I Ching

One hears thunder unexpectedly! First comes fear, then a sharpened, clearer vision.  Recall a close brush with danger – a falling branch, an automobile accident barely avoided, an escape from a potentially violent confrontation.  Such incidents first arouse every nerve fiber in your body in a brief wave of terror, but soon, once the danger has passed, give way to a heightened awareness of the world.  The same process also occurs with other types of shock – the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, business failure and so on.

The lasting impact of a major shock can either be stimulating or debilitating, depending upon one’s inner strength of character.  The critical factor is the ability to become immune to fear, thereby transforming anxiety into a laser-sharp perception of the world around you.

When overtaken by crisis, the wise search their hearts for inner strengths, in order to face the world with courage.  Courage often means daring to take the unexpected path – to bounce back quickly and self-confidently after failure, to have faith in the eternal when confronted with death.

We tend to think of shock only in the context of unpleasant events.  We can also be jarred, however, by the sudden release of tension which comes with unexpected success.  To keep your bearings in the aftershock of either trauma or victory, it is essential that your inner compass be aligned with “true north”, that magnetic force which guides you toward fulfillment of both your deepest desire, and your highest destiny.

1. The movement of this first line indicates a time when good fortune follows sudden change.  If we remain open to all possibilities in a time of crisis, sometimes the results will be shockingly positive.
2. When tumultuous events strip you of what is rightfully yours, it is of no use to contend with the prevailing forces while the storm is yet raging.  Retire to the mountaintop temporarily: take the high ground.  In the end, after the storm has passed, this strategy will result in a full restoration of all that is rightfully yours.  Confronting uncontrollable forces when they are at their peak only brings misfortune and loss.
3. The shock of unexpected change can be almost paralyzing.  At such a time, your concentration is easily scattered, and your mind can come to resemble the Milky Way.  Focus! Focus is what is needed in such situations; start with small details, and gradually rebuild normalcy around you.  Normal habits and routines can become an armour which keeps external misfortune from seeping into the soul.
4. A nimble mind evades on-rushing fate much as a matador swings away from the charging bull.  But even a nimble mind can become mired in muck.  Too much complexity in your life, inhibits your mobility, and may make you a tempting target for the bull-horns of fate.
5. A series of repetitious shocks is indicated.  It may be possible to avoid danger by remaining calm, and staying near the center instead of dashing toward the extremities, where added movement may increase the risk.
6. When startling events are at their peak, clarity of vision and perspective are often lost.  The smart move, in such a situation, is to withdraw temporarily, in order to gain time enough to develop a coherent strategy.  This can only be done if withdrawal comes soon enough in the course of events, before the outer turmoil has muddied your inner perspective.  Friends and associates may not understand the reason for your actions, and may talk about you behind your back, but no great general ever plotted his strategy while mounted on his horse.
   Sometimes retreating to your private tent takes more strength and courage than charging the front lines; and more brains.