How to Sit Tight Amid The World’s Mayhem

The I-Ching and Embracing Stillness in Chaotic Times

This past Sunday, as the circus of the 2024 presidential election hit a new level of absurdity, I turned to the I Ching for some clarity. 

What did the universe hand me? 

Hexagram 23, Po—Splitting Apart. 

A cosmic reminder that when everything’s falling apart, it’s not always your job to glue it back together. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is sit back, grab some popcorn, and embrace the art of stillness.

The Power of Doing Absolutely Nothing

Let’s get real—Hexagram 23 doesn’t sugarcoat it. It’s about decay, disintegration, and everything that feels like a total dumpster fire. But here’s the kicker: instead of diving headfirst into the chaos, trying to be the hero, Po says, “Chill out.” 

Be like a mountain—solid, grounded, and unmoved by the storm around you. It’s a lesson in non-action, and yeah, it sounds a little like giving up, but it’s not. It’s about knowing when to ride the wave instead of fighting it.

Think about it: we’re taught that doing something—anything—is better than doing nothing. But Po flips that script. Sometimes, the bravest thing is to stand still, let the madness swirl around you, and trust that the pieces will eventually fall into place. Maybe even in a better arrangement than before.

Letting Go of the Inner Control Freak

Personally, I’ve seen my share of chaos. I’ve been through transitions that felt like being tossed in a blender. And guess what? The more I tried to control the outcome, the messier it got. 

Po is a hard slap of truth: let go. The old parts of your life, the outdated beliefs, the relationships that feel like dead weight—it’s time to shed them. Not because it’s easy, but because holding on is dragging you down.

In the stillness, there’s clarity. When you stop trying to fix everything, you realize that maybe, just maybe, not everything needs fixing. Some things need to fall apart so better things can grow in their place. It’s like pruning a plant—it looks harsh, but it’s the only way to get those lush, new leaves.

Thriving in the Midst of Mayhem

Here’s the twist: thriving during these chaotic times isn’t about building a fortress or stockpiling emotional canned goods. It’s about embracing the collapse, leaning into the discomfort, and finding strength in the stillness. 

Prosperity in this context isn’t about external wins; it’s about internal peace. It’s about learning to be okay with the mess, trusting that from the rubble, something beautiful will rise.

And here’s the wild part — when you stop trying to control the uncontrollable, life gets a little easier. You realize that all that effort you were throwing into “fixing” things was just exhausting you. Instead, you conserve your energy, you stay grounded, and you find a surprising sense of calm amid the storm.

The World May Be Falling Apart—And That’s Okay

Look around—political systems, social structures, even the climate—it’s all in a state of flux. But here’s the truth bomb: this isn’t the end. It’s a transition. The old ways are crumbling to make way for something new. And yeah, it’s messy and uncomfortable, but that’s how growth works.

Hexagram 23 isn’t about doom; it’s about opportunity. It’s a chance to let go of what’s no longer working and to trust in the process of renewal. So, while the world around us splits apart, we can find peace in the stillness, knowing that something better is coming. 

Eventually…… Probably…….

Some Real Talk If You’re Struggling

Feeling like you’re stuck in quicksand? Here’s some advice, with a dash of humor, to get you through:

🧘 Rituals Are Your Lifeline

Double-down on mindfully embracing your daily routine. Even if it’s just making your bed or brewing a perfect cup of coffee. Small wins remind you that not everything is out of control.

🧘 Quit With The Doomscrolling

Seriously, cut it out. The world will still be a mess whether you check the news once a day or a hundred times. Save your sanity.

🧘 Find Your Tribe

Even mountains have ecosystems. Lean on your people. Share your struggles, laugh at the absurdity, and remind each other that you’re not alone in this wild ride.

🧘 Control What You Can, Ignore the Rest

You can’t fix the world, but you can tidy up your own little corner of it. Focus on what’s within your power and let the rest go.

🧘 Chuckle at the Chaos

Sometimes, all you can do is laugh. It’s a mess, but it’s our mess. Find the humor in the madness—it’s there if you look for it.

🧘 Embrace the Art of Letting Go

Got some emotional baggage? Chuck it. Now’s the time to lighten your load. Let go of the old crap that’s holding you back.

🧘 Patience, Grasshopper

Growth takes time. You won’t see the fruits of this upheaval overnight. Breathe, stay still, and trust the process. It’s all unfolding as it should.

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Diamond-Michael Scott aka The Chocolate Taoist