Day 6: “Following”

Beth Blair

Original Painting, “Following” I-Ching #17, Acrylic on Paper 18×24

April 25, 2019

Truthfully, today’s writing is a struggle.  I pulled this painting because I was entranced by the “eye”, no matter which way I turned it. It followed me.  The I Ching states that Gua 17 is Following. Basically, if you are humble and full of delight, people are attracted and follow. This has me stymied.  I think much of what is followed today is done so blindly.  If we actually LOOKED at leadership, would we follow? Now, I am not going to get all political.  I am curious about personal image, body image, soul image…what do you see when you look in the mirror?  Do you really look at yourself, in your eyes and make contact? Our current culture is plagued with depression, anxiety, and other things that are far from “full of delight”. How can we shift this collective thinking?

Delight in not mere happiness.  It is a high degree of satisfaction. This isn’t do I have the right car, the right phone, or live in the right neighborhood.  This satisfaction level is not am I the “right” dress size for society or can I keep up with the kardashians or the latest Hollywood face.  This level of satisfaction comes from the looking inward and connecting to personal authenticity. Now this is a tricky thing to find.  Our conditioning from an early age has us seeing as others see.  In the world of energy systems, the place of the “third eye”, the conscious mind is the place to find personal authenticity.  This is not the computer mind.  This is the place where the heart, the soul and consciousness commune.  It is right between your eyes.  Can you feel it?

As I come back to the painting, it is only one eye. This one eye has depth, texture and movement.  It follows me…challenges me…and it is watching.  It feels stern and warm at the same time.  I may spend a little more time and see what comes from contemplating this painting, “Following”.  It certainly has me thinking.

Beth is a seasoned and experienced bodywork, somatic coach and wellness professional. She is available to present on wellness, bodywork and somatic topics; or individual bodywork and coaching sessions.  Bring Beth to your area for workshops, speaking events or team building projects. Personal and business coaching are also services that Beth provides.  Consider coaching for individual or small groups/teams. Contact Beth for more information and rates.