Today it feels like our inner systems are under duress. Energy we’d normally propel outward to enjoy life instead has to focus on inner maintenance. It’s frustrating, but it’s best to take the time to be thorough about it. When there’s a leak in the house, you need to be a detective to find its source. Water dripping from the ceiling is a problem and it’s a symptom of a different problem–if you only tend to the symptom, the problem keeps getting worse.

So it is that we want to get a sense of the system when it’s having problems. The drip in the ceiling might be from a leaky pipe. The leaky pipe might be from some other issue. All of these things need attention, there is not one piece that is insignificant. If we can’t get to the deepest issue—if it’s too hidden, too ingrained, or coming from something that we can’t control—then it makes sense to just fix the piping and reinforce the ceiling. But if we can tend to the source and choose not to, we’re setting ourselves up for a period of maintenance that might be avoidable.

If you find yourself having reactions bigger than expected—if emotions are “leaky” and coming out on people who don’t deserve it—then this same detective work is worthwhile. Before trying to solve anything, first stop the crisis, then explore the problem. Draw a map. See if you can see how things are informing each other. Then see what’s within your power to fix, and what needs more support.