Welcome to the contemplation of darkening of the light.
This is connected to hexagram 36 of the I Ching and it shows up for us when we might be in times of confusion,
Feeling perhaps that there is trouble within or around us.
Before we explore this teaching,
Let's make space to receive it.
Taking a few slow breaths right down into your feet and again as you bring your focus more and more into the present moment,
Grounding down and connecting with the earth.
This could be with the surface beneath you or perhaps with the richness of the soil as you take your mind's eye into the space.
Let's now gently bring our focus into heart center.
We're going to set an intention.
I trust the wisdom I'm receiving from the Tao through the I Ching as well as my own inner wisdom is in alignment with my highest self and for the greater good of all.
You can affirm this by saying I trust.
Relaxing the body,
Quietening the mind,
Softening the heart and once again let's move our attention to the earth,
To the richness of the soil and imagine fire burning beneath or within earth's soil.
Such an imagery indicates that with the earth sitting above the fire,
There is an obscuring of light.
The brilliant flames of the fire won't be able to be seen,
Perhaps not at all or perhaps just somewhat.
And so this theme of obscuring is where we enter and ask of ourselves now,
Where in life is this taking place?
Where do you feel a confusion or an inability to see clearly and it's not from your own inner vision,
It is something is actually being obscured and this could be for a variety of reasons.
It could be intentionally,
But it could just be a matter of how the circumstances are playing out at the moment.
So instead of trying to force the light to shine through,
Because that will happen over time,
But right now at this moment where you're not getting the full view,
Teaching of the I Ching reminds one in times like this,
Act cautiously and conduct yourself properly with others.
Just as the Sun sinks into the earth,
The wise man conducts his management of men.
He shows his intelligence by keeping it obscured.
So here we see that the obscuring can go both ways.
So now consider for yourself,
Is there a situation or an area of your life right now where you just feel that it is not wise to show all of yourself and it doesn't mean lying or changing yourself.
It simply means that you are choosing wisely to protect some parts or aspects of the self of your life and yet all along internally you are completely true and aligned with yourself,
Your essence.
This is a guidance which comes through throughout the I Ching teachings.
Always remain true to yourself and sometimes this means opening completely and other times not.
So take a minute now to consider for yourself these two different experiences of that being obscured.
Which one is showing up more for you?
Are you feeling something isn't fully available for you to see yet?
Or are you the one doing the obscuring for good reason?
As you breathe into your awareness,
Remain open to further guidance that you may receive,
Further insights over the next while,
The next day or two,
Perhaps even in your dreams.
And let's close with some final words from hexagram 36.
The wise thing to do in the midst of trouble and confusion is to stay calm and think clearly.
Bring your own light to bear on the situation.
Then with perseverance you can overcome any difficulty.
