For days, the same image kept floating across my mind. It’s Hexagram 20, Awareness, with changing lines in the first two places.

Why?

I don’t know.

For whom?

No particular person.

But just now it came up again.

So, for those of you its meant for, here goes.

Hexagram 20 was the original answer to the question asked the Introduction of my small book. “What does the Common Sense Book of Change have to offer its readers?” It looks like this:

The advice of the bottom changing line reads, “Narrow-minded self-interest is not enlightened. Broaden your view to include others.” It changes to Hexagram 42, Gain, which reads in part:

GAIN

GAINS can be made after analyzing the situation correctly. When a person’s life goals are kept firmly in mind, no time is wasted. A way can be found to use whatever resources are at hand to serve one’s purpose.

The warning of the changing line in the second place reads, “You won’t benefit from using new learning for selfish reasons.” It changes to Hexagram 59, Overcoming, which reads:

OVERCOMING

The harmonizing arts are useful tools for OVERCOMING the forces which block and separate. Inspired music, drama and art express the common light which guides all. Avoid isolation. 

The FINAL OUTCOME of heeding the advice and warnings of the changing lines incorporates them both. The result is Hexagram 61, which looks like this:

What first comes to mind is the memory of exchanging Christmas gifts two years ago. Terry gave me a big mug decorated with images of gifts. Its message was, “Friends make the best presents.”

In return, I gave her a copy of the CSBOC underlined with 61’s message: “Friendships based on wisdom will last.”

We were on the same page.

Though we share little in common (rebuilding classic cars and quilting are her hobbies, not mine), nevertheless, that common thread of good will continues to withstand the test of time.

It’s a gift I wish for all of you as well.