understood as extreme strain that either overwhelms the individual, preventing continuation, or, even if endured, gradually causes mental, spiritual, and physical damage through the very act of enduring it. Furthermore, even when hardship is appropriate and normal, spaces and times for recovery and balance must be deliberately created to offset the strain and turmoil.

In summary, negative experiences make positive ones possible. The struggles we endure make future difficulties easier to overcome. If obstacles are properly understood as tools to prevent future obstacles, then future barriers can be neutralized before they even arise.

As a final point, let us internalize the principle that ease follows hardship and is only understood in its aftermath: Hardships must be experienced so that ease can be appreciated. Otherwise, how can one comprehend the value of ease if hardship has never been known? Certainly, only through enduring hardship does ease become comprehensible, and only through hardship does ease gain its true worth. For ease, when not contrasted with hardship, is rarely understood as such. Moreover, while ease follows hardship, we must not overlook that within hardship itself, moments of ease may also be hidden.

Days filled with turmoil, which at the time seem as though they will never pass, will, with the passage of time, inevitably fade away.