Travelling possibilities hex 15 and 18

[em ching]

Hello all,

Just wondering what you'd say the advice was in the following readings. There is a possibility of going travelling with a friend after my teaching placement for about a month in China, but it's just a potential at the moment.

I asked the I ching to comment generally about this idea
5.3 > 60
I think this says I should not be vulnerable and be well prepared, but also perhaps not stuck in the mud? Not to bring negative expecatations to it? Also, that I need to be aware of the limitations such as financial issues.

I then asked should I minimize commitment?
hex 18
something's spoiled perhaps in my thinking, i.e over thinking of this or that there's something in the relationship which could decay and thus I shouldn't be too commital?
We have not known each other that long but did get on really well when we were together.

I then asked simply, should I be open to anything, including a month of backpacking with her and potential others?
It does sound amazing, but I don't trust myself
33.2,3,4> 18
I think this is saying I need to withdraw, either from giving this potential experience negative over-thinking, or from commiting as it would not be for a while and anything could happen until then?

As these answers had seemed negative I asked what are the potential problems in travelling?
Hex 15
Maybe that I need to downplay the issue for now, and not get carried away. Remain aware of my ignorance in the situation at the mo. But also be open to new learning experiences. And I think doing what the moment calls for?

Finally I asked how to overcome the Hex 18 present in this idea?
4.2,3,6 > 15
So, I guess a clear re-teration that I should be open but aware of my youth and inexperience. Remember I'm a student of life, keep learning, and take it one step at a time.

Would you agree? what do you think is the main message of re-curring hex 18 and 15 with regards to backpacking?
I know I'm probably worrying over nothing, and I'm sure she's not expecting a straight yes or no. It's just annoying that I'm not more relaxed and think - hey what an experience and good opportunity that would be! Rather I worry about how we'd get on and my ability to adapt and enjoy it.

:bows:

 

[Trojina]

my sense is, both from the readings and my own thoughts, that it may be better to delay decision about this...you may not feel like back packing for a month when the time comes...or you may. Don't you have enough on your plate right now without worrying about this too. Who knows you may have had enoughby that time and want to come home, you can't tell right now. Theres no need to commit now IMO, thats how i see the 33..and i also think comitting now will make you worry so chill and tell your friends you need to decide nearer the time

as for the 15...remember to be real about the expectations you place on yourself. Not so long ago you were struggling with the depression and I'm glad you are now in a place where you can undertake this adventure..but don't overload yourself. You say you don't trust yourself but to put that more positively maybe you are just being realistic. I think the repeated 18 may indicate you need to take care of yourself

 

[em ching]

Thanks Trojan
Yeah - I need to stay cool and just do what I can. No pressure. One step at a time. Patience. Attend to the job at hand without looking ahead too much (a la hex 15).
All seems very sensible and thanks for putting it into words.
You're right, I will need to take care of myself considering. A measured approach rather than bulldozing in on what I think I should do/it should be like.
Live in the moment. Breathe. Ground the feet. No pressure. Keep it real. See how it goes

:bows:

 

[lucia]

Hi

I agree with your general idea that the readings are saying don't go into a tail spin about this and as Trojan said you don't need that right now with other things in your life.

But I think 15 is advising modesty in modesty so to speak, bring it into balance - you don't have to say yes or no right now but what you could do is start exploring the idea - try reading up on China a bit - start with a general travellers book and then maybe expand from there.

Why China in particular? I couldn't help but notice that you chose to question from the negative - what could go wrong?

You don't need an i ching for that 'cos even with the best friend in the world there will be days when it is sheer hell! When your pack weighs a ton and its hot and steamy and sweaty and the day is full of misunderstandings, wrong directions, belly aches and bugs, frustration and even possibly fear. That's a test of any friendship and its just part of the deal. Then you turn a corner one day and wham something amazing occurs or you see something beautiful or or or..........

I think it would probably be a great thing to do but I am not sure about how backpacker friendly China is - find out. Whatever you do don't wait in the mud [5.3} wait at eating and drinking instead - retreat from the damaging emotional influences that look for disaster and damage and loss [33.2.3.4>18] and just have a bit of light fun exploring the idea first.

Backpacking has become a kind of rite of passage for the western world for a whole bunch of reasons but one of them is that for many people it leads them back to a taste of their own authenticity [15].

But no-one should do it unprepared and that preparation is eminently practical - research those practicalities without commitment - no pressure - and see where it leads

[4.2.3.6>15] It is unknown territory both literally and figuratively and so embrace the unknown, enjoy it, don't idealise it or make it a vessel for your fantasies and above all stop being hard on yourself just chill a bit with it and turn it into bedtime reading.

enjoy

Lucia

 

[em ching]

Lovely - thank you Lucia.

You don't need an i ching for that 'cos even with the best friend in the world there will be days when it is sheer hell! When your pack weighs a ton and its hot and steamy and sweaty and the day is full of misunderstandings, wrong directions, belly aches and bugs, frustration and even possibly fear. That's a test of any friendship and its just part of the deal. Then you turn a corner one day and wham something amazing occurs or you see something beautiful or or or..........

I think it would probably be a great thing to do but I am not sure about how backpacker friendly China is - find out. Whatever you do don't wait in the mud [5.3} wait at eating and drinking instead - retreat from the damaging emotional influences that look for disaster and damage and loss [33.2.3.4>18] and just have a bit of light fun exploring the idea first.

- especially helpful and insightful.

:bows: