I Ching

Increase and decrease are part of the natural cycle of life.  As another good book puts it, “To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Like a reservoir that is being used to irrigate the fields, learning to accept a decrease in position or material possessions is part of preparing for increase in the future.We may live in materialistic times, but there is no disgrace in material decrease, particularly if it represents an investment in future gain – even if that gain be in the form of learning or the development of personal character.  Likewise, the inner strength that comes from bearing loss can be balanced by a corresponding increase in inner strength and insight.  When letting go of material desires leads to a greater simplicity in daily life, good fortune often comes calling.

In nature, the lake evaporates to form the clouds that drop the rain which nurtures the surrounding forest.  As the forest grows thick, more rain is captured for the lake.  Similarly, an “evaporation” or decrease in one area of your life, may give rise to an eventual increase.  A loss of responsibility at work can mean more free time; more free time may generate more career options.  A decrease in material possessions can free the spirit and fill the soul.

Be mindful of the lesson of young lovers: even with a minimum of possessions, feelings of the heart can bring an unsurpassed richness to life.  The smallest of actions, if sincere, have value.  So remain confident, for a time of decrease may actually bode good fortune.  Especially if you remain open to that possibility.

Let go of frustration, resistance and regret over whatever may be decreasing at this time.  Accept the cycle.

1. If you want to be of service to others who have less than yourself, no blame.  But you must be careful, not to assume too much responsibility for others, lest you deprive them of their dignity and a chance to advance through their own effort.  At the very least, learn to be sensitive when taking on the burdens of others; avoid self-righteousness.
2. In order to render true service to those lacking in material possessions or other advantages, it is essential that you not give up your own dignity.  A decrease in personal dignity growing out of excessive subservience to some higher goal can lead to a decrease in performance and personal worth.  To truly be of good service to others, you must also serve yourself.
3. If three people go off on a journey, one will drop out.  If one goes out alone, a second will join up along the way.  The strongest bonds and deepest relations are between two people; agreements between three people, no matter how lofty in intent, are never as stable.  Two’s company, three is a committee.  Let go of extraneous relationships.
4. If your negative habits and personal faults are keeping others at bay, there is only one solution.  Straighten-up! When people let go of negative habits, new opportunities rush in to fill the void.  In such a situation, great good fortune.
5. Natural good luck for you.  Great good fortune is your fate right now, and you need fear nothing.  Enjoy.  Invest.
6. There are many different ways to acquire wealth, but the highest and most satisfying way is by increasing the common wealth of all.  For supremely successful and enlightened people, their increases cause no decreases for others.  They have learned to advance by generating more for all – not by maneuvering slickly to see that others get less than they do.  The prosperity of such people is the good fortune of all of mankind.