Why I Love the I Ching and the Ocean
Why I Love the I Ching: A Reflection on Change, the Ocean, and Life’s Transformations
Standing before the King Tides on January 13, 2025, I am captivated by the ocean’s endless dance of change. Each wave, unique and unrepeatable, crashes against the rocks with the energy of creation and dissolution. The tides, driven by the moon’s pull, embody the interplay of opposites: the rise and fall, the stillness and surge, the soft and the powerful. This ever-shifting dynamic is the essence of yin and yang, the fundamental forces that underlie the I Ching.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes, has been my guide for nearly 20 years, a source of wisdom and a lens through which I view life. It teaches that all existence is governed by the balance and interplay of yin and yang—the receptive and the active, the feminine and the masculine. These forces are not in opposition but in relationship, constantly transforming into one another to create the cycles of life.
The ocean mirrors this truth perfectly. Its waves carry the assertive energy of yang, crashing with force and vitality, while its tides embody the yielding rhythm of yin, retreating and gathering strength for the next rise. Together, these forces create a harmonious whole, just as they do in our lives and relationships. The I Ching reminds me that life’s transformations, though sometimes turbulent, are part of this natural flow.
Throughout my life, I have experienced these transformations firsthand, both within myself and in my relationships with others. The I Ching has been my compass, helping me navigate the transitions of health, loss, career shifts, and personal growth. It has taught me to honor the cycles of yin and yang within my own journey—the times of rest and introspection as well as the moments of action and creation.
As a practitioner of healing arts, I have witnessed how embracing these dualities can transform others. Acupuncture and acupressure restore balance by harmonizing the body’s energy flows, just as the I Ching harmonizes the forces of life. Herbal medicine draws on the nurturing yin of the earth, while breathwork, particularly Satori breathwork, awakens the expansive yang of spirit. Feng shui balances the energies of our environments, and astrological insights reveal the cosmic interplay of yin and yang in our lives. Each modality reflects the wisdom of the I Ching, helping people move through change with greater ease and understanding.
In relationships, the dance of yin and yang is especially profound. We see it in the give and take of love, the nurturing support of one partner balanced by the decisive action of the other. The I Ching teaches that healthy relationships are not static but dynamic, evolving as each person grows. This lesson has been invaluable as I’ve navigated my own connections—with family, friends, and colleagues—embracing the fluidity of roles and the importance of balance.
On a deeper level, the I Ching speaks to the alchemy of transformation. It shows us that every challenge contains the seed of growth, every ending the promise of a new beginning. This principle aligns with epigenetics, which reveals that we are not bound by our genetic predispositions but can shape our lives through choices and actions. Like the ocean’s waves, our human experiences are constantly reshaped by the subtle forces of intention and awareness.
Standing before the ocean, I am reminded of the profound unity of yin and yang—the masculine and feminine energies that drive all creation. The ocean’s ever-changing surface reflects the dynamic nature of life, while its depths hold the still, eternal essence that connects us all. The I Ching teaches me to honor both: to flow with the changes on the surface and to remain rooted in the unchanging truths beneath.
Through the wisdom of the I Ching and the timeless rhythm of the ocean, I have come to see life as a series of transformations, each one an opportunity to grow, connect, and deepen my understanding of what it means to be human. The yin and yang of existence remind me that balance is not a destination but a dynamic process—a dance as eternal as the waves and as profound as the changes they bring.
In recent years, my journey with transformation has deepened further through the wisdom of Human Design and the Gene Keys. These transmissions, like the I Ching, are rooted in the interplay of energy and the unfolding patterns of life. Human Design offers a detailed map of our unique energetic blueprint, showing us how we are designed to interact with the world, make decisions, and align with our true nature. It reveals the balance of yin and yang within us—how we embody both the receptive and active energies in our own distinct way. This understanding has been invaluable in navigating life’s changes with greater clarity and authenticity.
The Gene Keys, transmitted by Richard Rudd, derived in part from the I Ching and Astrology, take this exploration even deeper, illuminating the spectrum of potential within each of us. They teach that every challenge we face holds the potential for a profound gift, and every gift, when cultivated, can lead to an expression of higher purpose. Through the Gene Keys, I have come to see life’s transitions as opportunities for personal alchemy—moments where the pressures of change invite us to evolve from shadow to light.
Both Human Design and the Gene Keys have enriched my relationships by offering insights into the unique designs and life paths of those around me. They reveal how each individual’s energy interacts with others, helping me understand and honor the natural dynamics of connection. In times of change—whether in relationships, health, or career—these systems provide a framework for compassion and growth, reminding me that every transition is part of the greater unfolding of life’s tapestry.
Together with the I Ching, these teachings offer a profound toolkit for navigating the cycles of life. They remind me that while change is inevitable, it is also purposeful, inviting us to align more deeply with who we truly are and the gifts we are here to share with the world.
