Weathering the Storms of Life
Thunder as a Means of Finding Liberation
Unplash Photo Credit: Max LaRochelle
The ancient wisdom of the I Ching has always fascinated me. I first encountered it in my fifties while exploring Taoist philosophy and found it to be a source of profound guidance. Over the years, I’ve consulted it during moments of indecision, uncertainty, and reflection.
Recently, I found myself once again drawn to its pages, and it was Hexagram 40, "Deliverance" or "Liberation," that greeted me—a message of release and relief after a period of tension, offering comfort when I needed it most.
For those unfamiliar, the I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text dating back over 3,000 years. It is revered in China, Taiwan, and beyond as a profound guide for understanding life’s natural rhythms.
Composed of 64 hexagrams—each a unique combination of six lines, either broken or unbroken—the I Ching provides insight into the cyclical patterns of the universe and our place within them. Unlike the binary thinking common in the West, the I Ching reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in balance, change, and flow.
Hexagram 40, "Liberation," is composed of the trigrams Thunder over Water. In the imagery of the I Ching, this combination symbolizes a storm that has passed, leaving behind calm and renewal. It speaks to the release from tension, the relief from difficulties, and the opportunity to start anew.
Philosophically, it suggests that liberation often follows hardship, not only in external circumstances but also in our inner world. It encourages us to let go of past burdens, forgive others and ourselves, and embrace the fresh possibilities that lie ahead.
Reading this hexagram immediately took me back to my childhood in Ohio, where thunder was a frequent visitor during the summer months. I remember those storms vividly. The low rumble of thunder building in the distance, the darkening sky, and the electric charge in the air all signaled that a storm was approaching.
As a child, the sound of thunder was both frightening and mesmerizing. There was something awe-inspiring about how nature unleashed its power—terrifying at its peak, yet bringing a sense of calm once it passed. I often found myself huddled inside, waiting for the tension to break, only to be soothed by the smell of rain and the gentle patter that followed.
In many ways, the experience of those storms mirrors the deeper meaning of Hexagram 40. Thunder, in the I Ching, represents a release of pent-up energy—a moment when what has been tightly bound is finally set free. But liberation doesn’t come from simply waiting for the storm to end; it requires active participation.
The wisdom of Hexagram 40 lies in the guidance it offers once the moment of release arrives: to move quickly and decisively, to let go of what’s been weighing us down, and to return to normalcy without hesitation.
The message of this hexagram felt especially poignant in my current season of life. As I reflected on its significance, I realized how much tension I’d been carrying—old resentments, unspoken anxieties, and a sense of holding back my true desires.
The passing storm in the I Ching serves as a metaphor for the inner storms we face. It’s easy to carry our stress and pain long after the situation has passed, just as it’s tempting to stay in a state of heightened alertness, waiting for the next thunderclap. But Hexagram 40 reminds us that true liberation requires release—letting go of what no longer serves us and allowing ourselves to embrace the calm that follows.
In practical terms, this has meant forgiving myself for past mistakes and releasing expectations that no longer align with who I am today. It’s about recognizing that liberation isn’t just the absence of tension but the conscious decision to move forward without the baggage of old patterns.
And just as importantly, it’s about finding joy in the return to normalcy—reclaiming the simple pleasures of life after a storm, much like the feeling of stepping outside to breathe in the fresh air after a downpour.
Hexagram 40 also speaks to the cyclical nature of life’s challenges. It reminds us that storms will come and go, but within each cycle lies an opportunity for growth and renewal. The release from difficulty, when embraced with clarity and purpose, offers a chance to realign with our deeper intentions. This insight, drawn from an ancient text, feels especially relevant in our fast-paced world where we often forget to pause, release, and simply be.
As I continue on my path, Hexagram 40 remains a comforting presence, reminding me that liberation is an ongoing process. It’s not a single moment of release but a series of choices to let go, forgive, and step into each new day with a sense of lightness. The thunder may roll again, but I now know that after every storm, there is a moment of stillness—a chance to begin anew.
Since 2022, I, Diamond Michael Scott, aka The Chocolate Taoist, have delivered uncommon nomadic wisdom to help you live a more interconnected and expansive life.
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Diamond Michael Scott aka The Chocolate Taoist
Loved reading this one, especially as a big thunder storm is passing overhead here in northern New Mexico. Appreciating the lesson of release, of embracing normality as the storm passes. Thank you!