Hex 40 unchanging

[el_2]

Dear Clarity friends

In the last couple of weeks there has been an issue that has been puzzling me concerning an erroneous attitude or pattern of behavior on my part. I have the feeling that something is wrong but can't quite put my finger on it. So I went ahead and asked the Yi what I should do about it (it was rather a self-development question, not relating to any specific individual, more of a general nature).

I got 40 unchanging.

So far I've come up with three possible interpretations.

(1)
Past difficulties are giving way and release is at hand. If this interpretation is correct, rather than wait for release to come and find me, I think it is best to think of the answer in terms of "it is timely to work to actually bring about release re. the issue.
In this case, I have to:
(a) Make a complete break with the past, not dwell on it.
(b) If there are no residual matters, return back to ordinary conditions asap.
(c) If there are things that still need to get done, then take vigorous action to deal with them as quickly as possibly.

(2)
However, a second possible interpretation could be that I just need to relax about it, lighten up, loosen up, let it go. Meaning there's nothing (particularly) wrong with my attitude/behaviour so I should stop trying to analyze the whole thing.

(3)
A third possible interpretation could be that there is a real issue, yes, but if I just stop struggling with it, release it from my concerns, then things will just come together of their own accord (suddenly?).

My gut feeling? All three interpretations could fit the answer and the issue at hand. Why not? But then again, might I be reading too much in this hexagram that isn't actually there?

I'd welcome any suggestions from people who are more experienced than I am or who are just willing to have a go at it.

[And is it possible that all three different interpretations could apply at the same time? Not likely I think but then, why not?]

el_2

[el_2]

And, sorry for the long post.

[bamboo]

All three of your intepretations say pretty much the same thing with only slight variations. 40 unchanging brings to my mind the idea of "path of least resistance"....so struggle and analyzing are probly least helpful. If there is something you can do, do it without resistance. What is needed to put the past to rest? forgive yourself, if applicable. There's a saying: clean house, trust God.

sometimes I think writing everything down, not with the intention of finding an answer, but just with the intention of becoming clear, really helps. After you have explored it, looked at the situation unflinchingly, the thing to do may present itself. If not, release it. Lay down, get a good night's sleep. this is a way of allowing for a new perspective to dawn.

[el_2]

Thank you Bamboo

That's helpful advice, writing things down.

I couldn't connect to the meaning of the hexagram at first. But I tried and I thought that since I'm not feeling like tensions are being released, then it must be that release is just around the corner if I adopt the right mindset. Then I made a note to self that there are issues I still have to attend to, I just have to try and think clearly and find out what these things are. Yeah, write them down. It's so simple but I could have missed it as I would tend to think it over (and perhaps overanalyze).

So simple, thank you.

[ginnie]

Getting this hexagram is telling you that liberation from what is bothering you does not involve your doing anything in the external world or with another person. The process of freeing yourself from the pattern of behavior or the bad habit will be entirely internal. Maybe you will have an insight, change your mind, forgive someone, or forgive yourself. Writing everything down to get clearer, as Bamboo suggested, really does help.

[willowfox]

The advice is that once you realize that there is a problem, then you are half way home to resolving it, so give it a bit more time and then you will feel much better within yourself.

[el_2]

Barbra

I felt too that the advice was referring to an inner process rather than behaviour in the outer world. I was anticipating something like that when I was casting the coins since throughout the Yi, I think, it is stressed that the inner shapes or affects the outer as far as the self and its relations to the outer world is concerned. It's good to have confirmation that this is indeed so in my case from someone who is more knowledgeable with the Yi than myself.

Willowfox

You enhance my understanding of the advice. It's true, realizing there is a problem means you're halfway to resolution. Yes, I'll give it some time expecting inner release of tension and worries.

Thank you all. You really add a lot to my understanding.

el_2

[el_2]

Plus, you make me more confident re. my interpretation.