Pushing Upward, Gently: A Long Walk with I-Ching

Find balance in progress, trusting patience and persistence over urgent performance.

A quiet morning with tea and the I Ching becomes a lesson in Xíng—Pushing Upward: progress that grows like a tree, bending around obstacles instead of colliding with them. Drawing on Brian Walker’s reading and the changing lines, the essay explores humility, goodwill, moral alignment, and steady focus on the task at hand, offering a modern practice guide for advancing without ego, urgency, or force—only proportion, patience, and clean intention.

The Tyranny of Fundamentals

The quiet temple buzzed with life, where Sifu observed each practitioner’s struggles, urging them to commit fully or risk stagnation. Progress comes not from chasing trends but nurturing genuine skill.

Becoming an Embracer of Life

Living inside structured systems has steadied me and sharpened my focus. Expectation, however, slips in quietly, subtly stiffening the swing of preparation and demanding returns. This morning, in Wing Chun, an uneven edge in the pavement tested my balance, softening my strike—a reminder of the quiet shifts within us.