Ani Aileen Williams

For those truly wishing for inspiring effect, it takes willingness for deep contemplation, which can lead to transformation.  Transformation is not only for oneself, but for those who witness it. In other words, our transformation can set an example for others through inspiration, thus leading other people to their own transformations. This level of contemplation however requires self honesty and seriousness.  Contemplation into our habits allows us to reflect upon our lives mission and self commitment to change, to benefit other. The text indicates that through the power of deep and profound contemplation, looking at habit close up and far away, enables a spiritual “power” to rise in us, “influencing others without their being aware of how it happens.”

This week’s question provoke the following hexagrams:
The original is Wind over Earth; 20
The expansion is Heaven over Fire; 13
The kernel is Earth over Earth; 2 BY WAY OF Mountain over Earth; 23

While we may not have the intention or motivation for our own transformations to impact others, they will.  This is important to reflect upon because the laws of karma will place us in various environments, and our influences upon other people becomes critical to our own karma and spiritual practices and Path. Reflection and contemplation upon one’s habits is a transitional time, and can lead one to cultivate new, more beneficial habits. Ideally, we are motivated to always bring benefit in some way.  This motivation comes from an inner strength to cultivate beneficial habits.

Something important to note when contemplating upon habits, is that generally speaking, one benefits most by being in fellowship.  Why is this? It is through the power of interaction with other that the true test of habit presents itself, thus allowing the space and time to see one’s faults in order to change them. Therefore it really does further one to be engaged with fellowship; developing a perseverance for the Path.

We spend our lives endlessly in search of happiness, becoming tiresome.  It is through a perseverance for the Path that we can reach our ultimate goal of enlightenment.  A key to reaching this goal is constant evaluation of our habits, so yes, it is important to pay attention to them. Through this process we gain clarity and proper discernment.  We need our spiritual friends for interaction and engagement, and we need our Teachers for guidance through troubled waters. Cultivating new habits brings breadth and purity to our character, enabling support and the ability to bear the obstacles that one will encounter along their spiritual journey.

Lastly, the ultimate outcome does not come by running away, rather, one must remain still with devotion.  There are times to be active, and times to contemplate, and with the guidance of one’s Teacher, and spiritual friendships and fellowship, one can ride the ebb and flow of a turbulent ocean.

Have a wonderful week, enjoy your practices and contemplate deeply and profoundly upon your habits, because it is important, and it matters.

Learn more about the I Ching on the I Ching page!

How do we reframe our perspective, especially when it comes to everyday stress? Words have power when spoken from the heart and based on what is real.  In other words, nothing contrived or pretentious.  Words have influence, and it is influence that guides our perspective about everyday “things.” Words can carry a lot of weight when they become pertinent to a set of circumstances and situations in play.  Superficial conversation usually offers little in the course of communication and connection, whether that is between people, or within oneself. Our ability to reframe our perspective is firmly founded in our ability to use words of influential assertion that provokes change.

For this week’s reading given the question and contemplation, the I Ching is:

Wind over Mountain; 53 as Original hexagram
Wind over Fire; 37 as the Expansion
Fire over Water; 64 as the Kernel

The text tells us that change is a gradual process, and one must change within, before there is change without. If we really want to learn how to reframe our perspective about a situation, then we have to look at the words we use, and how we use them, for ourselves internally, and how they are expressed outwardly.  Words carry a lot of power within, and without.  We can begin our practices of reframing immediately through the use of language; instead of saying “but” say “and”, instead of saying “I can’t” say “I can”, and begin to understand that upset is actually optional.  Again, change does not come quickly, and we have to start where we are.  Using words is a good and safe place to begin the reframing process, and soon the habitual tendencies of the past go away, and new more beneficial habits are cultivated.

Change is inevitable, and should we make the decision to go with it, we will find that reframing our perspective about circumstances and situations becomes more natural. And, it is constant work on the development of one’s moral compass and direction. “The Tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region.  It does not shoot up like a swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually.”

We live in a time where we are faced with difficult challenges and tasks.  Often times we feel the weight of obligation and responsibility.  These feelings can seem overwhelming, especially in times of crisis or chaos.  What if we took a moment of pause and practiced reframing the situation through the power of words? What would it say to us then? Perspective is developed at a very foundational level, and thus grows with us through the years.  The good news is that it is adjustable; we can learn how to reframe our perspective and gain a new outlook.

Challenges and tasks are action items that can bring groups and teams together to accomplish a very important goal.  Through the power of words in communication, new perspectives can take hold and create newly defined directions, with benefit and accomplishment. It all starts within us first however. We must make those changes within ourselves before we can truly influence and appropriately “handle” the external forces around us.

Have a wonderful week, and chose your words carefully.  🙂

How DO we keep it simple? All things grow well in the absence of clutter and complexity. When things seem out of control, and we feel uncertain as to direction and path, the I Ching indicates the direction of simplicity and reminds us of the benefits of self reliance. What this means is living simple clean lives without a lot of extravagance. This can be true for our minds as well, not just our outer external lives and environment.

For this week’s reading given the question and contemplation, the I Ching is:

Earth over Fire; 36 as Original hexagram
Wind over Earth; 20 as the Expansion
Water over Fire; 63 as the Kernel, BY WAY OF Thunder over Water; 40

As people, we are all a head of affairs in some regard to our lives, whether it be as a parent, boss, manager, leader or all of the above. We all, even young people, have some charge of affairs in our lives. Maybe it is at school, or home, work, business, religious practice, or relationships; we experience the stress, rewards and twists of these affairs. Most of us experience what the I Ching would refer to as “a wounding” within the context of these affairs. Further, it is the “wise” one “who has able helpers, and in company with them makes progress.” What does that mean? It means that those of us who understand and perceive ourselves as head of affairs will need to go through the twists and turns of our journeys and will best be served, and be of service to other by understanding the benefit of teamwork.

We must not be swayed or swept by unfavorable circumstances, rather remain steadfast on our Path and not be shaken.  Keeping life clean and simple, without a lot of complexity allows us to remain focused on our Path, and steadfast in the face of difficult situations. A humble and simple life allows for the spaciousness needed to conquer adversity.  This philosophy and perspective offers room for the inner true nature of ourselves to shine bright, “remaining outwardly yielding and tractable.”

Maintaining this position expands into a wide view and perspective, offering observation of landmarks, and cultivating a deeper understanding of one’s life landscape. It is wise to contemplate the laws of nature, and the laws of people.  Contemplating is important, and being seen is as well~ to be an example. Another interesting fact that the I Ching points out is that if the goodness we aspire to offer to the world is true and sincere, and expressive of real faith, the contemplation alone of it has a transformative and awe inspiring effect on those who see it and/or experience it. What the text is implying is that when we remain humble, keeping our lives simple, we invite the benefits of contemplation, which then in turn offers the space for wisdom to appear.

The twists and turns of our journeys will not come without obstacle and difficult times and circumstances.  These are empowering moments, and there will come a time of deliverance.  There are a few key points to remember:
a. do not overdo triumph
b. do not push on farther than is necessary
c. return to the regular rhythm of life once deliverance is achieved
d. deal with residual matters that need attention as soon as possible

These actions are a way to clear the air, like a good thunderstorm, making way for the new to enter and the old to exit.

Go forth folks maintaining a good attitude of getting rid of what is not needed, making way for the seeds of potential to cultivate and grow.  Remember simplicity is the way to go, and not extravagance or complexity.  Keeping a simple and clean environment, helps maintain a spacious and humble mind.

Can Spiritual Practice conquer illness?

Original hexagram is Thunder over Mountain; 62
The Expansion is Lake over Heaven; 43
The Kernel is Heaven over Heaven; 1 BY WAY OF Lake over Wind; 28

Our spiritual practice provides us with the nourishment that we need in order to grow, emotionally, mentally and some would even argue physically.  And, of course spiritually.  It is medicine for the soul, and food for the body.  We are not separate from the world, rather we are connected to it and we are better served when we meditate with it. What is important to realize is that the world cannot offer us anything, really.  If we want to seek the truth as Lord Buddha did, then we have to be in the world, but not of the world. Where we run into problems is believing in what we are experiencing to be real and buying into the emotion we may be experiencing. What causes illness? Many say unhappiness.

When we can put our spiritual practice into our daily lives, and live it as a philosophy; a way of life, then we begin to experience a breakthrough.  As if those frozen lakes that reside within us begin to break apart, and allow the sunshine to penetrate the depths of our existence.  In these moments, our faults and emotions no longer have power over us, rather we have power over them~ and progress occurs.

The question is more like, what can happen as a result of my spiritual practice? Strength, vitality, creative action, and an awakening of power that can lead to enlightenment~ a development of higher nature.  We gain clarity and direction, confidence and courage.  In the end, a sublime success.

If illness is caused by unfortunate circumstance, whatever that might be, then it would seem appropriate to cultivate whenever possible the things that promote and foster fortunate circumstances.  What does that mean?  Engage in virtuous activity, allow your intentions to be set on helping and serving the common good, and be careful as to not exhaust yourself in worldly things.  The text indicates that now is a time for change, and extraordinary measures are needed.  These only come by way of our spiritual practices.  It is a time to take action with gentleness~ continuous, but gentle penetration to the meaning of the situation.

In the end, the world can not offer you anything, only what you have accomplished in your spiritual practices.  Have a wonderful Wednesday, and enjoy your prayers.

To learn more about the I Ching, visit our I Ching page!

Do we have to be like our parents?

A question from the field; do we have to be like our parents?

Original hexagram is Lake over Mountain; 31
The Expansion is Heaven over Mountain; 33
The Kernel is Heaven over Heaven; 1 BY WAY OF Heaven over Wind; 44

The interesting thing about our relationships with our parents is that it’s, well, karma.  There is an attraction between us and our parents, and it’s really nothing more than karmic consequences coming to fruition. The I Ching refers to it as the laws of nature, “…powers that attract each other, so they unite.”  While we are growing up, ideally our parents look after us and take care of us. Most of the time we are receptive to their giving but pretty soon we enter a stage where we don’t really want to follow their advice, be like them, and want to branch out and be different people.  If it has been a difficult relationship, we may want to be completely different from them, and actually work at not having any similarities.

Whether we get along with our parents or not, we do venture off and find our way.  This is our own karma ripening and as each potential is exhausted it moves us in one direction or the other.  We may find ourselves distant from our parents for some time  as we travel our path seeking our own desires and journeys.  During this period of time, ideally, we grow and develop, learning to appreciate our parents for what they were able to give us.  Being able to forgive the misgivings, and having compassion for our parents is a sign of progress and inner strength.

Ultimately, our relationship with our parents can be instrumental in our development along our spiritual journey.  Forgiving our parents, and loving them unconditionally, regardless of their development, can and will bring us ease and peace~this is the power of compassion.  We can set the example for our parents, living our lives as virtuous and kind people will have a positive impact on them and our relationship with them. Another important note is that by developing ourselves we become stronger with our discernment and attractions; letting go of what no longer serves us and allowing what does to rise.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.  Think of your parents and make heartfelt prayers of gratitude.  May all beings see the benefit of kindness.

Making the most of Monday?

Original hexagram is Mountain over Lake; 41
The Expansion is within the original hexagram
The Kernel is Earth over Earth; 2 BY WAY OF Earth over Thunder; 24

Keep it simple!  It’s important to understand that having less is not always a bad thing, rather sometimes it’s better for one to have less in their life and practice cultivating simplicity.  Today is not a time to start a lot of new things, however it is a good time for one to undertake one thing that brings them a sense of inner peace; completing that lingering project sitting in the “in” box or catching up on filing.  Today is a time to keep it simple and scheduling some quiet time.  This allows time for the inner growth to happen. Wealth will come in time if there is sincerity behind what one is doing, and to some extent a level of sacrifice.

One can have cooperative relationships with other people, and all living creatures, thus learning how to coexist with all of nature; achieving a deeper level of understanding of the relationships between the laws of nature and the laws of people; moving away from old habitual tendencies and cultivating new, more beneficial ones. Of course this does not happen over night, there is a period of realizing that there are turning points in one’s life.  In the more difficult times and situations, it’s best step back, get a breath of fresh air, and then start again with a newer outlook.

Be careful of blaming others, schedule in quiet time and practice simplicity.  The benefits will be inner growth development.  Do your best, be kind, and have a wonderful Monday.

To learn more about the I Ching, visit our I Ching page!