Increasing prosperity: 16.4.>2

[grace heart]

Hello everyone,

Recently I have been atypically worried over money issues - atypically because the past experience had thought me all things work out well provided I allow them a free space to grow and transform into something better... Tonight, however, after I forced myself to curb the grocery internet order, I had to ask Yi "What can I do to increase my prosperity?"

I currently work part-time from home doing a somewhat meaningless job that keeps me and my boys going, but we also have to rely on a help from the government (yep, I'm grateful, but I'd much rather not have to). On the other hand, I have recently written a great book (really) and also have a couple of other creative projects on the go, but for some reason none of them brought me the desired financial independence and freedom, well not yet. I feel it's time for me to move on and away from all the financial strife, start living from and for my art. So the answer, 16.4. > 2, does and at the same time does not make sense, so I'd appreciate another's insight. What is Yi actually saying I can do?..

Tank you,

Grace

 

[bradford]

Have you talked with your friends about this?
There are suggestions to put the word out.

 

[Trojina]

Firstly from experience and hindsight I'd say 16.4 is a great 'cheer up' line....it begins 'doubt not' doesn't it and it exhorts you to cheer up and not doubt. I often have received it at low points, that in hindsight were only just before gathering in what I needed. There is alot of support around for you, alot of places your enthusiasm can carry you...you may need to 'get it out there' a bit more, to make contacts, to display what you have done, to share your passions....all these kinds of things will pay off well and eventually easily bring more prosperity . It can be very easy now for others to believe in your vision so don't be afraid to share it. Overall i think this line is all about you being able to generate enthusiasm with your ideas or talents. If you need to show what something is worth it's a good time to do it, a good time to sell yourself with enthusiasm, people will believe in your ideas. Don't hold anything back through false modesty....but above all start to feel happy because this is a very bright bouncy line IMO ....so start bouncing ideas around, communicate

 

[grace heart]

That is an interesting question, bradford, because whereas I used to keep my work more or less hidden, this time around I have asked half a dozen or so of my friends and acquaintances to read and critique my manuscript. Luckily, literally every single one out of my very different readers loved it, but then again I somehow knew I had a great piece of writing on my hands. The question was, still is, how to make it a success, a way of earning my living... Yi seems to approve of what I'm already doing, and the future hexagram, Earth, says, 'Receive...' Sorted!

Thanks again, G.

 

[grace heart]

Thanks, trojan, for your kind and encouraging comment. After I finish writing this reply, I will sniff out a few more (very lucky) literary agents to send my stuff to.

All the best, G.

 

[bradford]

Be careful with your enthusiasm in the publishing business. Even the best authors and the best books can rack up dozens of rejections. And only best sellers pay what might be called well. You might want to draw your encouragement from a different wellspring.

Also be cautious of rendering #2 as Receiving as it may mean something closer to Accepting.

 

[grace heart]

You're right about the publishing business - it's 50% talent and 50% hard graft and thick skin, just like any other show-business.

Lise mentions the importance of right timing (line 4), so I think this reading may well be about riding that wave, now, and leaving the rest to the powers that be.

 

[bradford]

so I think this reading may well be about riding that wave, now, and leaving the rest to the powers that be.

That sounds a bit too passive.
I still think you have a big part to play in getting the word out and circulating your intentions.
With 16 motion begets motion

Timing is indeed really important. The phrase "shun dong," responsive movement, is used a lot in 16,
along with an image of music and an implication of dance, synching up with the time.

 

[weaver]

How about using Twitter to follow journals and writers you like, and put out your enthusiasm for the books you read and love?

Go to readings and talks at literary festivals when the opportunity presents.

Also (and this is a general suggestion but it seems to be accented by 16.4) it is a good idea to approach the agents of those living authors whom you admire, and explain in your introductory letter or email that this is one of the reasons you're approaching this person.

I wouldn't do all of this in an aggressive way, merely with the intention of finding a community of fellow readers and writers.