To make the best of the power of Family, The I Ching suggests that leaders should have inner strength and act with authority. However, that authority must be built on ethical principles and expressed with consistency. Leaders of a Family should be aware of how their words and their actions affect others. Hypocrisy has no place in Family matters. To gain the trust of those you lead, remember that actions speak louder than words. For those not in a leadership position, the I Ching offers the reminder that while acting with faithfulness, loyalty, and respect are always beneficial, the impact of these actions become magnified during this time. The I Ching states that political situations will see progress when the roles of leaders and their people are clearly understood and respected. Businesses are advised that approaching their affairs like Family relationships will lead to success. These relationships should be based upon mutual respect, caring, and a sincere sense of responsibility. Everyone should be clear on their role and be encouraged to achieve their highest potential. And, as in any group dynamic, open communication becomes a key ingredient to success. Leaders must not be afraid to lead, and those they lead must be able to trust that their actions are for the greater good of the Family.

Family is where we want to turn to when things go wrong; our sense of refuge. Family is where we can feel unconditional love and acceptance. But Family is not just flesh and blood. Sometimes the strongest Family members are the ones you choose—the friends who don’t pass judgment and allow you to “do you” with their full support. Family does not mean that there won’t be disagreements and periods of aggravation. On the contrary, Family can be downright infuriating at times. However, Family is where everyone can be real. Where people see you and love you for who you are, warts and all. And when we return to Family, we can relax into our authentic self and reconnect with parts of ourselves that may have been forgotten.

The I Ching suggests that managing our emotions is no different from the proper management of a Family. You can’t teach a child self-discipline by acting like a child. A lack of discipline, either with raising a child or managing our desires, will lead to an inevitable break down or blow up. According to Confucious, “To put the Family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right.” If you want to grow, you must be consistent in working towards your goals, listening to your Higher Self, and not becoming side-tracked by your “monkey mind.” Growth is the result of taking responsibility for yourself and your actions. You must decide who is in charge – your emotions or your intellect? Are your long-term goals more important than your need for immediate gratification? Family calls for you to put on your big boy/girl pants and take charge of your life. Are you up for the challenge?

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