Sunday, May 4, 2008


changing to

11 51

11. Passing Through

Line 2:

Barren surroundings necessitate fording the big river.
Not abandoning, but letting go off friends.
Value is lost and gained from targeted action.

One needs to move elsewhere, as there is nothing of value left for one here. It may be necessary to let go off friends, which is not the same as abandoning them. One needs to really go for it, to make valuable gains, accepting that this also results in losses (that which is left behind).

Line 3:

Without levelness there is no slope,
without going no return.
Laborious persistence is without fault.
Do not worry,
one's confidence in a meal has blessing.

There is no situation that stays forever, sometimes things go easy, sometimes they are difficult. When one doesn't undertake something, one cannot have returns. It is not a fault to need to work hard. While things are bad, it is good to keep in mind that as long as one can trust that one will have something to eat, things are basically alright.

Line 4:

Fluttering, fluttering.
Not enriched by one's neighbors.
Careless because of confidence.

Moving to and fro, while not being supported by others. One's confidence is making one careless.



Hexagram is changing to:

51. Shock

Shock.
Progressing.
A shock comes, fright, fright!
Laughing and talking, ha, ha!
The shock startled in a hundred li,
but one did not lose the ladle of sacrificial wine.

There is a shock that has a lot of impact. Although one is alarmed by the shock, there is no real harm done. When it's over one might even look back and make fun of it. Notwithstanding it's force one does not allow it to break one's concentration.
(100 li is about 40 kilometer or 25 miles.)

Being a good friend

Being a friend isn't just something that we do. It's a skill that we can learn and improve upon.

Here, eight ways to be a better friend.

  1. Like yourself

    The first step in having a good relationship with a friend is to have a good relationship with yourself.

    When we genuinely like ourselves, we become more attractive to other people. We have more to offer others because we are not constantly focused on our own image and reputation.

    We become better friends because we don't cling. We are secure enough to spend time with a friend because we want to, not because we need to.

    And relax -- the journey to self-acceptance is life long. Practice it in small steps along the way.

  2. Choose wisely

    Relationships among true friends take a steady dose of time and energy -- two resources in limited supply for all of us.

    Identify the friends with whom you wish to create a closer bond. It's perfectly okay if not all of your acquaintances make the list.

    The closeness of your connections is far more important than the length of your guest lists and size of your parties.

  3. Make the time

    Friends are important in many ways -- so much so that these relationships often take on a life of their own.

    You owe it to yourself (and to your friends) to make these relationships a priority. Carve out some quality time for one another.

  4. Make the first move

    This is where I have trouble, and I know I'm not alone. If you want to improve your relationships, put your fear of rejection aside and start taking more risks. Invite your friends to lunch. Organize a study group. Invite them over for dinner.

    Too often, we fail to follow up with our friends. Don't miss out - just make the first phone call. Your friends are just as anxious to get together as you are.

  5. The Golden Rule

    Treat your friends as you wish to be treated. Stated another way: "To have a friend, be a friend."

    Focus more on being interested than on being interesting. Be enthusiastic and energetic. Avoid complaining, gossiping, and criticizing

  6. Sweat the small stuff

    Make your friends feel significant by remembering small kindnesses. Notice her new haircut. Remember to ask about how his exam went. Send flowers or a simple email when you know they need it most.

  7. Listen

    Good listeners are hard to find, and honing your skills can be a long-term project.

    A few tips:

    • Slow down. Try not to finish your friend's sentences. If you catch yourself planning your response while your friend is still talking, gently remind yourself to focus on the speaker.

    • Show her you are listening. Maintain eye contact.Offer nods and murmurs that indicate you understand their point of view.

    • Minimize distractions.

    • Ask questions.

    • Be careful with advice. Assume your friend wants to just vent her frustrations, not ask you for a plan of action. Avoid the phrase, "what you ought to do is..." Offer your opinion only if your friend specifically asks for it (and you believe she will benefit).

  8. Be loyal

    We all need someone in our corner. If your friend isn't there to defend herself against gossip or criticism, speak up, and know they would do the same for you.
(Susie Michelle Cortright)