Pathfinder
Hexagram 29 Stress
The model of the moment: This is a scenario filled with such potential dangers and hardships that few would knowingly choose it. But still many of us may find ourselves in such a predicament from time to time. Sometimes something as small as inattention to our surroundings while walking can take us into perilous sections of a city or wilderness. This state of affairs can easily degenerate into one far worse. Grievous injury, or a frightening loss of freedom, can occur much more easily than we would prefer to think. Or this time may indicate instead someone suffering from bodily afflictions, like serious illness or incapacitation. Some dangers to your wellbeing now may be hidden, such as an embezzler in your company, or other unknown enemy working against you close by. During such times, despair may unexpectedly threaten to overwhelm you. Your only defenses may be your determination to endure, and the knowledge that nothing lasts forever. Even the hardship now surrounding you must give way eventually. Belief in oneself and one's principles can be the greatest tools in a personal arsenal for dealing with such times. Fear and anxiety must be controlled now. A holdover from earlier times, our 'fight or flight' response is easily triggered by modern stresses. But as contemporary stresses stem from overbearing bosses or social complexities rather than saber toothed tigers, violence or escape are usually inappropriate reactions. Adrenalin pumps into our systems, we become frantic, and our mind goes into low gear ( After all, the higher brain functions are not really required for fighting or running. In fact, they could actually be detrimental to such activities. So under stress we often can skid downwards in I.Q. by a few notches. No wonder business people like to put immense pressures on each other in meetings; sufficient stress can make the other guy crack and make an error that 'gives away the store'. ). Fear and stress kills intelligence. Can make us dopey at the very times we need all our smarts the most. The course usually recommended for such times: The 'fight or flight' response has a counterpart that can be used as a defense against its usually debilitating effects. Appropriately enough, it is called the 'relaxation response'. Relaxation of mind and body provides a natural shield against stress. It also allows the mind not only to stay in high gear, but to actually access an 'overdrive' mode. This overdrive mode can synchronize both hemispheres of the brain in a way rarely accomplished under normal circumstances. Virtually all the higher brain functions are enhanced in this state; but creativity especially so. The key to achieving all this is relaxation. If you can't switch off your adrenal glands, you're doomed to go into 'fight or flight' mode at every significant crisis. How can you achieve relaxation in the midst of a hectic present? Diet helps. Less caffeine and less sugar make you less manic. Financial discipline can help too, by providing you with some monetary security; a 'buffer' that allows you breathing space when facing unexpected emergencies. To reduce stress still further, avoid situations where it is especially concentrated. Make confrontations with others more lighthearted in nature. Lessen the amount of time you spend trapped in congested traffic. Combine and transform explosive passions into the much easier to handle, less tension filled emotion of compassion. Widen your view of the world by reading more. You'll learn why things are happening, and how you can have a greater effect on circumstances that impact you personally. Feeling more in control of one's life reduces the stress one feels.
Fixed (no changing lines);
This is a plateau process or event; the given model will hold true for an extended period of time. Attempts to manipulate events away from the present course could prove frustrating and fruitless, until destiny is satisfied. Consider the following as well as the above: Wittingly or unwittingly, you have made danger and stress a part of your life. Eventually you may succumb to the risks and pressures you invite. The alternative? Change the way you live.
Changing Lines:
1
You can't or won't believe the seriousness of your predicament. This attitude incurs misfortune from any action you take now. Affairs grow worse.
2
Endurance of the present difficulties is all that is possible now. Rein in your ambitions.
3
You confront your greatest fear. And it controls you. Do nothing. The danger remains the same in the face of advance or retreat. All actions now result in failure, as they are directed by your fear, and not your will.
4
A suitable ally can help you put together possible solutions to your problems, if honest communications can be undertaken.
5
Tackle big problems by first breaking them down into a multitude of smaller, easier to handle tasks. Continue this process until none of the new, smaller problems appear impossible in their own right, and you have completed the first step in overcoming the enormous challenge you started out with. The next step after this breakdown is to tackle each smaller problem one at a time; focusing all your efforts upon each in turn. If this method is inadequate for dealing with the dilemma you now face, you probably require help to achieve resolution.
6
You are surrounded by hardship, with no chance of escape in the near term.
When all lines are changing;
Stress can be good for us, in moderation. It can move us to make improvements in our life, or provide a healthy tension that keeps us sharp, such as regular exercise might keep our body toned. But too much stress becomes toxic; a poison that can sicken and even kill us. Therefore excess stress is to be avoided as assiduously as a deadly poison.