8

Joining the Right Group

‘Fellowship is heaven, and lack of fellowship is hell.’

William Morris

The issue concerns your relationship to a group. No matter what the particular identity of the group, its success depends on all the participants being of like mind. They must have values in common. A successful group will serve its individual members well. You must therefore feel confident that being part of the group will help you develop your own particular gifts. This, in turn, will enable you to make an ongoing contribution to the communal well-being. Where a group works in this way, its members will benefit from a spirit of mutual support and cooperation. If you are hesitating about joining a group, do not wait too long. Those already involved in it are creating bonds as a result of shared experiences. If you miss too much of this process, it will be impossible for you to integrate successfully.

An opportunity for personal growth

If you are being asked to assume the role of group leader, the I Ching recommends that you consult it again to discover whether you have the necessary qualities. These are honesty, dependability and staying-power. Without them, you will do more harm than good. As leader, you need a stable personality together with a strong sense of responsibility. You must be motivated by a genuine desire to serve the group’s best interests. A leader must be able to stand firm in the face of pressure. Whatever your personal inclinations, you cannot show favouritism. Group members must know that they can trust your sense of fair play. The hallmark of a healthy and well-functioning group is that it respects the dignity of its individual members. The leader must have the ability to bring this about.

Further aspects of the situation

SIX AT THE BEGINNING

The only strong basis for forming relationships is complete sincerity. What matters is who you are, not what you say. If you are honest and unpretentious, then the right people will be attracted to you. The situation will turn out unexpectedly well.

SIX IN THE SECOND PLACE

If you are true to yourself under all circumstances, you will automatically attract the right friends. Do not be concerned about whether or not other people approve of you. If you allow yourself to be influenced by such considerations, you will lose your dignity and self-respect.

SIX IN THE THIRD PLACE

You are associating with the wrong people. Confiding in those who do not understand you is not beneficial. If you become too close to them, it could prevent you from developing better relationships.

SIX IN THE FOURTH PLACE

Give your allegiance to someone in an influential position who can inspire you. But do not lose your own dignity and self-respect.

NINE IN THE FIFTH PLACE

Be sincere in word and deed. The people you are meant to associate with will then be drawn to you. You will not need to run after them or use persuasive tactics. The right relationships will form quite easily and naturally.

SIX AT THE TOP

If you have missed the right moment for joining with others, you will deeply regret a lost opportunity. It does not serve you to be in an isolated position. You need to find your place within a group in order to develop your potential.