16. Enthusiasm

“It furthers one to install helpers and to set armies marching.”

The Universe has great Enthusiasm for your plans. You will be aided by synchronicity.

………………………………………………

Enthusiasm is the future of Shock. Once you have made your peace with the Shocking event, you will be able to draw on a well of Enthusiasm to help you move forward.

The Book of Changes says: Remember, you cannot change the Shock that headed your way. But you can deal with it.

The Universe says: Go for it! You will be aided in ways you cannot now imagine.

…………………

Next: A new reading

How the Book of Changes Works

“The way in which the Book of Changes works can best be compared to an electrical circuit reaching into all situations. The circuit only affords the potentiality of lighting; it does not give light. But when contact with a definite situation is established in the questioner, the ‘current’ is activated, and the given situation is illumined.”

Richard Wilhelm

51. Shock, Line 1

“Shock comes — Oh! Oh! Then follow laughing words — ha! ha!”

A Shock comes and at first you are distressed. As you learn the lesson this Shock teaches you, your distress will change to joy.

…………………………………………

Example: Someone you are very close to, and very dependent, on dies. This Shock will shake your world. But, as you learn you can function fine on your own, whole new worlds open up to you.

The Book of Changes says: You cannot change the Shock that is about to hit you. But, as you adjust to it, you will see new opportunities

This is how the ancient Chinese said, “When God closes a door, he opens a window.”

…………….

Next: Future. “Enthusiasm”

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

51. Shock

“Shock brings success. . . . The Shock terrifies for a hundred miles.”

A Shock is coming. If you maintain your inner strength and balance, this Shocking event will bring you success.

……………………………………………………….

What Shock will scare the crap out of you, and then bring you success? Well, if I told you, it wouldn’t be a Shock when it arrives, now, would it?

The Book of Changes says: The only way to prepare for what is coming is to stay strong. Don’t let a Shocking set of circumstances knock you over.

The Shock could be: the death of a loved one; you find out your spouse is cheating; your house burns down; you lose your job — any of “the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.” [Hamlet]

We received one changing line to guide us, Line 1.

………………

Next: Line 1. “Shock comes — Oh! Oh!”

The Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

60. Limitation

Limiting your expenditures of time and money is the key to your success. Self-discipline and focus will be required.

“Limitation. Success.”

………………………..

We tend to think of “Limits” as a bad thing— How to be a No Limits Person! sold millions — but . . .

The Book of Changes says: The reality is, Limitations are necessary in many areas of life. In fact, in facing the Danger that confronts you now, Limitations are crucial.

Do you have unlimited amounts of time, energy and money? No? Then use what you’ve got for what’s truly important, and let the rest go.

………………
Next: A new reading

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

29. Danger, Line 1

“One falls into a pit.”

You are indulging in harmful behavior that is becoming a habit or addiction. By growing used to what is Dangerous, it is becoming part of you. The first step to getting out is to acknowledge the extent of the Danger.

……………………………………………………………

What is your Dangerous behavior? Eating too much? Taking too many pills? Too much time on your cell phone? Indiscriminate sex? Video games? Smoking? Drinking? Circle all that apply.

The Book of Changes says: You are not just ‘flirting’ with temptation. You have fallen into the pit. If you are going to get out, you will first have to admit it.

Climbing out of this pit will take real effort. Be prepared for some hard work, and some Limitations.

……….

Next: Future. “Limitation. Success.”

How the Book of Changes Works

“The way in which the Book of Changes works can best be compared to an electrical circuit reaching into all situations. The circuit only affords the potentiality of lighting; it does not give light. But when contact with a definite situation is established in the questioner, the ‘current’ is activated, and the given situation is illumined.”

Richard Wilhelm

29. Danger

“Danger after danger.”

You are a hazardous situation. This Danger is going to continue. It is enough to keep your head above water. Hold on and go with the flow.

………………………..

For you, the present is full of difficulties, and this reading, Danger, tells you these difficulties are going to continue.

The Book of Changes says: Change is swirling around you, and there is little you can do about it. Do not try to change things back to “the way they were.” It ain’t gonna happen.

Don’t worry about “accomplishing” anything right now. Your only goal should be survival.

We received one changing line, Line 1, to guide us.

……..

Tomorrow: Line 1. “One falls into a pit.”

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

57. Gentle Wind

“Success through what is small.”

You will get where you want to go only through slow, steady steps. Plot a straight path to your desired destination, and stay on it.

………………………………………….

I call this one the divi divi tree message. On the island of Aruba, because the wind blows consistently in the same direction, the divi divi trees grow to look like giant hands, all pointing toward the more populated shore.

The Book of Changes says: Be like the divi divi tree. Keep growing in the same direction. Keep all your efforts in line with your ideal ‘destination,’ and pass up side distractions.

The Gentle Wind is the future of Temptation. Meaning: To by-pass the Temptation that is threatening you, you will have to take many small steps.

……………….

Tomorrow: A new reading.

How the Book of Changes Works

“The way in which the Book of Changes works can best be compared to an electrical circuit reaching into all situations. The circuit only affords the potentiality of lighting; it does not give light. But when contact with a definite situation is established in the questioner, the ‘current’ is activated, and the given situation is illumined.”

Richard Wilhelm

44. Temptation, Line 4

“No fish in the tank.”

If you ignore others, you will have no one to turn to when you need help. This leads to misfortune.

…………………………………..

Who have you been ignoring? Your family? Your co-workers? Your BBF?

The Book of Changes says: Change your ways before something bad happens. If you expect others to support you, you need to support them.

If that time is not here for you right now, it is coming soon.

……………..

Tomorrow: Future. “Gentle Wind”

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

44. Temptation

“The inferior thing seems harmless and inviting.”

Something is Tempting you. Beware. It is more dangerous than you can foresee.

………………………………..

What is Tempting you? Will it really hurt anything if you . . . skip exercise for today? Eat a cinnamon roll for breakfast? Check out that porn site your buddy was telling you about?

The Book of Changes is telling you: Stop right now.

Giving in to this Temptation will have serious consequences down the road. Don’t say the Yi didn’t warn you.

We have just one changing line with Temptation, with a slightly different warning.

………..

Tomorrow: Line 4. “No fish in the tank.”

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind

38. Opposition

“Thus, amid all associations, the superior woman retains her individuality.”

The Opposition you face may come from another person, or it may be two Opposing parts of your self. Either way, you can get past this Opposition without changing who you are.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

This Opposition is the future of Inexperience / Youthful Folly.

The Book of Changes says: Relying on black-and-white, all-or-nothing thinking is the classic Youthful Folly. Things are rarely as clear-cut as they seem at first glance.

Retain your true self in the midst of group pressure. It will all work out.

……………….

Tomorrow: A new message.

Book of Changes — Like Yoga for Your Mind