The Impending Storm

Navigating the Global Reset of 2024 with Ancient Wisdom

As we move toward the end of 2024, it becomes increasingly clear that we are entering a period of immense disruption and transformation. 

What we are discovering is that the  forces of social, economic, political, and climatic upheaval are converging in ways that will challenge the foundations of our global order. 

From the fraying of political institutions to the deepening divisions in society, the fragility of economies, and the unrelenting march of climate change, it feels as though the very fabric of our world is unraveling.

I believe that Q4 of 2024 will be the most tumultuous period of our lifetime. This coming quarter will not only test the resilience of our systems but also push us, individually and collectively, to the brink of what we know to be true. 

The seismic shifts we are about to witness will lead to a global resetting—an upheaval that may feel catastrophic yet contains within it the seeds of profound transformation. But, in this darkness, there is wisdom to guide us through.

Both Taoist and Stoic philosophy offer pathways through the chaos—reminding us that when the external world feels out of control, it is the internal world that becomes our anchor. 

The Tao teaches us to flow with nature’s rhythms, to move with life rather than against it. The Stoics, likewise, remind us that the only thing we truly control is our response to external events. In the face of chaos, it is not the storm we must tame, but ourselves.

Taoist Wisdom: Embracing the Flow of Chaos

Taoism offers a profound response to these turbulent times. Lao Tzu reminds us that “The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try, the world is beyond winning.” 

This is the essence of non-resistance—one of Taoism’s most central teachings. Rather than railing against the upheaval, Taoism asks us to accept it as part of the natural order. Chaos is not a deviation from the norm; it is the norm. Our ability to flow with it, rather than resist it, will determine whether we survive or thrive through the storm.

In times of great uncertainty, we can ground ourselves by practicing Wu Wei—non-doing or effortless action. This doesn’t mean passivity but rather aligning ourselves with the flow of life, recognizing when to act and when to let go. 

During the remaining months of 2024, amid the turmoil of the external world, we must cultivate an inner stillness, an ability to respond without being consumed by the noise. 

As Laozi says, “Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.” In the midst of the coming chaos, there will be a lot of speaking, posturing, and reacting. The wise will remain quiet while discerning the right moments to act.

Stoic Resilience: Finding Strength in What We Control

Stoicism offers a complementary philosophy for navigating these troubled waters. Epictetus taught, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” In the upheaval that is coming, many of us will feel powerless—victims of forces beyond our control. 

The key, however, lies in recognizing that we always control our own minds, our own perceptions. No matter how chaotic the external world becomes, we have the ability to choose our response. This is where true power lies.

Marcus Aurelius’s meditations offer a reminder that everything external is fleeting. “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” 

The tumult of the political landscape, economic collapse,  social unrest—these are all things beyond our personal control. But in choosing how we respond, in maintaining our inner peace amid the turmoil, we exercise a form of power that transcends any external condition.

The I Ching’s Guidance on Chaos and Transformation

The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is one of the oldest and most revered texts in Chinese philosophy, offering deep wisdom on navigating times of change and uncertainty. 

There are three hexagrams in particular that resonate with the period of global chaos, change, and transformation we are about to face:

Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light (Ming Yi) – This hexagram speaks directly to periods of darkness and oppression. It advises that during times when darkness seems to be overtaking the light, the wise person remains inwardly strong, even when outward action is restrained. 

As the world plunges into political and social darkness, Ming Yi reminds us that there will be moments when we must hide our inner light, waiting for the right time to emerge. It is a lesson in patience and fortitude.

Hexagram 49: Revolution (Ge) – This hexagram represents a time of upheaval and transformation. The old must be shed to make way for the new. Revolution, in this context, does not mean chaotic destruction but rather the necessary breaking of outdated systems to allow for renewal. 

We are entering a period where much of what we know—politically, socially, and economically—will be dismantled. Ge encourages us to recognize this as a natural process and to be part of the rebuilding, not just the destruction.

Hexagram 64: Before Completion (Wei Ji) – This hexagram signifies that we are on the cusp of great change, but the transformation is not yet complete. There is a sense of anticipation, a recognition that much is in flux, and the outcome is uncertain. 

Wei Ji teaches us that we must remain vigilant, flexible, and adaptable. The work is not done, and the road ahead remains full of uncertainty, but this moment offers the opportunity to set things on the right path if we proceed with care.

Navigating the Tumult Ahead

As we move into this dark and turbulent period, we must remember that all things are impermanent. The upheaval we face is part of a larger cycle—one of destruction and renewal. The global order may be resetting, but within that chaos lies the opportunity for transformation, both individually and collectively.

By embracing the wisdom of Taoism, we learn to flow with the natural order of change rather than resisting it. By embodying Stoic resilience, we focus on what we can control—our own thoughts and actions—and let go of what we cannot. 

And by drawing on the guidance of the I Ching, we understand that even in the darkest times, there is a path forward if we remain patient, wise, and adaptable.

Each of us has a role to play in navigating this period of chaos. Individually, we must cultivate inner stillness and strength. Collectively, we must work to rebuild what is broken, not out of fear, but with a vision of a better future. The coming storm may be inevitable, but so too is the dawn that will follow.

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