The man behind the curtain

“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” is the amazing quote we know and love from the movie. The Wizard of Oz. It is a special directive that you can take advantage of to free yourself of emotional baggage on the spot. It is a simple technique. If you stick with that, you will find that you can release a lot of emotional pain in a very short time. So ironically, it’s actually very magical; Despite the questionable nature of the Wizard!

So … let’s start with a problem you currently have. Pick only one to work first. Choose a medium-sized one until it becomes easier with this process. You can tackle the bigger issues soon enough once you get more practice with it.

Look at your problem with great curiosity, interest, and suspicion. Resist the urge to get into the problem now and get into it. Just look. Nothing else is required at this time. If you find yourself slipping into it, you can choose a less loaded problem to tackle first, or simply remind yourself to “look at yourself” doing the process. This will keep you out of the thick of things so you can gain some freedom.

Now … take a look at the bottom of the problem and see what you really see behind it. Be open to being surprised by what appears. It may not be what you expected. If often it is not.

Next … look behind that and notice the structure that holds the problem together. Resist the temptation to find out what it is about. Just look. Nothing else. Whatever it is … it is … and it’s totally fine.

Now … keep your attention gently there. You are only turning your current attention to the structure behind the problem: the scaffolding that supports everything. It might seem like something you recognize, or you don’t. It may or may not be familiar to you. It just is what it is. Just watch … and wait … and wait … and wait longer than you think is productive. You want to wait until the point of boredom passes. Then take a breath and relax. Let it all go for now.

Check out your problem and notice the subtle or very obvious improvements you feel. Observe what you notice without needing to be pushed, coaxed, forced, or manipulated in any way. Clean, huh? Less hassle in no time.

What happened? A lot of. But for now it is 1000 times more useful not to search for answers. Instead, you will really help yourself by going over this sequence again in another problem. Maybe even a third problem if you have a few minutes. You will feel better and better. You can reduce your suffering in this way quickly, easily and peacefully as long as you have a few free minutes.