We Each Need to Learn To Be Self-Directed
Spirit shares I Ching wisdom.
The situation that we now must cope with on our
journey through life is represented by
Hexagram 19 – Overseeing.
Overseeing follows Degeneration and moves into
Observation. This may seem to suggest
a more-or-less orderly sequence of situations
through the sixty-four hexagrams, but life
was never designed to move seamlessly, or
smoothly for long periods of time.
Seasons progress in a predetermined order
but each Spring is in some way unique, as
is each of the yearly seasons.
And so it is with our individual lives.
We may encounter a regular progression of
situations but we must be alert to their
potential for uniqueness.
Since nothing can happen without preconditions
for its happening, nature always provides us with
early warning signs of imminent danger, if we
would listen. But, we grow complacent when life
is moving smoothly, forgetting that nothing
is without limits, or potential limits.
Why does Overseeing follow Degeneration?
If we are aware that a particular situation,
such as crops approaching their ideal stage
of growth for harvesting, then we can move
to harvest them before they degenerate.
It is the same with material possessions
and public utilities, such as roads, power,
and water resources, to name a few. If
our leaders are aware of weaknesses that
require repair or replacement, and act
on that awareness, then degeneration to
the point of collapse, can be prevented.
A stitch in time?
Yes. Some situations develop as a direct or
indirect consequence of human carelessness,
or lack of sufficient foresight. It is
then that overseeing would follow
degeneration. There is not always an
absolute order of events throughout life.
Could degeneration also refer to attitudes
as well as to diminished quality of work
or structural degeneration?
Specific situations do not necessarily
develop from any single cause. Life is
too complex to allow for such a
simplistic explanation.
How could potentially destructive
situations be prevented if specific
causes could not be identified?
History teaches Wise leaders to observe
what is happening and to be aware of what
potential dangers might be prevented.
How does this situation relate to
daily living?
It’s the same.
In what way?
Preparing meals requires paying attention
to what is happening to the food you are
preparing. Overseeing does not necessarily
refer to one person observing what another
is doing. We each need to learn to become
self-directed.
And, that’s the lesson?
Yes.
I Ching as a Way to Enlightenment 
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