The IChing

For many years, I’ve used the IChing as a tool with which to explore meaning and depth of various situations happening in my life, and to discover different perspectives of problem solving and decision making. The IChing continues to be a trusted teacher and friend. Through the years I’ve turned to it while going through difficult challenges in my life and have never failed to gain insight and a sense of comfort that comes with having shared my fears and concerns with a wise old constant friend.

My journals are filled with IChing pages, many of which were written early in the morning as I contemplated dreams fresh in my mind from my recent sleep. My way of consulting the wise “old man” I Ching is to become quiet and think through the situation about which I’m concerned. I then proceed to jot down my thoughts about how I’m feeling or what I remember about a dream. I then throw the coins, outline the I Ching hexagram on the page and read the entire hexagram. I re-read it while noting the lines that seem to trigger a response to my concern. The third time I ponder the reading, I’ve already discovered one or more key elements that will guide my thoughts along creative imaginative paths, leading me to clarity and insightful options relating to my situation.

If you would like to learn more about the IChing, I recommend reading “Introduction” by Richard Wilhelm.

I’d like to share a few of my most meaningful IChing quotes:

“Whatever is up, hold fast to your integrity – it may become your lighthouse in the sea of the unknown.” – IChing (hex 56 Traveling)

“You may now exercise the most brief and gentle of influences over others: Quell any impulses to take aggressive measures.” – IChing (hex 9 Restrained)

“Open up your mind – expand your character to embrace the world! Then you will find guidance.” – Iching (hex 2 Natural Response)

“Pay attention to your bodily rhythms, observe your inherent character traits, and listen to your inner voice. This state of mind can enhance your health and well being.” – I Ching (hex 16 Harmonize)

“Your strength comes from your alignment to the cosmic order in which good and evil find their proper places.” – I Ching (hex 14 Sovereignty)

“Only efforts that do not diminish your Self are worthwhile.”– I Ching (hex 41 Decline)

“Know what you want – know what makes you feel good about yourself – know what brings you into harmony with others.” – I Ching (hex 21 Reform)

“In a static time of changing – you may not know what to do. You know that something must be done. . . your best course is to alert yourself by paying careful attention to the shifting moods of those around you.” – I Ching (hex 49 Changing)

“Calmness and adaptability along with good-natured persistence will see you through.” – I Ching ( hex 53 Developing)

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