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What does love have to do with it?

Today’s original hexagram was Fire over Earth; 35

There is no expansion, rather the expansion is part of the original hexagram

The Kernel (nugget) for today is Fire over Water; 64 BY WAY OF Water over Mountain; 39

Love equals expansion, clarity, joy, and easy progress.  When we love, it frees us from our poisons. “In a single day he is granted audience three times.”  In practical terms what this means is that when we love, we spread forth and influence far and wide.  We receive many blessings and our lives become less arduous.  Our nature is essentially good, however as we grow we become “…clouded by contact with earthly things…” and need “…purification before (we) can shine forth” again.  Love is part of this purification.

To love fosters “rapid and easy” progress.  When we can truly learn how to love, we can begin to move ever forward on the Path. When we love, it sets everything in motion for completion.  And, we can’t love at convenience.  When we love, we love genuinely and without hooks; this is the only way.  “…if the little fox, after nearly completing the crossing, gets his tail in the water, there is nothing that would further.”  In other words, we must love to the end and we must love equally.

Conditions for us to love can be difficult.  Often times requiring a lot of responsibility and commitment~ like leading a force through battle; the “…world out of (chaos) and back to order.”  However, this is what brings us enlightenment.  Love unites.  Learning how to love does not come without difficult tasks.  We often times feel surrounded by obstacles; mountains to climb, rivers to cross, hurdles to jump.  When we are in these moments and circumstances it is best to be with like minded people and friends.  It might be helpful to step back and pause and gain some perspective before continuing to march.  In the end, this is what will serve best.

On this wondrous winter day, be watchful of blame, look within to correct the inner compass, and step into the ocean of learning to love.

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

Laughing offers us mini moments of retreat. Not to be confused with flight, they are rather moments of reflection, introspection, and joy. When we laugh, we offer joy through our smiles and become infectious. Like watching a fire grow, our laughter expands and spreads forth.  And like the wind, it drifts from place to place. It resonates between the earth and the sky.

There is a lot of hidden benefit in laughing. It can calm the upset, lighten the loads we bear, and foster love.

There is something powerful and respectful about someone who can laugh and truly bring joy to the group. And laughter often illuminates the middle way in a difficult situation.

Laughing enables us to make the long haul, and helps develop our inner strengths of clarity and understanding~ compassion.

Coming to a place of peace, joy and serenity requires surrendering: letting go of the tightness and allowing the ease. When we can laugh together, there is prosperity.

Laughing develops our inner growth~ and offers joy to the world. Have a wonderful Wednesday, and don’t forget to laugh.

Original hexagram is Heaven over Mountain; 33

Expansion is Heaven over Heaven;1

The Kernel is Heaven over Heaven;1 BY WAY OF Heaven over Wind; 44

See the I Ching page for more information and explanation.

Relationships are built upon inner worth. This inner worth is developed by us following what we know to be true and right for ourselves~ following our hearts and not being swayed or influenced off our paths.

Question for 12.08.09 was: How do I build better relationships with people?

Original hexagram is Thunder over Heaven; 34.
Expansion is Heaven over Heaven; 1.
The kernel is Heaven over Heaven;1 BY WAY OF Lake over Heaven; 43.

Relationships are built upon inner worth. When we feel “inwardly united with the fundamental principles” our inner power expands. That is, we feel confident and good about ourselves. When we possess this inner value then we are more likely to treat others well and with respect. This in turn offers harmony in our relationships with people. Furthermore, as we develop our inner worth, always cultivating it with compassion, we begin to have a deeper understanding in the meaning of all phenomena. In more practical terms, we have clarity about the overall picture of things.  In relationships, this means when there is conflict we have a better chance of understanding what is actually happening and we can have compassion for both ourselves and other.

This inner worth is developed by us following what we know to be true and right for ourselves~ following our hearts and not being swayed or influenced off our paths. When we are in harmony with what is right for us, then we feel worthy. This lends to good relationships with all living beings.

Cultivating inner worth poses tremendous power. This power can offer positive example for others. When people are around someone who has strong inner worth, then it influences that person to have direction for themselves; the old saying, lead by example comes to mind.

When one casts out what is degrading in their lives, and incorporates what is right, they feel good about themselves; they can have love and compassion for themselves, and in turn have love and compassion for others fostering good relationships with people.

Go forth today treating people well and with respect. Cultivate your inner worth by following what you know to be true and right for yourself, and you will find harmony in your relationship with others.

See the I Ching page for more!

Today is a good day to be united by fellowship and friends, to include the workplace. Perspective is important, and remembering more can be accomplished by the good will of people for a united cause versus independent selfish activities.   See our I Ching page for more!