Man, sometimes you just wake up with that feeling, you know? Like the day’s got something cooking, but you’re not sure if it’s gonna be a good stew or something that’ll burn the pot. That’s how I felt yesterday morning. Just a bit… unsettled. Nothing I could put my finger on, just a low hum of unease. So, what do I do when I get that? I grab the old I Ching, of course. Not every day, but when that gut feeling kicks in, I figure why not ask the ancient wisdom for a nudge.
I sat down, cleared my head a bit, and tossed those three old coins. One toss, two toss, six tosses later, and there it was: Hexagram 44, “Gou.” Coming to Meet. Man, my stomach did a little flip. I know 44. It’s not your “go forth and conquer” kind of message. It’s more like “hey, something’s coming to meet you, and you better be damn careful about it.” It often talks about encountering a powerful, perhaps even seductive, force, and the need for vigilance. The image is of the wind blowing across the heavens, strong and pervasive, able to influence everything.
What I took from it for today:
I chewed on that for a bit. “Coming to Meet.” For me, that always screams “unexpected influences.” So, for my day, it wasn’t about seeking things out. It was about being ready for what came to me. And specifically, being prepared to say “no,” or at least “not now,” if it felt off. The old texts sometimes talk about the “female principle” being powerful here, but for me, in a modern context, that just means any kind of persuasive, attractive, or overwhelming energy that could sweep you off your feet before you’ve had a chance to think.
So, here was my game plan, right there over my first cup of coffee:
- Don’t jump on the first thing that looks shiny. I had an email from late yesterday about a “groundbreaking new project.” My first instinct was to dive in. Now? Nope.
- Listen, but don’t commit immediately. Expected a call from an old acquaintance later who always has “amazing ideas” that usually drain my time and money. I decided I’d listen, be polite, but keep my wallet and my schedule firmly closed for now.
- Guard my mental space. Sometimes unexpected visits or random social demands pop up. I resolved to protect my focus and not let external demands dictate my agenda.
I finished my coffee, still feeling that slight edge, but now with a plan. It wasn’t about being paranoid, just about being aware. Like walking through a busy market with your hand on your wallet, not because you expect to be robbed, but because it’s wise.
How the day actually played out:
Sure enough, the day kicked off, and things started “coming to meet me.”
First, that email. The “groundbreaking new project.” I usually get all excited about new stuff, you know? Love to explore. But that 44 was humming in my head. Instead of just replying with enthusiasm, I decided to do a quick background check on the people behind it. Just a few minutes of digging, and boom. Some less-than-stellar reviews, a few red flags about unfulfilled promises. Nothing overtly criminal, but enough to make me think twice. I drafted a polite “thanks for the offer, I’ll pass for now” email instead of an eager “when can we meet?” Usually, I’d have been halfway to signing up already. Dodged a bullet there, I reckon.
Then, around lunchtime, the phone rang. It was exactly that old acquaintance. Started his usual pitch, full of energy and promises. This time, it was some new investment scheme that was “guaranteed” to make millions by next week. Usually, I’d let him talk my ear off, then spend hours agonizing over it. But not yesterday. I let him present his case, nodded along, but I had that hexagram guiding me. I kept my responses neutral: “Sounds interesting,” “I’ll need to look into that,” “Let me get back to you.” No commitments, no promises, no deep dives into my finances. I wrapped up the call quicker than usual, feeling surprisingly light. Didn’t even feel the usual pressure to “do something” about it.
Even a smaller thing popped up. A neighbor I barely know knocked on my door later, trying to sell me some homemade “miracle cure” for all ailments. Usually, I’m too polite and end up buying something out of awkwardness. Yesterday, I just smiled, shook my head, and said, “No, thanks, I’m good.” Closed the door without a second thought. Felt a little rude for a split second, but then remembered the “Coming to Meet” guidance. Sometimes, you just gotta protect your space.
The takeaway:
That hexagram 44, man. It really set the tone for my day. It wasn’t about achieving some big goal or taking bold action. It was about being discerning, being watchful, and being prepared to say no to things that might not be for my highest good. It felt like the universe was sending me a heads-up, saying “keep your wits about you, because influences are coming your way.” And it was spot on. By not blindly accepting every “opportunity” or getting swept up by persuasive pitches, I actually had a really productive day, free from distractions and potential headaches. It definitely cemented my belief that sometimes, the best moves are the ones you don’t make, and having a bit of ancient wisdom on your side helps you see which is which.
