Not looking so bright

[tess]

Hello everyone,

I've been feeling quite depressed, confused, anxious and worn down lately, not sure of where I am in life and all that. . .but wanting a change of some sort in any (or all) areas of my life but I'm not feeling too hopeful about it.

I did a reading asking "what do I need to get myself through for now?" 50.3.4 to 4.
Then I asked "how do I bring this about or develop it?" 62.4.5.6 to 53.

These don't really seem very positive. Does this mean that I need to go through some hard times for the time being? None of the lines are very positive. Actually, the ones that aren't outright negative seem pretty neutral (62.5 for example). And I think its pretty obvious that things aren't heading for change right away. that I must take one day and one step at a time. But what about this 50>4?

On second thought, maybe the 62.4.5.6>53 is telling me that I should wait to see how this first reading should come about or develop, that I shouldn't keep asking questions and trying to see too far ahead, over-analyzing all of the possibilities, and trying to take total control of my situation and where its going. I need to just be cautious and deal with what's in front of me. I should trust the youthful folly of hexagram 4?

I hope someone can give me their input on these readings, too. Thanks.

 

[folledeschiele]

"what do I need to get myself through for now?" 50.3.4 to 4.
Then I asked "how do I bring this about or develop it?" 62.4.5.6 to 53.

Hi Tess,
You're struggling too hard and likely being too hard on yourself. These readings are not negative, they simply cousel patience, lying low and contenting yourself with small steps toward progress. Find your footing and inner stability before you make any big moves or attempts to change your situation, and trust the process. Don't spill all the contents of your hard work by trying to surpass your current strength (see warning 50.4). Be cautious and patient and you will make progress, though you may not perceive the growth right away. Be good to yourself and nurturing, and perhaps seek the help of friends or someone more experienced, as counselled by 62.5. And though I never thought I'd go so far as to quote pop songs on this forum (and am slightly embarassed), your reading really reminds me of a song by Dido that was being played everywhere a few years back:


Even on a day like this when you're crawling on the floor
Reaching for the phone to ring anyone who knows you anymore
It's all right to make mistakes
you're only human
Inside everybody's hiding something

Staring at the same four walls, have you tried to help yourself
The rings around your eyes they don't hide, that you need to get some rest

It's all right to make mistakes
you're only human
Inside everybody's hiding something
Take time to catch your breathe and choose your moment

Don't slide

Even at a time like this when the morning seems so far
Think that pain belongs to you but it's happened to us all

It's all right to make mistakes
you're only human
Inside everybody's hiding something
Take time to catch your breathe and choose your moment

Don't slide

You brought this on yourself
and it's high time you left it there
Lie here and rest your head
and dream of something else instead

..........

Take care and remember, you'll get there

 

[titania]

I've been feeling quite depressed, confused, anxious and worn down lately, not sure of where I am in life and all that. . .but wanting a change of some sort in any (or all) areas of my life

This sounds like a case of "be careful what you wish for, you might get it." Both the readings seem to suggest that you're already undergoing the change you've been wanting, and that's what's causing your current bad feelings. Any transition involves some difficult periods. Hexagram 4 is one example. Everyone is a 'young fool' when we enter a new situation. There's so much we don't know, so many mistakes we can make out of ignorance. But ignorance is a necessary starting point if we're ever going to change or learn or grow.

Take heart from 50.3. Maybe you can't enjoy the fruits of your growth yet, but they're there, and the rain WILL come and end that blockage. Overall, I can't do any better than repeat what folledeschiele has already said. Don't be too hard on yourself, and while it's certainly good to try to avoid major blunders, remember that "it's all right to make mistakes. You're only human."

 

[tess]

Thank you folledeschiele and titania for your insights. You've explained the readings in a way that I can understand and it really helps to know that this change and these heavy feelings are not necessarily going to be negative. If the I Ching says that I need 50>4, then trusting in the unknown and innocence is what I should do. And don't worry folledeschiele, those lyrics are very relevant no matter the medium in which they were first expressed. Thanks again.

Looking towards the light,
tess