How to detach

[lightlawlove]

What strategies do you use to "detach" before casting or interpreting a reading? I'm seeking ideas!

Here are a few I use:
- Identify my emotional landscape and recognize their significance, so they don't feel dismissed, before I make the intention to step beyond my emotions and seek a cosmic view
- Visualizations/meditations that bring me into a place of detachment, e.g. I like this one by Marie Manuchehri
- If I notice I have a preference for a certain outcome, I acknowledge it and then remind myself that I prefer to live in a world designed with cosmic intelligence than with the fickle architectural design of my ego
- Present-moment meditations, e.g. watching the breath or a body scan, to relax, let go of my question and dwell in being alive
- Remind myself my question is but a small seashell in the grand ocean wave of reality, a context which I could never comprehend with my human mind. This makes me feel lucky to receive guidance from a broader, neutral perspective, and easier to let go of my outcome attachment.

Related question: What practices have helped you strengthen your detachment muscles? E.g. a regular meditation practice, volunteer serving others, connecting with nature, dwelling in gratitude, etc.

 

[Trojina]

What strategies do you use to "detach" before casting or interpreting a reading? I'm seeking ideas!

There is no need to detach at all before casting. If you have a problem on your mind then trying to create detachment when asking about it seems counterproductive, it's not going to make any difference anyway to the answer. There is no required nor 'approved' state of mind necessary for consulting Yi, indeed the clearest answers can come in turbulent states of mind.

In interpreting one may just need a bit of space and time to feel out what the answer is saying sometimes especially if one finds one has jumped to the worst conclusion and so on.


If you start trying to aim for detachment in consulting all you do is split yourself up into pieces like the 'good' detached part and the real part.

 

[lightlawlove]

Hello Trojina, I feel the wisdom in what you are sharing, especially the reminder that there is no "approved" state of mind... we can feel free to come as we are and be welcomed. I feel a kernel of this in my experience. Thank you for sharing!

That said, the heart of what I am sharing relates to the innocence, curiosity and humility we bring to the cast. In my experience, questions asked when I feel fixed on a desired outcome or expectation of things can generate responses that correct the state of mind. There is an inner correction and cultivation happening that takes place, which is rich and life-affirming. Carol Anthony's book, A Guide to the I Ching, outlines well the kind of philosophy of self correction I am talking about. While each hexagram reflection in some way contributes to this approach, her endnotes on I Ching Meditation are directly instructive. I will re-read this passage for the guidance I am seeking, and also keep an eye out here to see if anyone else is working with the I Ching in this way.