What do I need to be happy?

[precision grace]

Inspired by conversation between elizabeth and lavalamp about relationships and how important it is to know what one needs for oneself in order to be happy, regardless of who they are with, I thought I'd consult I Ching in a similar way - because we are all often chasing happiness, but how many of us really know what we truly need to be happy?

So, I've cast mine, and I'm hoping not only for comments, but for other people to post their own versions (is this the right thread for this?)

Anyway, mine was 55.2.3. changing to 54

I think this is saying that my need for security keeps making me chase my own tail frantically and that I would be happy if I could just relax, learn to be patient and maybe even 'settle down'? (not sure what would constitute settling down for me exactly)

If you think differently, please feel free to say so.

And don't forget to post your own!

 

[hopex]

what was your question to Yi precisely?

 

[precision grace]

It was precisely: What do I really need to be happy. Why?

 

[sooo]

I'll play.

PG, You need a lotta good lovin'. 10 days under the sheets should do it.

I'd need: 7. Yeah, a big reserve of strength would definitely help.

 

[precision grace]

I'll play.

PG, You need a lotta good lovin'. 10 days under the sheets should do it.

Jeebuz. Are you saying that from the hexagram or just coz you reckon I need it!?

I'd need: 7. Yeah, a big reserve of strength would definitely help.

Isn't 7 about organisation? As in, sorting your talents, assets etc into a strategy type thing? From whence comes strength.

 

[sooo]

Jeebuz. Are you saying that from the hexagram or just coz you reckon I need it!?



Isn't 7 about organisation? As in, sorting your talents, assets etc into a strategy type thing? From whence comes strength.

Oh now, you didn't include why in your initial rules. But I'll offer a response anyway.

I said what came to mind when I saw the answer, as I'd apply it to the history of comments you've previously made here on this forum. Interpretation of answers are about context.

Yes, strength comes from having everything fit and in order, being prepared and ready for action. It makes sense to me because an enlarged, congested heart and congested lungs steal a great deal of strength and energy from my body. I'd be happy to have my old strength and energy back again.

 

[precision grace]

Oh now, you didn't include why in your initial rules. But I'll offer a response anyway.

I said what came to mind when I saw the answer, as I'd apply it to the history of comments you've previously made here on this forum.

Hm. I am really trying to give this the benefit of the doubt, but somehow, from where I'm sitting, you comments seems incredibly inappropriate.

 

[Trojina]

Inspired by conversation between elizabeth and lavalamp about relationships and how important it is to know what one needs for oneself in order to be happy, regardless of who they are with, I thought I'd consult I Ching in a similar way - because we are all often chasing happiness, but how many of us really know what we truly need to be happy?

So, I've cast mine, and I'm hoping not only for comments, but for other people to post their own versions (is this the right thread for this?)

Anyway, mine was 55.2.3. changing to 54

I think this is saying that my need for security keeps making me chase my own tail frantically and that I would be happy if I could just relax, learn to be patient and maybe even 'settle down'? (not sure what would constitute settling down for me exactly)

If you think differently, please feel free to say so.

And don't forget to post your own!

answer shows you barking up wrong tree in thinking that happiness= needs met. This is reflected in your stance to the question, hex 54....where you mistakenly assume happiness is in some way dependent upon these needs being fulfilled

You have too much choice over things...55 is often a bewildering amount of choice...and yet you cannot actually do very much at all ie 55.3 shows a broken right arm. It looks like alot of choices but you have...but actually you already have all the information you need to choose and take action and go with what is. It is no good to keep hovering with choices here...and yet 55.3 shows you cannot act just yet.


Right now you have to keep still a while as if you had a broken arm and wait for the sky to clear a little.

 

[sooo]

Hm. I am really trying to give this the benefit of the doubt, but somehow, from where I'm sitting, you comments seems incredibly inappropriate.

It is I who have offered you the benefit of the doubt. You asked for honest responses? I offered one. Take it or leave it. If you're itching for a fight, look elsewhere. I'll know better next time, thanks.

 

[dancing white ferret]

Thanks Bruce, I like your take on 7... Got that yesyterday. Got 9 unchanging for what I need to be happy. I don't know what that means... Anyone have a good take on 9 unchanging?

 

[precision grace]

It is I who have offered you the benefit of the doubt. You asked for honest responses? I offered one. Take it or leave it. If you're itching for a fight, look elsewhere. I'll know better next time, thanks.

you really are very rude.

 

[precision grace]

answer shows you barking up wrong tree in thinking that happiness= needs met. This is reflected in your stance to the question, hex 54....where you mistakenly assume happiness is in some way dependent upon these needs being fulfilled

You have too much choice over things...55 is often a bewildering amount of choice...and yet you cannot actually do very much at all ie 55.3 shows a broken right arm. It looks like alot of choices but you have...but actually you already have all the information you need to choose and take action and go with what is. It is no good to keep hovering with choices here...and yet 55.3 shows you cannot act just yet.


Right now you have to keep still a while as if you had a broken arm and wait for the sky to clear a little.

Thanks trojan, but isn't it weird that the hex combination doesn't actually answer the question = what do I need to be happy. What you said about too much choice vs being limited in what I can do is so reminiscent of my numerology..I was born as an 11 but my life path is 7 - i.e. such a small thing to do with such a large pool of resources.

Thanks for your input. Are you not going to play?

 

[Trojina]

Thanks Bruce, I like your take on 7... Got that yesyterday. Got 9 unchanging for what I need to be happy. I don't know what that means... Anyone have a good take on 9 unchanging?

I think it calls for a fair amount of patience. You can't acheive great bigs things now you have to tend small immediate tasks day by day by day and sometimesit might feel you aren't getting anywhere so you have to have faith that you are. The rain will surely come but not just yet

I can recall getting this a few years back...it was very helpful. Try to trust it. It describes a farmer tending small animals (heh how appropriate for you) so one is tending land...which calls for lotsof small daily tasks.. I think perhaps its like caring for a baby or a toddler.. lots of little tasks day after day after day...all that work...actually builds a human being.....who may one day give you a mothers day card

well you get my drift....


I think it also refers to refining one outer persona and environmetn...so its tending to things and tending to things...all in good faith that its not wasted effort or drudgery that goes nowhere

 

[dancing white ferret]

I think part of what Yi may be suggesing is healing... And maybe justice. But the broken arm suggests to me that your abiliy to choose happiness is hindered by some injury.

 

[dancing white ferret]

Thanks Bruce, I do feel like that. Good take on 9 too. Ya know I think Yi may be saying you can only have so much, and you just don't have the ability to have everything, and maybe need to focus on what is most important to you. You know what you would choose, and there is quite a lot there, and maybe just need to decide what to focus on. Like one thing at a time.

 

[hopex]

I ask in order to know how Yi has responded - so I guess 55 says
there are a plethora of things you may need to be happy.

55 can represent material goods - maybe lots of material comfort
may make you happy - plus being at the top of your game - like
a Leo basking in full glory

54 is about coming 2nd - maybe to be happy you need to ensure
you dont come in 2nd - just a few thoughts:bows:

 

[Trojina]

Thanks trojan, but isn't it weird that the hex combination doesn't actually answer the question = what do I need to be happy. What you said about too much choice vs being limited in what I can do is so reminiscent of my numerology..I was born as an 11 but my life path is 7 - i.e. such a small thing to do with such a large pool of resources.

Thanks for your input. Are you not going to play?

How can it answer your question when your question is fundamentally based on a false assumption....that some thing is needed for you to be happy

I see your answer as for this moment only...I don't even believe in yearly I Ching readings let alone lifetime answers. I take most answers as 'for now' answers...for where you are now.



The only happiness for anyone is a spiritual quest surely...it doesn't lie anywhere else except as short term gratification. And all needs fulfilled can be lost as easily in a moment...shades of 54 which says something like "understanding the transitory in the light of the eternal" or something like that

No one just gets happy and stays happy do they...its a journey isn't it...and an inner one at that via gain and loss and loss and gain...none of that matters

So can't play cos I don't believe in the question at all....I know happiness has only a portion to do with needs fulfilled. The thing is with happiness it sometimes crops up unexpectedly in the direst of situations...so it can't really be always that much to do with situations

 

[precision grace]

No one just gets happy and stays happy do they...its a journey isn't it...

Don't they? .. and is it?

(she said, rhetorically) I really wish you'd play, just for kicks

 

[precision grace]

Got 9 unchanging for what I need to be happy. I don't know what that means... Anyone have a good take on 9 unchanging?

What if Yi was being literal? Maybe you actually need to be raising small livestock to be happy? A ferret breeder? just a thought..

 

[arabella]

Inspired by conversation between elizabeth and lavalamp about relationships and how important it is to know what one needs for oneself in order to be happy, regardless of who they are with, I thought I'd consult I Ching in a similar way - because we are all often chasing happiness, but how many of us really know what we truly need to be happy?

So, I've cast mine, and I'm hoping not only for comments, but for other people to post their own versions (is this the right thread for this?)

Anyway, mine was 55.2.3. changing to 54

I think this is saying that my need for security keeps making me chase my own tail frantically and that I would be happy if I could just relax, learn to be patient and maybe even 'settle down'? (not sure what would constitute settling down for me exactly)

If you think differently, please feel free to say so.
And don't forget to post your own!

I believe this is a fascinating casting: a "play within a play" so to speak. Because the Yi is reflecting your admiration for the attitudes of Elizabeth and Lavalamp -- encouraging the very attitudes of adaptation to circumstances, to know yourself well enough to be inspired and inspiring in any circumstance and in any company. This celebrates your ability to generate your own enthusiasm and sense of possibility where nothing is immediately obvious. This is an essence of 55.2 I believe. And 55.3 reflects the one who is rising above any adversity to lead. Having the heart of a leader who can rally themselves regardless of what appears to be holding them back, regardless of what would "eclipse" others. And the woman in hexgram 54 is tired of coming in second -- if only in her own mind. She has "played the game" long enough and wants to have the sense that she has accepted herself and the limitations of whatever situation confronts her -- but still has all she needs to be a completely happy person.

I think that the Yi is saying you hit the nail on the head in understanding the strength and wisdom of Elizabeth and Lavalamp's discussion. That's what you needed to find happiness, so follow this philosphy and you are already most of the way home.

 

[Lavalamp]

"What do I need to be happy?" - PG
55 - Many Things ( I think among many things is the point here )

55.2
Called to bring truth and love to people that are in darkness, you need to feel your life makes a difference and will leave the world a better place.

55.3
You need a partner that will "have your back" always, understands and honors your life purpose and is not embarrassed by it, this kind of a mission driven life requires a strong stable relationship.

changing to 54
You need a man that loves and likes you, capable of leading you where you are trying to go internally yourself, that is in accord with your life and love, that also has a life and work of his own he is trying accomplish, that can still help you with what you need to do as well.

 

[Lavalamp]

"What do I need to be happy?" DWF

9 unchanging
You need to take a break from relationships for a little while as you gather together your inner strength and harmony, build up your faith, and prepare yourself for the rain of blessing that will surely come.

 

[precision grace]

"What do I need to be happy?" - PG
55 - Many Things ( I think among many things is the point here )

55.2
Called to bring truth and love to people that are in darkness, you need to feel your life makes a difference and will leave the world a better place.

55.3
You need a partner that will "have your back" always, understands and honors your life purpose and is not embarrassed by it, this kind of a mission driven life requires a strong stable relationship.

changing to 54
You need a man that loves and likes you, capable of leading you where you are trying to go internally yourself, that is in accord with your life and love, that also has a life and work of his own he is trying accomplish, that can still help you with what you need to do as well.

heh, are all the men going to tell me that what I need to be happy is a man?

I think I like arabella's commentary the best. It totally resonates.

Thank you lavalamp but where did you get a man in this? neither 55 nor 54 are about partnerships, quite the opposite, I'd have thought.

I do like your interpretation but I feel it applies to everyone. Doesn't everyone feel like they want their life to matter and that their partner, if they should have one, will support and love them in good times and in bad?

 

[Lavalamp]

Well PG, in 55.3's commentary it's written -
"In the sphere of social relationships, this means that the prince is now so
eclipsed that even the most insignificant persons can push themselves into
the foreground. This makes it impossible for an able man, though he might
be the right hand of the ruler, to undertake anything. It is as though his arm
were broken, but he is not to blame for being thus hindered in action."

In your context I take this to mean you have been often ignored by He for whom you are as a right hand, damaging your relationship as well as your ability to pursue your personal crusades, because of trivial reasons that ultimately make little difference in life. "Persons" can mean a job, in the Law Corporations are "Persons", it can mean a lot of other interests symbolically. I guess your "Ruler" could refer to someone other than a life partner.

However - 54 "The Marrying Maiden" is one of the 4 hexes that describes marriage. And here I took the many wives thing to be consistent with my earlier broader definition of "persons", there are many things in life one loves that one has to balance, some of them were there before you. But "he leads" it says, and she "joyously follows"! (Wilhelm/Legge. Maybe not perfect translations - but strongly resting in the collective unconscious.)

PS - the "Loveless Marriage" interpretation of hex 54 I have never found to fit well, and it clashes totally with a lot of commentary. The idea of having to harmonize a number of loves does not mean the love of the one is not genuine or reciprocal. I think the hex cautions against competition and calls for harmony and respecting affection.

 

[Lavalamp]

I guess it could also mean you need your Boss to listen to you more, and take your advice, that you feel hurt to be overlooked or passed over as you have been. But you need to understand others have been there first.

But is this really one of the core 2 things that is standing between you and true happiness - amongst the many things in life?

 

[bamboo]

Anyway, mine was 55.2.3. changing to 54

55 follows 54..."attaining the place where you belong naturally means greatness, and so abundance follows"
and I disagree that they don't point to relationships.

you may be in the 54 stance, not feeling as if you have achieved what you want, living a life that you may feel has shortchanged you. 55 .2.3 signify a brightness that is hiding, perhaps you shy away from actively pursuing what you want maybe with a 54 feeling of "what's the use?" The solution would be to awaken what would light you up and be open to it.

Respectfully, I don't think Bruce's comment about 10 days under the sheets is inappropriate. Maybe consider that your reaction by being offended indicates it touches a sore spot Bruce I believe was referring to some of your threads where you talked about finding your future husband, hence the context for the remark. Women sometimes forget that sex can make us very happy indeed...we sometimes can get stuck in the idea that "I don't need a man to make me happy"....and while it is true that we do not need a man to make us happy, a passionate love affair and pure pleasure is one of the greatest delights. disappointments in love can make us hesitant or feel hopeless (54 again) but that is a mindset that can be shifted; it is like a broken arm that can be mended.

Christiane Northrup writes wonderful things about pleasure and how it releases the nitric oxide that improves immunity, makes us feel good. She often refers to Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts. Google her and maybe get her daily messages to women. Mama Gena reveres pleasure and the idea that women should own their power to conjure up what they want in their life and actively pursue their pleasure.

My take on your answer is to uncover that hiding Brightness and determine to leave behind anything that wreaks of 54, of settling for anything less than a fulfilled life.

 

[Lavalamp]

Interesting reading Bamboo, thanks. I do think reading the individual lines in the relating hex of 54 can make this hex a bit confusing though. When I read the individual lines I do see things about not wanting to be second to someone else or feeling like you have been shortchanged or disappointed.

But I generally read the Judgment of "Marrying Maiden" to mean, it's a situation where you are in relationship with someone and there are many others they love also there along side you. "Undertakings brings misfortune" as meaning don't be an "undertaker", curb your jealousy. Don't make plans to set yourself above or work to "take the others under/down", don't "bury" the other people or things that your beloved loves. It will not bring anything good to the situation or to yourself, it will only kill affection and kindness. In times past this may have served as advice in harmonizing a polygamous household, and maybe useful for some who are in "open relationships" today. But I consider it more often allegory for letting your partner love the things he/she truly loves, music, painting, his/her vocation, such kinds of "Mistresses" that were loves of one's life before meeting you, maybe even his children from his last marriage.

"Understanding the transitory in the light of the end of the world" means I think, in the end what's love remains. When Soloman decreed the child be cut in half, the real Mother gave the child up and her love for the child prevailed. It's not about the day to day passing moments as much about what we are building in the long run.

Sorry to go off so!

 

[dancing white ferret]

I think Lavalamp is onto something. And this has come up before in a similar context.

Lavalamp writes here...
Well PG, in 55.3's commentary it's written -
"In the sphere of social relationships, this means that the prince is now so
eclipsed that even the most insignificant persons can push themselves into
the foreground. This makes it impossible for an able man, though he might
be the right hand of the ruler, to undertake anything. It is as though his arm
were broken, but he is not to blame for being thus hindered in action."


Not to long ago in a different thread I wrote...
Moving forward 55.1.3.5 > 45
As you know Precision Grace, I am new to this. I have always found the lines in 55 especially difficult to interpret. I think line 1 is saying to be clear on where you want to go and aim for that, and line 3 is saying there is something hindering your movement (old boyfriends, friends etc.) The idea I am getting here is that there are some people in your life you should let go of. Perhaps the IC is saying that a new group of friends would suit you better. Line 5, to me hints at you finding this company. Of course, the people here could be your own thoughts. What makes more sense to you? By the way, I added a new post to your Meh in Open space...
DWF

In response to the following query:

ok, so I need a little help now.
you know how there was a guy, but there wasn't, because nothing was there, so I'm like over it now, except not completely, and trying to move on with my life and stop getting sidetracked into this thing that doesn't exist, I asked : What do I need to do to move forward with my life? and got 55.1.3.5 > 45
As both hexagrams talk about other people, I'm a bit stumped at how to interpret this. Who are these men of brilliant ability from 55.5? who should I be gathering with in 45? Or is this something about my inner resources and I need to..I don't know, pull myself together or something?
As ever, any help is much appreciated..

I think that is a noteworthy coincidence... I'm with Lavalamp on this one. I think it has to do with finding a great partner to share your happiness with. Sounds like there are some real gems out there for you too PG. Sweep the losers aside, their blocking Prince Charming. I'm a little jealous, my route to happiness right now is involving a lot of patience... and no men... and waiting... Aries Moons don't like waiting.

 

[precision grace]

Well PG, in 55.3's commentary it's written -
"In the sphere of social relationships, this means that the prince is now so
eclipsed that even the most insignificant persons can push themselves into
the foreground. This makes it impossible for an able man, though he might
be the right hand of the ruler, to undertake anything. It is as though his arm
were broken, but he is not to blame for being thus hindered in action."

In your context I take this to mean you have been often ignored by He for whom you are as a right hand, damaging your relationship as well as your ability to pursue your personal crusades, because of trivial reasons that ultimately make little difference in life. "Persons" can mean a job, in the Law Corporations are "Persons", it can mean a lot of other interests symbolically. I guess your "Ruler" could refer to someone other than a life partner.

But why are we even looking at the sphere of social relationships in this particular instance? I understand that interpretation to be helpful for clarity when looking at relationship questions, but I did not ask about relationships nor was I ever thinking about them when I asked about being happy. Tbh, i was mostly thinking about my lack of success at work and financially.

However - 54 "The Marrying Maiden" is one of the 4 hexes that describes marriage. And here I took the many wives thing to be consistent with my earlier broader definition of "persons", there are many things in life one loves that one has to balance, some of them were there before you. But "he leads" it says, and she "joyously follows"! (Wilhelm/Legge. Maybe not perfect translations - but strongly resting in the collective unconscious.)

PS - the "Loveless Marriage" interpretation of hex 54 I have never found to fit well, and it clashes totally with a lot of commentary. The idea of having to harmonize a number of loves does not mean the love of the one is not genuine or reciprocal. I think the hex cautions against competition and calls for harmony and respecting affection.

I always take 54 to mean NO for anything relationship related and otherwise. I always think this hex says whatever you asked about is one big #FAIL

If I were flippant, I'd have interpreted this 55.2.3 > 54 as 'to be really happy you need to be rich, healthy and to avoid marriage like a plague' It's interesting to me that several of you see it completely differently. Of course, my grasp of Yi is very tenuous so i am open to learning, however I will not be told (however respectfully Barbara ) that I need to get laid to be happy. a) nobody can achieve lasting happiness from 10 days between the sheets and b) using what I said in other threads to inform the reading on this occasion feels almost like being manipulated if not bullied (no disrespect dwf because I know you'd never mean it that way)

what you said about my Boss not listening to me is spot on lavalamp.

if you are all still so insistent that I should be happy if I got a nice man and settle down, then please, by all means, I double dare you to find one that fits with me. No, I triple dare you. Talk about Mission Impossible

 

[bamboo]

Dear Gracve, respectfully, I wasnt saying YOU need to get laid, thats your business, I was saying that in general it can make someone pretty happy...and furthermore, no thing on earth makes you happy all the time, long-term, LEAST of all money and finances. what an odd way to ask the yi about your work life and finances...."how can i be happy?" brightness hiding indeed

and by the way, please dont call me Barbara, my name is bamboo on here