The creative powers are not in relation
all things are benumbed
confusion and disorder prevail...
--I Ching Book of Changes, Wilhelm/Baynes trans
Hexagram 12 Standstill/Stagnation
all things are benumbed
confusion and disorder prevail...
--I Ching Book of Changes, Wilhelm/Baynes trans
Hexagram 12 Standstill/Stagnation
Is there an area of your life or work that doesn't seem so creative lately? This hexagram addresses stagnant situations where there appears to be no progress.
Want some oracular advice? Before reading further, think of a particular situation where your inner guidance and inspiration seems shut down, sluggish or simply absent. If you can persuade yourself to, write down a question about what you'd most like cleared up. Then pick a number between 1 and 6 and jot that down.
"When we perceive that there is no progress...
tension and inner conflict arise.
The remedy is to disengage from looking at the situation.
We abandon neither our principles nor our goals.
When we have re-established inner calm,
the clarity needed to put things into perspective becomes possible. Until then, nothing can be done.
In all striving the ego attempts to find some
way to make things work in order to stay in control.
If we can accept that we are meant to patiently persevere,
then, by itself, Fate will indicate the way."
--Carol Anthony A Guide to the I Ching, Hexagram 12 Standstill/Stagnation
The hexagram as a whole counsels a retreat from trying to force solutions. Fruitful activity is temporarily impossible, because fundamentals are out of relationship with each other. Best not to focus on externals, even if tempting offers appear. Public action now could wind up compromising your principles. Instead, withdraw, be patient, and allow right action to arise of itself.
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5. The transition out of standstill has arrived. Remembering your particular stuck situation, read the advice corresponding to the number between 1 and 6 that you wrote down earlier.
Keep an open mind, and see if your question's answer reveals itself to you.
(If you didn't pick a number 1-6 above, go ahead and choose one now.
Or, just read them all and see if one feels like it is meant for you.
Or, don't. )
1. Stop pouring attention into the negative situation.
Quit trying to influence it or to strive against it in any way.
Instead, persevere inwardly to stay connected with your truth.
2. You may have to endure self pity, discouragement and mistrust
from others and from your own childish aspects. For the good of
all, don't act on pressures to try to fix or convince anyone.
3. Misunderstandings within and without are beginning to clear up.
The futility of trying to force solutions becomes evident.
Take care not to humiliate or rush those who are changing
their confused ideas for the better.
4. If you remain open, balanced and alert,
you may be called into action by events now.
Keeping free of willful ambition,
you advance as the way opens and
pause if you meet further obstructions.
Keep an open mind, and see if your question's answer reveals itself to you.
(If you didn't pick a number 1-6 above, go ahead and choose one now.
Or, just read them all and see if one feels like it is meant for you.
Or, don't. )
1. Stop pouring attention into the negative situation.
Quit trying to influence it or to strive against it in any way.
Instead, persevere inwardly to stay connected with your truth.
2. You may have to endure self pity, discouragement and mistrust
from others and from your own childish aspects. For the good of
all, don't act on pressures to try to fix or convince anyone.
3. Misunderstandings within and without are beginning to clear up.
The futility of trying to force solutions becomes evident.
Take care not to humiliate or rush those who are changing
their confused ideas for the better.
4. If you remain open, balanced and alert,
you may be called into action by events now.
Keeping free of willful ambition,
you advance as the way opens and
pause if you meet further obstructions.
Take great caution now. Don't be carried away
into grand gestures. Instead, take small steady steps
to secure the transformation from many angles.
6.Through keeping your inner attitude correct
you have brought about better conditions.
The time of standstill has come to an end.
Creative energies flow into harmony.
