Soften~

PHOTO: JAMES CHOROROS

“Whenever we fall into an negative states such as judgment, anger, fear, anxiety, or desire, are added to become structured and inflexible. As long as remain in this condition we cannot receive the assistance of the Higher Power. Therefore, if we wish for a return of good fortune now we must take steps to dissolve the hardness.”

“The image is that of a warm spring wind steadily dissolving winter ice. This is meant to teach us that it is through perseverance and gentleness rather than aggressiveness that we overcome what is hard.”

“Employ music, prayer, meditation, common project, or some other form of sacred concentration or ceremony to release the pent-up energy in yourself and others. Allow harsh and unforgiving feelings to be carried away by the song of the flute, the reverberation of a drum, or the sound of the wind through the trees.”

“In your mind’s eye, see where the flow of positive energy is blocked, and then imagine this place as an ice floe breaking up in a thawing river.”

“Until the inflexibility is removed there can be no unity, either within your own spirit, with others, or with the Sage. Remember that inferior emotions are hard, where the attitudes of the superior person  acceptance, detachment, modesty, innocence, and equanimity have a quality of softness to them. By returning to this now you insure your own good fortune.”

~Brian Browne Walker from The I Ching or Book of Changes: A Guide to Life’s Turning Points

 

332k

0

10k