I Ching

After a thunderstorm, or any period of extreme tension, a period of new clarity and fresh opportunity follows.  The storm has the effect of clearing the air and suddenly reducing atmospheric tension.  Deliverance is at hand.  In the wake of a storm on land, deliverance appears in the form of new color and life, which bursts forth in all the fields and flowers.  In the wake of a storm at sea, deliverance takes the form of land itself.

In the field of human relations, the rain of forgiveness washes the human landscape clean after a period of enmity and error.  Great clarity of purpose and renewed vigor can follow the healing of old wounds.  But care must be taken not to re-open these old wounds by moving too quickly.  In the same way, it is important to return to normalcy first before moving ahead with new plans after periods of stress.

Following the resolution of a difficult situation, your first priority, should be to return to normal conditions as quickly as possible.  Breathe a sigh of relief, but don’t relax completely.  It would be a mistake to re-awaken the sleeping dogs of the immediate past before the new situation has crystallized.  Look ahead.  Attend to any residual matters that need resolution, and do so as quickly as possible.  Make a clean sweep of the past, move deliberately, and the future will bring good fortune.

1. Few words are needed – the recent obstacles have clearly been overcome.  Now there is peace; so just recuperate, and relax.  It is a good time to let your mind wander, and dream.
2. Success stems from your integrity, in contrast to the cunning and deceit of those around you.  It may be time to take a careful look at those you are considering working with.  In light of objective performance standards, do they measure up? Be wary of working with those who do not truly share your vision, or your standards.  Upholding your ethics and standards of performance brings good fortune in the long arc of a professional career or vocation.
3. In overcoming hard times, a residue of the past often lingers.  When making the transition from struggle to success, take care not to bring baggage from the past with you on this journey.  On the other hand, avoid taking on airs and flaunting newfound good fortune.  Those who wear their money on their sleeve soon have little in their pocket.
4. In periods of stagnation, relationships are often formed purely on the basis of convenience.  Since there is little challenge during such a time, not much is demanded of friends and associates.  But when important action is required, only the able and trustworthy can be counted on to perform competently.  Free yourself of the entanglements of chance relationships with no inner value; good fortune comes from associating with men and women of talent and integrity.
   In times of great opportunity or crisis, it is better to have a weak person as an enemy than as an ally.
5. Letting go of bad influences requires inner resolve and strength of character.  Weak people who have attached themselves to a stronger person are not easily shaken off.  The only way to free yourself from negative associations is to free yourself from them inwardly first; sooner or later, these unwanted others will get the message, and fall away of their own accord.  Tolerating unhealthy relationships and associations brings misfortune.
6. When your main obstacle is a cunning adversary, forceful removal of that person from the scene may be the only option.  When such drastic action is called for, quick, precise action is necessary.  As the element of surprise may be critical to success, discuss your plans only with those who have an absolute need to know.  (This line can also be interpreted to apply to a bad habit or situation, or anything calling for immediate removal in order to assure success.)