49.1.4.5 > 15

[firehorse]

Trying to lose the last of the baby weight (okay, from two years ago...) It just won't budge. I'm only talking about anywhere from 5-8 lbs. of fat (thighs and love handles is where I see it)! I have changed my eating habits and it's not the activity that's the problem...I'm in training for a half-marathon, so I get plenty of physical activity (today I ran 8 miles). What do I have to do to lose it? Molt with modesty? What does that mean?

Firehorse

 

[rosada]

The I Ching Diet

"Revolution. On your own day
You are believed."

Hmm...okay...Major Change. What's "your own day"? Your birthday? Or could this mean You wont believe you've had success until you've lost the whole 8 pounds? Perhaps you should set smaller - daily - goals? Anyway, sounds like you can be successful.

"Supreme success,
Furthering through perseverance."

Definitely sounds like you can be successful and of course we all know what perseverance means...

"Remorse disappears."

You'll be glad you did it. Wilhelm also comments that "remorse disappears" because one has brought about revolution in the right way. Probably means you should eat properly.

THE IMAGE
The superior man
sets the calendar in order
And makes the seasons clear.

Auugh, this sounds like a reference to the importance of planning daily menus and counting calories. Doesn't help that we're entering the holiday season and all the temptations to binge. But perhaps this image is giving advice on how to get through this time.

49.1
Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow.

Coming at the beginning of Revolution this line suggests one first ought to consider if change is really necessary. Eight pounds isn't a lot and if you have already cut out all the bread and sugar it may be that you are demanding too much of your body to shed these pounds right now. Anyway, this first line sounds like there is a need to pause and consider and not do anything too expreme.

49.4
Remorse disappears. Men believe him.
Changing the form of government brings good fortune.

Hmm again... "Changing the form of government" sounds like a major change in your belief system. Maybe you need to become a vegetarian? Or could it mean joining a support group like Weight Watchers? You may be already counting your calories but there is something about being a part of a support group that can trigger something on an unconscious level.
I'm also wondering do the people around you now support your weight loss goals? "Men believe him" sounds like you have to walk your talk for some time before family understands you are serious about this.

49.5
The great man changes like a tiger.
Even before he consults the oracle
He is believed.

Wow, this is a great line for success! Sounds like you're going to lose the weight some way or another no matter what!

On to 15. Modesty.
Modesty creates success.
The superior man carries things through.
He reduces that which is too much,
And augments that which is too little.
He weighs things and makes them equal.

Another encouraging hexagram for reaching your goal.

All in all The I Ching Diet seems to be about setting reasonable goals, going about achieving them quietly, perseveringly, and not expecting much recognition until you you do. Plus not letting outside influences distract you from your path.

P.S. cayenne pepper is said to raise your metabolism and thus cause you to burn more calories. You can get it in capsule form online.

Best wishes!
Rosada

 

[firehorse]

Omg!

Thank you Rosada, this is great! I think I got some of this...I was thinking line 1 was something about having a hard time getting the ball rolling being restrained. Line 5 seemed like success was in order. I wasn't sure about line 4.

Thanks!

 

[rosada]

You're very welcome!

Although I don't think this is what the ancients had in mind for 49.1 "Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow", I do get the idea that you may be feeing you are a thin person trapped (wrapped!) in the hide of a fat person or pregnant person's body! Then 49.4 "Change the government" could that mean change how you think of yourself? Think of your body as perfect just the way it is right now and then without having to consult the oracle (49.5) it absolutely is perfect...and from there it just gets better and better till you truly feel you are indeed just right. = 15.

Best wishes,
Rosada

 

[willowfox]

It suggests this, that you should refrain from trying so hard to dislodge this extra flesh as it is proving to be one heck of a task for you and all your efforts are not making a dent.

Therefore, let nature take its course, when the time is right then your body will expel that extra bit that you don't like, as Hex 15 eliminates excess.