''There but for the Grace of God go I''
Consultation on Friday, October 07, 2005 at 11:28 PM
Present: 09 Small Influences
Question: thought I did a great job with your advice, Spirit, but now doubt my motives
A gentle wind gathers the clouds, but still, no rain. Softer influences predominate as the power of the small accumulates. This is a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.
In the ebb and flow of events, there are always "low tides" - times when sweeping action is impossible or inappropriate, but when small matters can be attended to profitably, leading to bigger and better things later on. When the tide is rolling in, by all means, ride the wave; but when it is receding like it is now, focus on little things.
When the time is such that you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and subtle influence can prepare the way for strength in the future. Use your intuition to chart your long-term course, but avoid bold actions for the moment - they are unlikely to work. This is an excellent time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.
Be wary of others' intentions if they hold the upper hand in a situation. Examine their sources of power, so as to discover subtle influences you may be able to exert upon them.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 3: When a variety of distracting small problems arise, circumstances favor the weak. Just as one untimely flat tire can ruin an entire journey, so the small details of the current situation can mount up to create a huge problem. Beware of celebrating premature victories when small signs are pointing in the other direction.
Future: 61 Centering in Truth
Truth involves establishing an aware relationship between your inner core and the circumstances in your life. Centering in truth involves the ability to perceive a fundamental wisdom, reflected within yourself - and also in others.
Truth is transformed into power when you disperse all prejudice and make yourself receptive to the world as it really is. This power can be a remarkable force indeed - yet is rarer than generally imagined. It can be maintained only by cultivating a genuine openness to things as they are - a willingness to see, rather than merely look.
Whenever your inner life is clouded, your influence in the world is under a shadow. If you are fearful, you will be attacked; if you cloak genuine mysteries in dogma, opportunities for new insight will be lost. If you vacillate in upholding your principles, you will be tested. Yet, when you are firm and strong, the power of truth can break through even the most stubborn minds.
In any debate, the power to perceive the truth in the other side's argument is essential to achieving success. It is possible to influence even the most difficult people, or improve the most difficult circumstance, through the power of universal truth - for truth is something to which all things naturally respond. Get in touch with that part of yourself that is aware of this universal force of truth. Cultivate this inner resource, and you will become adept at using it to bind others to a common purpose.
Consultation on Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 12:15 AM
Present: 33 Retreat
Question: After much thought and self-doubt, I'm going to send this blog-link out anyway
All worthy goals meet resistance of some kind. When negative forces predominate, a well-timed retreat is necessary in order to stay on the path to success. Tibetans know this.
Strategic retreat is not to be confused with escape or surrender. Successful retreat demands quick and nimble movement - taking up a new position before you are damaged severely by the current situation. You are not admitting defeat by such action, but simply increasing your options, and preserving your resources. Sometimes it is necessary to slow down, let go or move back temporarily in order to develop countermoves for the future. Timing is critical, as is positioning after realignment. Considerations of personal security are critical.
Periods of withdrawal or retreat call for cool-headedness. It is necessary to keep your wits about you. Attend to small details while allowing yourself time to contemplate the whole picture. Be creative; not all progress follows a straight line. Self-confidence is also essential; small setbacks can easily become defeats if we allow ourselves to become mired in self-doubt or self-pity.
Waves of progress are, by their nature, short-lived. Learn to attune yourself to the up-and-down cycles of life. When the wave is behind you, ride it in; when it's not, lie low. Don't fool yourself into thinking that you can "fix" any situation whenever you feel like it. Some things are bigger than you are. Hold your pride in check and you will be better prepared to find creative openings.
You cast several changing lines, which indicates a number of changing possibilities in the situation.
The first changing line is Line 4: By gracefully withdrawing from conflict, you may be able to protect yourself from humiliation and the enduring enmity of others. Furthermore, you deprive the opposition of an enemy to confront, which in itself can be a successful strategic move. To gracefully retreat in a heated atmosphere is not easy, however. This can only be achieved by the exercise of superior character. So, rise to the occasion. Proper handling of a setback is a real opportunity for greater progress in the long run.
The second changing line is Line 5: If precisely the right moment is selected for retreat, the withdrawal can be effected quickly and smoothly, and with all the proper amenities observed. The key is resolute action - and taking advantage of the element of surprise. Once your mind is made up, move!
The third changing line is Line 6: When all signs point to retreat or resignation, the proper course of action must be followed without regret. Sometimes great issues resolve themselves; in such cases, it doesn't help you to remain attached to futile goals and ambitions. The most successful approach is a cheerful acceptance of fate, and a willingness to proceed along the open road - even if it leads you into unfamiliar realms. If you can leave them smiling, great success.
Future: 15 Humility
Humility is often rewarded in human affairs, just as valleys are filled by the erosion of great mountains. It is the way of the world to fill the empty cup. Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. If you are in a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse. If your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.
The most successful people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great, and adding to that which is too little. Such a person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships. Humility is the virtue which allows you to perceive the balancing force in each situation; humble people are not prey to the many illusions which grow out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious effort to develop a strain of self-effacing humor.
Consultation on Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 12:17 AM
Present: 34 Great Vigor
Question: Well, "There but for the grace of God go I."
Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation - like a ram who has knocked down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a strong force comes into its own and achieves power.
When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked. Great strength has been required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, the strong leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his position be secure, for he will not only be the possessor of power, but the source of it as well.
If you find yourself in a powerful position, it is especially important to act responsibly and react with care. Power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force which rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good is the key to the successful exercise of power. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses of power which in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance contains the seeds of its own undoing.
You cast several changing lines, which indicates a number of changing possibilities in the situation.
The first changing line is Line 1: Simply possessing great personal vigor does not assure success. If you start your movement from a lowly or weak position, attempting to advance prematurely through forceful efforts will only bring misfortune. Even for those of great strength and ability, progress is achieved step by step.
The second changing line is Line 2: The gates of good fortune are swinging open; the time has come to plunge ahead. In times of great opportunity, beware of premature celebrations. Keep your balance.
The third changing line is Line 4: The resolute application of a strong force brings success. Like the axle of a large wagon, a powerful person's real strength is often hidden inside. By quietly bringing inner strength to the outer world, great achievements become possible.
Future: 15 Humility ...
Present: 09 Small Influences
Question: thought I did a great job with your advice, Spirit, but now doubt my motives
A gentle wind gathers the clouds, but still, no rain. Softer influences predominate as the power of the small accumulates. This is a time for smooth and friendly persuasion.
In the ebb and flow of events, there are always "low tides" - times when sweeping action is impossible or inappropriate, but when small matters can be attended to profitably, leading to bigger and better things later on. When the tide is rolling in, by all means, ride the wave; but when it is receding like it is now, focus on little things.
When the time is such that you cannot do much to affect large matters, persuasion and subtle influence can prepare the way for strength in the future. Use your intuition to chart your long-term course, but avoid bold actions for the moment - they are unlikely to work. This is an excellent time to refine existing abilities or develop new talents.
Be wary of others' intentions if they hold the upper hand in a situation. Examine their sources of power, so as to discover subtle influences you may be able to exert upon them.
The most specific advice with regard to your question is contained in changing line 3: When a variety of distracting small problems arise, circumstances favor the weak. Just as one untimely flat tire can ruin an entire journey, so the small details of the current situation can mount up to create a huge problem. Beware of celebrating premature victories when small signs are pointing in the other direction.
Future: 61 Centering in Truth
Truth involves establishing an aware relationship between your inner core and the circumstances in your life. Centering in truth involves the ability to perceive a fundamental wisdom, reflected within yourself - and also in others.
Truth is transformed into power when you disperse all prejudice and make yourself receptive to the world as it really is. This power can be a remarkable force indeed - yet is rarer than generally imagined. It can be maintained only by cultivating a genuine openness to things as they are - a willingness to see, rather than merely look.
Whenever your inner life is clouded, your influence in the world is under a shadow. If you are fearful, you will be attacked; if you cloak genuine mysteries in dogma, opportunities for new insight will be lost. If you vacillate in upholding your principles, you will be tested. Yet, when you are firm and strong, the power of truth can break through even the most stubborn minds.
In any debate, the power to perceive the truth in the other side's argument is essential to achieving success. It is possible to influence even the most difficult people, or improve the most difficult circumstance, through the power of universal truth - for truth is something to which all things naturally respond. Get in touch with that part of yourself that is aware of this universal force of truth. Cultivate this inner resource, and you will become adept at using it to bind others to a common purpose.
Consultation on Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 12:15 AM
Present: 33 Retreat
Question: After much thought and self-doubt, I'm going to send this blog-link out anyway
All worthy goals meet resistance of some kind. When negative forces predominate, a well-timed retreat is necessary in order to stay on the path to success. Tibetans know this.
Strategic retreat is not to be confused with escape or surrender. Successful retreat demands quick and nimble movement - taking up a new position before you are damaged severely by the current situation. You are not admitting defeat by such action, but simply increasing your options, and preserving your resources. Sometimes it is necessary to slow down, let go or move back temporarily in order to develop countermoves for the future. Timing is critical, as is positioning after realignment. Considerations of personal security are critical.
Periods of withdrawal or retreat call for cool-headedness. It is necessary to keep your wits about you. Attend to small details while allowing yourself time to contemplate the whole picture. Be creative; not all progress follows a straight line. Self-confidence is also essential; small setbacks can easily become defeats if we allow ourselves to become mired in self-doubt or self-pity.
Waves of progress are, by their nature, short-lived. Learn to attune yourself to the up-and-down cycles of life. When the wave is behind you, ride it in; when it's not, lie low. Don't fool yourself into thinking that you can "fix" any situation whenever you feel like it. Some things are bigger than you are. Hold your pride in check and you will be better prepared to find creative openings.
You cast several changing lines, which indicates a number of changing possibilities in the situation.
The first changing line is Line 4: By gracefully withdrawing from conflict, you may be able to protect yourself from humiliation and the enduring enmity of others. Furthermore, you deprive the opposition of an enemy to confront, which in itself can be a successful strategic move. To gracefully retreat in a heated atmosphere is not easy, however. This can only be achieved by the exercise of superior character. So, rise to the occasion. Proper handling of a setback is a real opportunity for greater progress in the long run.
The second changing line is Line 5: If precisely the right moment is selected for retreat, the withdrawal can be effected quickly and smoothly, and with all the proper amenities observed. The key is resolute action - and taking advantage of the element of surprise. Once your mind is made up, move!
The third changing line is Line 6: When all signs point to retreat or resignation, the proper course of action must be followed without regret. Sometimes great issues resolve themselves; in such cases, it doesn't help you to remain attached to futile goals and ambitions. The most successful approach is a cheerful acceptance of fate, and a willingness to proceed along the open road - even if it leads you into unfamiliar realms. If you can leave them smiling, great success.
Future: 15 Humility
Humility is often rewarded in human affairs, just as valleys are filled by the erosion of great mountains. It is the way of the world to fill the empty cup. Regardless of your position, humility is a positive and deceptively powerful attribute. If you are in a high position but are still humble, people will be drawn to you and the causes you espouse. If your position is lowly, humility will endear you to those of higher status. True humility is a virtue to which all should aspire.
The most successful people are those who know how to bring each situation into balance by reducing that which is too great, and adding to that which is too little. Such a person craves not power, but balanced and stable relationships. Humility is the virtue which allows you to perceive the balancing force in each situation; humble people are not prey to the many illusions which grow out of self-importance. If humility is not natural to your disposition, make a conscious effort to develop a strain of self-effacing humor.
Consultation on Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 12:17 AM
Present: 34 Great Vigor
Question: Well, "There but for the grace of God go I."
Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation - like a ram who has knocked down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a strong force comes into its own and achieves power.
When a leader finally comes into power, his or her personal strength usually has peaked. Great strength has been required in climbing to the mountaintop, but once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain position. A shift in attitude becomes necessary. Raw strength must be tempered by wisdom; to maintain power, the strong leader must learn to give it away, to share it with others. Only then will his position be secure, for he will not only be the possessor of power, but the source of it as well.
If you find yourself in a powerful position, it is especially important to act responsibly and react with care. Power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force which rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility to the collective good is the key to the successful exercise of power. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses of power which in the end undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance contains the seeds of its own undoing.
You cast several changing lines, which indicates a number of changing possibilities in the situation.
The first changing line is Line 1: Simply possessing great personal vigor does not assure success. If you start your movement from a lowly or weak position, attempting to advance prematurely through forceful efforts will only bring misfortune. Even for those of great strength and ability, progress is achieved step by step.
The second changing line is Line 2: The gates of good fortune are swinging open; the time has come to plunge ahead. In times of great opportunity, beware of premature celebrations. Keep your balance.
The third changing line is Line 4: The resolute application of a strong force brings success. Like the axle of a large wagon, a powerful person's real strength is often hidden inside. By quietly bringing inner strength to the outer world, great achievements become possible.
Future: 15 Humility ...
posted by amiCreative at 10/08/2005 01:40:00 AM
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