Okay, so I decided to dive into the I Ching again the other day. It wasn’t for anything super specific, just felt a bit scattered, you know? Like needing some kind of anchor or maybe just a different perspective. I ended up focusing on the number 8, Bi, which they say is about holding together, union, that sort of stuff.
First thing, I grabbed my old coins. I still prefer the traditional way, feels more connected. Found a quiet spot, calmed my mind a bit – well, tried to anyway. It’s harder than it sounds sometimes. Did the whole routine: shaking the coins, tossing them six times, writing down the lines, yin, yang, all that.
And guess what? I actually got Hexagram 8, Bi. Plain, no changing lines this time. Felt kind of fitting, considering I was thinking about connection anyway. Maybe a coincidence, maybe not. Who knows?
Looking into ‘Bi’ (Holding Together)
So, I got Hexagram 8. I pulled out my worn-out I Ching book – the one with coffee stains on page 50 – and looked up what it had to say about ‘Bi’. The gist was pretty straightforward: it’s about seeking connections, joining with others, finding your tribe, or sticking close to a central figure or idea. The image is water over the earth, water clinging to the earth. Makes sense.
It talked about needing the right conditions for union, like being sincere and having a good foundation. It also warned about being late to the party, like hesitating too long means you miss the chance to join.
My Situation and Thoughts
This really hit home because I’d been feeling a bit isolated lately. Not really lonely, just… disconnected. Like I was floating around without really belonging anywhere specific. Work projects felt siloed, friendships were more text-based than face-to-face. Reading about ‘Bi’ made me think:
- Am I actively seeking connection, or just waiting for it?
- Who or what should I be aligning myself with?
- Is my hesitation holding me back from joining something worthwhile?
What I Did Next
Okay, the reading wasn’t magic, it didn’t solve anything instantly. But it gave me a nudge. A focus. I decided to stop just thinking about connecting and actually do something.
So, the next day at work, instead of just emailing, I actually walked over to talk to a colleague about a shared project. Just a small thing, but it felt different. More direct, more human.
Then, I thought about a local community group I’d been curious about but never joined. Always made excuses – too busy, maybe next month. The ‘Bi’ reading felt like a kick in the pants. So, I looked them up online (okay, I know, online again, but it’s a start!) and sent an email asking about their next meeting. Actually planning to go this time.
I also made a point to reach out to an old friend I hadn’t spoken to properly in ages, just to check in. Not asking for anything, just reconnecting.
How It’s Going
It’s only been a short while, so no massive changes yet. But taking those small steps felt good. Talking to my colleague definitely cleared up some confusion faster than ten emails would have. The community group replied, and I’m planning to attend their next gathering. Still waiting to hear back properly from the old friend, but just sending the message felt like I was putting that ‘union’ energy out there.
It’s really just about being more intentional, I guess. Less passive waiting, more active seeking and joining. The I Ching didn’t give me answers, but Hexagram 8 definitely gave me a theme to work with, a direction to try moving in. We’ll see how it develops, but it feels better than just floating.
