By selecting, through a random process, one of sixty-four "hexagrams" that symbolize a particular life-trend and pattern of conduct, I am led, gently, away from fixation upon any particular state of mind or issue I am dealing with.

As one who, at times, can become trapped in obsessive worry, it is very helpful for me to realize, through the incorporation of Taoism in my daily contemplative practice, everything in the cosmos is in a constant state of transformation. This insight is also conveyed in the Western saying, "This too will pass." The term "I Ching," after all, is translated "The Book of Changes."

I do not really regard the I Ching as a form of fortune-telling. Rather, by throwing pennies six times, to obtain a message for the day, I am led to consider a variety of philosophical concepts and aspects of wisdom.

Through study of the I Ching, I come to appreciate the many aspects of being that are manifested in the course of existence on this planet.

Intermittently, through this blog, I will share messages I have received, and how I have applied them to issues I am dealing with, the purpose being to illustrate how the I Ching and underlying principles of Taoism can lead to personal insight and healing.

I have found that through the sharing of this practice, the feedback derived from others plays an invaluable part in the growth process. That is why I would like to organize an I Ching study group in our new (upcoming) home of Asheville, North Carolina. Perhaps an online group would also be possible.

Since I am writing a book on the creative process, I will intersperse sharing of the concrete practice with discussion of the link between creative regeneration and the I Ching, as well as philosophical Taoism (One branch of Taoism deals more with magic). I will also interweave work with the I Ching with examples of dream work, and demonstrate how these two avenues of personal growth are related.

Through creative reflection on messages received from both the I Ching and dream content, new insights into life problems can be gained. The power of these tools lies in the fact that one must suspend a degree of conscious control of the self-exploration process.

In the case of the I Ching, the search for understanding of a situation is, in effect, broadened to include concepts that might be overlooked; we all have an habitual way of approaching life that may blind us to the truth embodied in a situation.

When we engage in dream work, through the journaling process, we may gain access to our own deeper wisdom; in addition, we may become newly aware of (internal or internal) factors that are preventing both our sense of personal fulfillment and joy, as well supressing our our ability to imagine new possibilities, or novel ways of being in the world.

Before throwing the I Ching or reflecting on dream content, I usually focus, in turn, and briefly, on the following areas of life experience:

*Creativity/spirituality

*Relationships, including family, friends, and acquaintenances

*Work, including volunteer and paid

*Health, both mental and physical

*Maintenance, including things like paying bills, cleaning the house, shopping, fixing the car, etc.

My intent in doing this is to mobliize conscious resources, to identify key issues (personal goals, or things that are bothering me, causing me to feel anxious, angry, or frustrated). I also run through coping mechanisms that have worked for me in the past. Then I turn to the I Ching and dream content, to expand my conprehension of issues, and give me new tools to work with.

A concrete example of work with the I Ching and dreams is provided, below...

6/24-6/26

Personal concerns:

Relationships--to extended family. I feel that there is a wall between us. Feel excluded. Want very much to bridge the gap. But so far, my overtures have been ignored.

Mental health--I feel remorseful about poor judgment I exercised in relationships years ago. Can't seem to let go of anxiety about this. It's not possible to make amends directly.

I Ching readings:

Hexagram 14—"Remain humble and maintain a clear goal or objective. Accentuate the positive and eradicate the negative. This will precipitate substantive results."

Reflection: I need to be clear about what I want to accomplish in breaking down that wall. If communication results, I need to employ a positive tone, not dredge up negatives from the past.

Hexagram 16—"An open mind and heart will bring fulfillment. Use your creative talents."

Reflection: I need to explore ways of making amends that involve my current relationships and opportunities to help others avoid the mistakes I made.

Dreams:

1--Linda and I are working with homeless vets. We go to the wrong vet center. The building is shaped the same but this one is more run-down.

Reflection: I need to recognize that family members and I have changed over the years; perhaps we can establish a relationship on a new footing.

2--I enter a domain to assess the mental stability of someone. I am doing this to clear the way for another individual, whom I do not particularly like or trust, to enter that domain.

Reflection: I am drawing a blank on this one.

Bio: I am a poet-songwriter-essayist who is doing grassroots political work in Kingstree, South Carolina. I am also a Master's level, certified teacher and counselor