Socialization and Hexagram 47: HEX 47.1 and HEX 47.6

[minnicino]

I have an intriguing story to share.

I have been living in a small building with only 7 apartments for quite some time. When I say 'quite some time,' I truly mean it. I've witnessed many people moving in and out.

The building has an informal atmosphere— we are all young, and there aren't very strict rules... any issues that arise are resolved informally.

Despite having been here for a while (and perhaps because of it), I am quite reserved. I don't interact much with the neighbors, although I am friendly with everyone. Additionally (once again, due to my long time here), I have a close relationship with the building owner, which has led me to take on some responsibilities: collecting mail from the mailbox, receiving technicians who inspect the building, and so on.

The people currently living in the building seem really nice — they are very different from me, but I don't mind that. I hold no prejudices and believe that having neighbors doesn't mean sharing the same political or religious views, etc. However, I'm going through a phase with very little socialization, which is a bit frustrating; life's circumstances have brought me to this point, even though I've never been like this before.

This past weekend, there was a little party in the common area of the building. When my girlfriend and I arrived at the building, we were invited to join. After a brief thought, we decided to go — although we thought the invitation was simply socially polite, not very assertive. I brought some beers and found almost all the residents enjoying the party. I chatted with everyone and enjoyed the interaction. It was quite fun.

As it turns out, my intuition doesn't usually fail me... At times, I felt curious gazes directed towards me. It seems I am a mystery to them. I found it amusing to feel that way.

After a few days, I found myself pondering the party and how I would like to maintain these new friendships (perhaps due to my recent social isolation). Pardon the more extroverted individuals, but I felt a certain insecurity about it all. Am I welcomed, despite the presumed differences?

That's when I received two responses with Hexagram 47 (it does slightly startle me that the hexagram is named 'Oppression'):

Regarding the neighbors' reaction to my presence (in my mind, I asked whether the atmosphere was open to further interactions):

I received Hex 47.1

Since I wasn't entirely sure if I understood the responses, I inquired the next day:

What do they think of me? And I received Hex 47.6

Hexagram 47 again, this time with the changing sixth line.

My overall interpretation, after reading some comments about the lines on this forum, is that 'friendships might develop, but not now; don't dwell on it too much, be yourself, and perhaps friendships will naturally evolve.'

Am I correct? I would appreciate honest and sincere answers! Perhaps I'm being overly optimistic in my analysis.

Thank you

 

[Trojina]

Perhaps I'm being overly optimistic in my analysis.

To the contrary you answer could point to you being overly pessimistic, well 47.1 sure does.

Regarding the neighbors' reaction to my presence (in my mind, I asked whether the atmosphere was open to further interactions):

I received Hex 47.1

Often 47 is more to do with internal oppression, depressive or isolating thoughts that cut you off from others. Sometimes it's an external thing but very often, especially in the lines it is kind of pointing out you might be your own worst enemy.

As you got 47 I think perhaps your feelings of separateness cut a bit deeper than you give the impression of, well I don't know, I guess you did say

. However, I'm going through a phase with very little socialization, which is a bit frustrating; life's circumstances have brought me to this point, even though I've never been like this before.

There's the 47, this is why you cast 47 since it is in this context of feeling restricted somehow within yourself, feeling possibly you won't be understood (which is a real possibility with 47) which can make you withdraw more. Sometimes it is a good idea to keep to oneself in 47 but in line1 he is going a bit far.

'Buttocks oppressed with a wooden stick,
Entering into a gloomy valley,
For three years, meeting no-one.'

This is generally someone self isolating, holding on to dark thoughts to long and so pushing people away. It's also worth noting it has been said this line can be a bit tongue in cheek as in it's a bit 'woe is me' where you can drag yourself down further by entertaining isolating thoughts. Is it possible that this thought was an isolating thought ?

As it turns out, my intuition doesn't usually fail me... At times, I felt curious gazes directed towards me. It seems I am a mystery to them. I found it amusing to feel that way.

It could be you received the glances as more negative than they were? I know you say it amused you but but behind that there's the sense of isolation through difference, that they saw you as different. So Yi is asking you not be gloomy.

On a more literal level Yi could be saying such get togethers might not happen, that the friendships don't develop, though I'm less inclined to see it that way. And on yet another level it could be advice not to bring gloom into the occasions you meet although you said you and everyone enjoyed it.

My gut feeling is 47.1 is a bit of a warning you don't isolate further through thinking you are too different and so on. If you start thinking you aren't welcome that's not going to help you it will trap you. You were welcome and so you can be again so don't let dark thoughts get in your way. And even if they don't become friends it's still nice to socialise with neighbours sometimes.

The relating hexagram is 58 ! Joy and socialising! So inherent in this line, waiting in the wings is 58 except 58ness in 47 has talked itself into darker feelings.

Since I wasn't entirely sure if I understood the responses, I inquired the next day:

What do they think of me? And I received Hex 47.6

Hexagram 47 again, this time with the changing sixth line.

Yi is being quite emphatic with the 47s ! This is a real rallying call saying....'come on, the problems you think there are are hardly there at all now'

'Confined by trailing creepers.
Feels uneasy and unsettled.
Says 'acting - regret'.
With regret, setting forth, good fortune.'

I can say quite honestly this line never lies! It's always saying that problems are much bigger in your mind than they actually are and there is nothing holding you back but a few wispy creepers, worries and anxieties.

Very clear. Stop worrying, yes you're okay with them. 6 as relating shows the battle within yourself in this line but it's a battle easily won now.

 

[minnicino]

Thank you so very much for the dedicated attention to my post, Trojina

I don't have much more to say, given your detailed and thoughtful explanations.

Sometimes I believe the I Ching prompts me to write about my own questions, using my own words, and, voilà, I realize that I've already hinted at the answer between the lines.

In fact, there's much more insecurity at play than anything else — recent events have also confirmed that for me.

The I Ching has the power of modestly highlighting what I already feel internally. And you've helped another person find the answer. Thank you again.

 

[SuperNatural]

Hello Minnicino!

I think Trojina did a great job here. I just want to level set and reemphasize the idea of the hexagram.

The intended meaning is that a superior individual understands that they possess unlimited power within themselves. When faced with obstacles or adversity, they draw upon this power to overcome challenges. In contrast, an inferior person may give up when encountering obstructions, viewing them as insurmountable.

"When a strong individual faces adversity, they maintain a cheerful demeanor despite the dangers involved. This attitude of cheerfulness becomes the foundation for future successes."

The highlighted sentence is of significant importance in the given context. It emphasizes that when a superior individual faces adversity, they remain cheerful. This is particularly relevant in relation to the theme of the hexagram, which explores the concepts of depression and pessimism. One's pessimistic attitude is often the root cause of their oppression. When confronted with adversity, some people allow themselves to become pessimistic, sad, or sorrowful, which ultimately drains their energy and prevents progress. In order to succeed, it is vital to remain cheerful even in the face of difficulties. This statement goes beyond mere advice and represents a deeper truth. By maintaining a cheerful disposition amidst the greatest of challenges, one will have the energy and vitality necessary for success, assuming other resources are also available.

I hope this helps.

 

[minnicino]

Hello Minnicino!

I think Trojina did a great job here. I just want to level set and reemphasize the idea of the hexagram.

The intended meaning is that a superior individual understands that they possess unlimited power within themselves. When faced with obstacles or adversity, they draw upon this power to overcome challenges. In contrast, an inferior person may give up when encountering obstructions, viewing them as insurmountable.

"When a strong individual faces adversity, they maintain a cheerful demeanor despite the dangers involved. This attitude of cheerfulness becomes the foundation for future successes."

The highlighted sentence is of significant importance in the given context. It emphasizes that when a superior individual faces adversity, they remain cheerful. This is particularly relevant in relation to the theme of the hexagram, which explores the concepts of depression and pessimism. One's pessimistic attitude is often the root cause of their oppression. When confronted with adversity, some people allow themselves to become pessimistic, sad, or sorrowful, which ultimately drains their energy and prevents progress. In order to succeed, it is vital to remain cheerful even in the face of difficulties. This statement goes beyond mere advice and represents a deeper truth. By maintaining a cheerful disposition amidst the greatest of challenges, one will have the energy and vitality necessary for success, assuming other resources are also available.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for your words, SuperNatural. I believe this is a message that applies to all of us, always, without distinction. And it's a special message for me at this moment. Thanks again!