David Given Schwarm

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ENTHUSIASM

Proper enthusiasm opens every door.

The I Ching teaches that there are two kinds of enthusiasm: one that leads to misfortune, and one that leads to success. This hexagram comes as a sign that you can proceed with confidence now if your enthusiasm is properly founded.

Improper enthusiasm is fueled by the desires of the ego. People often desire recognition, wealth, power, or freedom from difficulty. Such desires can become so great that we will do anything to achieve them. Our energy rises as we wildly pursue our goal, but this unruly and egotistical enthusiasm inevitably leads us into incorrect and imbalanced behavior and into misfortune.

Proper enthusiasm, on the other hand, is fueled by a devotion to attaining and expressing inner balance and inner truth. When your aim is not to influence others or to satisfy your ego but to follow the guidance of the Higher Power in all that you do, you acquire another kind of energy: a balanced and bottomless eagerness for living in step with what is right and good. In this there is true power and true grace.

This hexagram reminds you that striving out of your ego now will only push you further away from your goals. Seek instead to follow proper principles: keep to what is innocent, correct, and kind, and the Creative will come to your aid. The path of truth is always the path of least resistance.

FIRST LINE

Arrogance leads to a fall. Unite with the Higher Power and remain modest and innocent.

SECOND LINE

Recognize the beginnings of improper action. The superior person corrects herself while it is still easy to do so.

THIRD LINE

Don’t rely on others to direct your conduct. Be determined in holding to the good at every turn.

FOURTH LINE

Devotion to what is right attracts the aid and fellowship of others. The greatest success comes to the one who is most sincere.

FIFTH LINE

Your ego prevents the desired movement. Take time now to correct your inner attitude.

SIXTH LINE

Inferior notions lead you toward misfortune. Self-correction can still make possible a success.