Three Unusual Problem-Solving Techniques to Think Beyond the Box

Rethinking problem solving

Problem-solving is one of man’s greatest asset. It’s what helps us navigate life’s inevitable obstacles. Whether consciously or through the deeper, less visible workings of the subconscious mind. There’s never just one path to a solution. Yet our minds often feel limited not because the brain doesn’t have the capacity, but because we haven’t fully learned how to tap into it. Sometimes, the problem solving techniques we don’t fully understand work – not because they’re inherently better, but simply because they’re different.

So, let’s dive into three problem-solving techniques that break you out of the mental box.

Three Fresh Ways to Solve Anything

1. Breath Meditation — “Be Where Your Feet Are”

Such a simple quote but so profound. Breath meditation does exactly that. It takes you outside of the “problem box” and helps you step away from your current life situation so you can see it more clearly. In The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle emphasizes that our “life situation” – encompassing our problems, relationships, work, finances, etc. – is distinct from our actual life, which is the present moment.

Life naturally moves toward disorder (entropy) every second. Meditation helps bring it back into order, again and again. When your mind is in order, clarity returns, and you can think more objectively.

2. Incantation & Mantra Chanting

Repetition has power. Mantra chanting taps into this power of repetition, bringing your focus back to a single point — the now. Words carry meaning, sound carries vibration, and vibrations affect the brain. Different sounds evoke different brainwave states. For example, certain rhythms can promote focus, calm, or creativity.

Mantras don’t have to be sacred Sanskrit verses. They don’t even need to make sense. In fact, it’s often better if they don’t. Gibberish works because it bypasses overthinking and drops you straight into presence. For example, Transcendental Meditation (TM) mantras are personalized, meaningless sounds, that are used to quiet the mind and facilitate effortless transcendence. These mantras are not meant to be focused on or analyzed; rather, they serve as a vehicle to gently guide the mind towards a state of stillness and pure awareness beyond thought. 

Every time I feel off-centre or low-vibe, I can repeat it until I feel my energy shift back to balance.

3. The Ancestral Connection Technique

This one’s deeper and more personal. We all have an inner child — the part of us that still holds our earliest dreams, wounds, and memories. When you’re stuck at a serious roadblock, tapping into this inner child can uncover emotional roots you didn’t know were connected to the problem.

Alongside this, your ancestors carry wisdom within your very DNA. Connecting with them can be deeply grounding and empowering. Try this easy and empowering ritual: Quiet Ancestral Connection Ritual (10–15 min)

What You’ll Need:

• A quiet space
• A candle (preferably white or gold for guidance)
• Paper & pen
• Optional: a small object that reminds you of your roots (photo, heirloom, or even soil from your native place if available)

Steps:

• Create Sacred Space
• Light the candle and sit in silence for a minute.
• Close your eyes and take three deep breaths, imagining yourself in front of your ancestral home.
• Visualize meeting your ancestors
• Receive the Blessing and hold their hand.
• As you hold his hand, imagine a warm, steady energy flowing into you.
• Silently say: “I honor my roots. I accept your guidance and strength. I carry our legacy forward with love and courage.”
• Seal It
• Blow out the candle and say “Thank you” aloud.
• Keep the feeling of that moment for a few breaths before opening your eyes.

 Journaling Prompt (Integration) Write down your responses to these:

1. “What strength from my ancestry do I want to carry into my present life?
2. “What message might my ancestor be silently giving me by turning his back but holding out his hand?”
3. “If my ancestral home could speak, what wisdom would it give me right now?

Think about it

What unconventional methods have you used for problem solving successfully?