What I Learned from the I Ching

I’ve been consulting this book for 3 years now. It’s not a surprise that I’ll be studying The Book of Changes.

As a syncretist, I started with my Roman Catholic roots, awakened my Christian faith, read the classics, Taoism and eventually settled for Unity (New Thought)… which, ironically, doesn’t make grasping the idea of faith any easier.

In fact, I believe that humans created theology to make the metaphysical nature of faith graspable.

My background aside, the Book of Changes is a natural direction after understanding The Way.

I’ve asked the Oracle many questions throughout the years, from the most profound to the most trivial…

How should I deal with my job and my health?
Should I reconcile with this person?
Give me wisdom on this family matter.
Should I check out or extend my hotel stay?

I consulted the book for almost any dilemma. And if there’s one thing I learned from the I Ching, it’s that sometimes you need to think outside the box.

The Oracle, for me at least, is simply your little voice within (1 Kings 19:12). When you consult the Oracle, the answer (or even the interpretation) only makes sense to you.

And when you feel that nudge inside and make space in your mind for the voice to be made clear, you’ll hear your guide… your helper. A sincere and calm voice within.

The I Ching has pulled me out from issues that I can’t fix by overthinking.

For me, thinking outside of the box isn’t just about expanding your thoughts to the external world. It could also be about letting go of the ego and thinking inwards.

I’d like to think that the yarrow stalks and coins only ritualized the transition for us to be able to think deep. Yet if we only spend a little more time in solitude, we will eventually find the wisdom that answers our questions.