How can I apply myself? 35.2,4,6 - 7 (Finding it hard to focus)

[em ching]

Hello,

I have always been a person interested in many things - art, reading, writing, psychology, philosophy, synchronicity (the Iching especially nowadays!) and this was all well and good at school and uni - where I had structure - lessons to channel my interests and abilities and set me tasks - but now I am out of education and don't know where to start! I have a vague idea, and I am going travelling and volunteering soon which should bring clarification, but I feel clouded in my head a lot of the time. I have so many thoughts whizzing round I can't condense them to anything constructive - such as creative writing, art or dedicating myself to a novel (rather than wading through it) because I am so easily distracted! Usually by people, or things (damn modern technology sometimes eh - internet included! lol)

35 Progress addressed this perfectly:

'The real nature of man is likewise originally good, but it becomes clouded by contact with earthly things and therefore needs purification before it can shine forth in its native clarity'

Perhaps saying time out is needed and a going back to basics! (which should happen on my travels)

Bit confused about Line 2: 'great happiness from one's ancesstress'
Does this mean going back to your roots/ family - to assess perhaps what path to follow?

Line 4 Spoke Volumes!: 'Progress like a hamster'
'...amassing great possessions. But such conduct shuns the light'
(I am a terrible one for hoarding things)

Line 6: 'overenergetic behaviour, especially towards persons with whom there is no close connection will lead to humilitation'

- Does this speak of the excessive value I seem to place on social acceptance'? Perhaps my desire to please others is also stopping me focusing on myself and my core abilities and purpose? But aren't people important? Yes but I suppose you have to ask yourself why sometimes, unless close friends and family...

7 The Army:
Could it be suggesting that I have the potential to perform well, and this will show itself only when situations demand it of me? Such as when I get a job, or maybe take another course... Does it suggest I need more leadership at this time?

It also speaks of 'he who is generous towards the people wins their love'
Is this saying I should concentrate on working with others at the mo, until my direction reveals itself?

The final line seems a little ominous - 'But it is important that inferior people should not come into power.. lest power be abused.'
- Does this suggest I am not meant to do anything special, such as be an artist or innovator, for the time being, rather I should go with the flow and be one of the troops?

I feel that I would like to begin carving out my own niche and contribute as an individual - but I can't seem to channel my unique perspective or focus on one endeavour - perhaps I am not ready to? Is the Yi saying that I should return to eduction perhaps? Or take some time out from everything to clarify my thoughts - remove myself from the daily bombardment of people, things and technology perhaps? Or seek leadership?

Thanks for reading! (I appreciate it's a long one :bows

 

[em ching]

Can anyone advise me if I'm on the right track?
Is the reading saying I have the potential to dedicate myself to something, or at least the path will become clearer, but more preperation is needed? And a leader perhaps through a job or return to education?

Thanks

 

[em ching]

I don't enjoy replying to myself But wow - this answer was so relevant!

35: 'Grasp the small chances, do not wait for the big one to arrive, stay alert with eyes and ears and hands ready, and a quiver filled with arrows'

7: 'Organize always all your abilities, so you can defend your borders. Great talents which have no rules will get wasted. But all the things you can or learned, your talents and abilities and assets – organize them, make clear rules and be a good leader.'

(http://www.yijing.nl/i_ching/)

Exactly what I want to be able to do - organise my thoughts! Easier said than done - I guess I need to start disciplining myself for a change...
Any thoughts?

 

[canislulu]

I don't enjoy replying to myself But wow - this answer was so relevant!

Finally after 7 years someone other than em ching is writing a reply on this thread.

em ching,

Moments ago I received 35.2,4,6 - 7 when asking a question which I will paraphrase as, "I am finding it hard to focus. How can I apply myself to finishing this resume. Is it more important to be a perfectionist or to get it finished and send it in to move this process forward?

What about completing this resume? Advise please.

Even though my situation is in a different place from the one you describe above, I am finding your interpretation relevant. It is as if I was in the same place you were in July of 2008 and now...

And a leader perhaps through a job or return to education?

I am applying for a faculty position.

Line 2: 'great happiness from one's ancesstress'

I have been taking care of my mother. I have finally found a position open in a location where there is an intergenerational community. My matrilineal line has many educators.

Line 4 Spoke Volumes!: 'Progress like a hamster'
'...amassing great possessions. But such conduct shuns the light'
(I am a terrible one for hoarding things)

If I get the job I will really have to organize my "stuff" to allow for an efficient move to this new location. And I will decrease my chances of getting the job if I don't finish this resume and apply! Trust the "blessing from the ancestress" and quit worrying so much about the tiny details of the resume.

Line 6: 'overenergetic behaviour, especially towards persons with whom there is no close connection will lead to humilitation'

I need to decrease my involvement in my current community? Or am I moving too fast to relocate? Would it be better to stop pursuing this job which will involve a relocation towards people with whom I do not yet have a close connection? Or is there really no close connection where I am currently located and the job opportunity is more aligned with my core abilities and purpose? Part of the reason for the delay in my finishing the resume is that I have been distracted by involvement in a local community.

Anyway, thanks em ching for your post. Now I will see if I can finish the resume.