Part of what we are here to do is to re-discover what we have always known, perhaps in a different, or new, venue. Why our memories become so important so that we don’t need to repeat the same mistakes over again. Sometimes it seems as though we just are repeating the same mistakes over again. This happens mostly because we are paying attention first to what lies outside of ourselves and not what already exists within us simply waiting to come forward to be put to good use.
It teaches us the power of critical thinking. When I was teaching college in China, I used to hand back an assignment for a person to correct their own mistakes. The next day I would have them make correction on their neighbor’s paper. The lesson was that it was easier to find mistakes someone else had made than to find their own. Looking within is always the first step to a clear conscious. My students were all meant to become English teachers someday. Most days teaching and demonstrating the power of critical thinking was more important than learning English. There will always be misunderstandings because we all don’t derive from the same place. It is why our actions are said and meant to speak for themselves. Why learning to see our own actions critically is essential.
I often wonder why the seeming power of self and human nature seems to overlook the intrinsic power of virtue that we already know and possess. Why and how external values can overtake our sense of justice and fair play. Oh – and our artesian well is meant to be the best expression of what we already know coming forth to greet us and others each day.
Number 48 of the I Ching
Discovering One’s Artesian Well
Life springs forth like an artesian well continually replenished. Simply waiting to be used. Each instant a new beginning bringing a chance to better understand the ways of nature and perhaps discover the proper direction as you continue your journey.
Strength evolving from two mutually inclusive forms both through the spirit or mind and body. Each critical to survival. Each there merely to be found and come to know. Spending time each day in seclusion drawing on the inner chi as Cloud Dancing with dragons to remind you of your responsibilities to yourself, to others and to the universe.
Meditating on the emptiness essential in all things to be found in everything both yin and yang and coming to find serenity within. Ever cognizant of the regenerative power present in each of us to find only for ourselves. Keeping to moderation in food and drink as the key to a full existence. Staying away from excess you come to know your eternal rhythm and cycles.
Finding the true way is a never-ending challenge that will be thrown up at you in many ways that most would find overwhelming, get sick and want to stop. Not all are meant to find their eternal well. Most never even bother to look, satisfied with the lot given to them to simply exist day to day.
Take care not to poison the well with bad thoughts or consent to someone else doing so. Punishment will follow and all will be for naught.
An original composition and interpretation of the Chinese Classic the I Ching (48 THE WELL / Water over Wind). 3/15/94
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