Comments on a Recent Challenge

Recently, I challenged my students and others to describe how creativity resides and shows itself in every one of the eight guas of the ba-gua. The conversation consistently began with the Children gua, I think because it is commonly referred to as Children and Creativity. Certainly, children are creative beings, giving us pause to wonder and revel in their imaginative words and actions. Yet, in terms of timing, the gua rests in the Fall of the year – a time for reflection –  the Fall of our lives. Taking note that the element associated with Children is Metal, the conversation changed.

I heard a lot about the characteristics of Metal out of balance; perfectionism, rigidity, chaos averse, numb to emotion, dissociated, critical, punishing, etc. It became difficult for students to find any glimmer of creativity.

I would like to illuminate the qualities of Metal that I believe allow creativity to flourish toward the end of things (even a project).

With maturity, one can be receptive and inspired because one has learned to be true to oneself.  Feeling protected and sure, one can risk honestly expressing thoughts and ideas – even those that may create controversy. Seeking resolution is a trait of Metal in balance. One’s creativity is discriminating and fair, and spoken competently with a refined sense of language and timing. We are drawn into the structure and beauty of the original offering.

Let’s not miss the gentle, humble, and centered qualities of Metal as we search for creativity in every gua.