Flames hang on to their fuel in order to keep the fire burning. Likewise, in the human world, everything that radiates light or love is dependent upon something else. Through the webs of our interdependence, we see that everything is related, each thing to the other. Awareness of your attachment to other people is the key that opens the door to knowing your true place in the world. No human is an island.

Fire is also a symbol of liberation — crackling molecules that fly away from home. Paradoxically, by clinging to what is natural and appropriate, we gain inner freedom.

Clarity of mind is most valuable when its light illuminates events slowly and evenly. True intelligence must be tied to sincerity and genuine feeling; otherwise, it will burn itself out like a fire in dry straw. Those in possession of brilliance should learn to temper their insights, so as not to arouse enmity in others. Those who are restless and impatient with others may rise to prominence quickly, but are likely to descend just as rapidly. It is possible to be too clever.

Clarity of vision can empower you to penetrate the veil of life’s illusions. This can bring good fortune, if such a vision is accompanied by a change of heart and you let go of delusion. Once the vanity of human endeavors becomes clear, one of two extremes can happen. Either you continue to struggle for life’s rewards as if they were real or you find yourself falling into the depths of despair. But after despair, then what?

Have recently began a journey into understanding I Ching. My reading today has the below advise, food for thought…….

Zhōng Fú: the ideogram and the story

What does it mean for your question?
This hexagram is complementary to hex.62.

Top 9: A drawn-out sound ascends to heaven. Determination pitfall.
Do not dissect truth too much in words or ideas. Before you realize it, you live up to great words instead of simple intuition, to beautiful ideas instead of simple experience. Give your emotions a fair chance to live life without giving it names.
(Changes to hex.60)

9 at 5: When one has truth, then one binds. Without fault.
Who is true can also recognize truth in others. He can make real and deep contact, and he can avoid all harmful and needless influences. The ability to find the right people and avoid the wrong ones is one of the greatest assets in life, surpassing the best education, the most abounding riches.
(Changes to hex.41)  Mirror

6 at 4: The moon is almost full. One of the horses pair gets lost. Without fault.
The individual and society will never agree completely. In order to stay oneself, one will have to make sacrifices. Set your preferences, you cannot have it all, so decide what is important and what is not. Wanting all that society offers means one loses a lot Self.
(Changes to hex.10)

Continue reading “Hexagram 61” →

A few months ago I was suffering from long term stress and anxiety which resulted in a panic attack and deep depression (okay, I wanted to end my life) . The frustrations that seeped down to every cell in my body manifest to a state where breathing was unbearable. For months my days swirled with emotional highs and lows. I no longer recognised myself physical or emotional self and I was very worried I’d lost the plot so much so I began to worry that this is who I was now.

Feeling completely exhausted and overwhelmed I found myself a spiritual healer. I needed to step outside myself and hear some wisdom to help find a path towards calmness and sensibility. My journey to finding myself again has been profound. Layer by layer I have peeled back old memories to confront, found truths I’d hidden and started to see how I would lie to myself to get through situations. Finding truth in all and seeing situations in a new light, I have realised what burdens I have been carrying.

Sometimes my marriage sometimes seems like the biggest lie of all. Spiritually, I feel so alone and at times I feel nothing for my husband. Other times I know I love him dearly, for his kindness and stability. He has given me security and forgiveness. He is very handsome and I like living with him and our children. But, I have never felt connected to his energy or felt connected to his spirit and this makes me feel so lonely and isolated. Our communication has grown as our relationship passes the years. As I have carried our relationship all the way, taken upon myself the challenge of doing everything to get us to a better and brighter future. All my blood sweat and tears has gone into raising our family while he sits reading and day dreaming. At this age and period of our lives I feel like I’ve exhausted my strength doing my role and his role.

Marriage is a full time job, so many ups and down.

There are times where I just don’t know who’s looking back at me in the mirror.

When I feel like giving up and dig deep and find a reason to carry on.

Love isn’t perfection, I can’t love 100% all the time.

I love , sometimes I hate and sometimes completely indifferent to the relationship.

You presented and surrender to me

Knelt down and submitted

our gaze gracefully connecting

alchemy awakening

(My friendenemy, were friends, aren’t now, but socialise together as we share the same friends)

A friendenemy believes that just because I am happy, calm and positive, I have not and do not struggle with any personal demons.

Your judgment and criticism is welcomed, an opportunity for me to reflect.

I accept that you choose to shrink when sitting next to me to play the victim hoping to gain sympathy and a reaction.

But, simply I see this as manipulation to get your own way. Hence, why we are not friends.

Playing the victim is boring to me. I would respect you should you show me your strength.

You used me and I decided to distance myself.  Now you’re trying to use my goodwill and strength against me.

Every struggle and hardship has made me stronger, wiser, healthier person and the woman I am today.

I have made mistakes but learnt from them.

My laughter is my medicine.

My calm approach is a reflection that I am using patience and knowledge before reacting.

My positive manner is a skill I use to find solutions for problems.

To be strong is to struggle with your own personal demons.

Overcoming hurt, pain and hardship has freed me.

The lessons were needed, my mind is peaceful and heart open. I have no regrets in my life.

The difference between me and my friend is I have overcome my demons.