DAILY READING AND I CHING
This website began with the intention of sharing a portion of one person’s successful self-cultivation practice whereby he engaged in daily reading and reflection on the wisdom of the ancients by writing them in his own words (the Daily Readings).
We then added focus on the I Ching (Book of Changes) which originated thousands of years ago and is still as fresh today in the insights.
Quote: “There are 17 holistic practices recommended to practice by the ancient masters to integrate mind, body and spirit. Of all these the most important for beginners is the study of the I Ching which enables one to perceive the hidden influences in every situation and thus establish a balanced and spiritualty evolved means of responding to them.”
Daily reading and reflection is a potent pathway of self-cultivation, even in tiny segments, as long as you are mindful and consistent.
THE NEXT STEP – THE WORLD OF PLANTS
We hear about self-cultivation practice as a way to enhance life experience, but what does it really mean? The word cultivation is often associated with tending to a garden, plants or food crops in agriculture. In a more general sense, the verb cultivate means to nurture and help to grow. Self-cultivation is a daily practice where consistent, incremental steps build a strong internal structure which gives vibrancy and meaning to life, no matter who or where you are.
As we face an increasingly complex and unsettled world, we are motivated to reach for additional methods of self-cultivation. We sought one that is based on solid evidence of successful implementation and can easily be included into any busy life with a minimum of fuss, just a little change in focus during the day. In this journey together let’s explore the world of plant life as our next tool for self-cultivation.
Scientists believe that about 475 million years ago the first organisms moved out of the oceans and began to evolve on land, forming alliances with fungi in order to survive. Without this alliance humanity would not be possible because the plants which evolved from it are the foundation of our food supply. Plants can go on living without us, but we could not without them.
Scientists have gone further to confirm what wise people have always known, regular contact with nature has a positive effect on human beings. Whatever path you take to engage with the natural world, there will be benefits. Self-cultivation practice, as an intentional pathway, can also take many forms in nature. There has been great success with getting to know individual plants and so, that is the path we’re embarking on.
What to do? You can start by simply beginning to take notice of the plant life in your everyday vicinity. For specific practice, a daily time of conscious engagement will build your relationship with this beautiful and mysterious world. It can be noticing and enjoying plant life when you are walking to your car or the store, or by deliberately going for a daily walk.
You may want to extend this to a fun time of exploring through the eyes of a child, touching and getting curious. Or you could invest in a field guide or phone app and get familiar with plant names and characteristics. Sketching, drawing, painting plants was once a favorite pastime – there are amazing vintage illustrations. Some are drawn to utilizing plants as food or medicine, harvesting them in the wild or growing them at home or community gardens. You may find sitting still, contemplating or meditating with a specific plant can refresh and inform in ways you’d not imagine.
In the spirit of daily self-cultivation practice, we hope you enjoy our series on plant life, which we call Flower Power (see the top menu on our website) as we proceed together in this next part of the journey.
