Every Monday, I share 1 question for you to contemplate, 1 idea from me, 1 quote from others, and 1 inspiration for us.
This week’s topic is: Observing
Last week I was called to consult the I Ching. The I Ching or Book of Changes is an ancient Chinese spiritual practice where 50 yarrow sticks are used to produce sets of six numbers corresponding to an hexagram. Guidance for each hexagram can be found in the text. The whole process starts with taking out one stick and putting it aside. This stick is called the “observer” and its role is to observe the practice and to witness the whole consultation. The I Ching is based on the principle that everything changes constantly and the observer stick symbolizes the unmoving center of all change.
One Question for you
All of us are watchers – but few are observers. Everyone is looking, not many are seeing.
Discuss the question here.
One Idea from me
Observing without judgment and with fresh eyes is an important skill that can help us gather information about the world around us in order to make more informed decisions, communicate more intentionally, anticipate opportunities and challenges and become more attentive and mindful about our surroundings, people and situations.
Maria Montessori, Italian physician and educator once said: “We cannot create observers by saying ‘observe’, but by giving people the power and the means for this observation and these means are procured through education of the senses.”
Inspired by this quote, this week I invite you to educate your senses by making time to train them as described by Maria Montessori and sharing a technique that you found has worked best for you. What made you become a better observer?
Once you finish this experiment, I also invite you to reflect on what you have further learned about observation and what impact observation had on your day.
One Quote from others
“To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe”. Marilyn vos Savant
One Inspiration for us
Casting an I Ching reading can take some time as it involves a laborious process. To introduce you to this method, this week I am sharing the link to the Mothering Change site where you can get an instant reading. Please note that the I Ching is not a fortune-telling practice. It is meant to give guidance in a particular situation and indicate how we can navigate change in the most intelligent and harmonious way. Enjoy!
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