Approach means acting with prudence.

This hexagram consist of two trigrams: the earth over the lake or being receptive over joy.

Here we sit with the water element beneath or the external environment being one of satisfaction and /or all being well. The world is at peace and it is a joyful time which discourages taking action and yet it is the right time to take action…but what action? The upper trigram is one that is earth or receptivity this is one calling for stability and support. The earth nurtures and gives unconditionally. It can draw its own nurturing from the positive circumstances now in the present moment. Soon this good circumstances will dissapear and it will be too late to take advantage of the moment for the auspicious time is temporal. As a matter of fact if this opportunity is missed then there will be calamity in the furture.

This enneagram says it is now the time to act even though there will be no immediate results. Failure to act will result in difficulty later on. It is like when you have to sow now to reap a crop later and if you do not sow when the time is ripe then that the opportune time will pass. One might be tempted due to circumstances and compliance to be over eager or to want too much. It relates strongly for me with the virtue of prudence e.g. knowing when to do the right thing. Here the action has a clear scope.  The right action is called for rather than the most pleasurable action.

In general this hexagram calls for us to notice when circumstances are ripe for action rather than when we are right for action.  Often this “good” time is before some test of trial that is approaching. When spring comes you must sow for if you do not sow then there will be no harvest in the  summer and when winter comes we will have nothing. Living in the moment means also to see the opportunity that is hidden within the moment. The hexagram “Approach” calls us to do the right thing by considering those to whom we provide stability. We need to understand that there are others dependend on us looking up at us and expecting from us to do the right thing. By doing the right thing we build a solid foundation based sustainable values.

The superior man acts at the right time using the fullness of his knowledge and the depth of his contemplation to do what is needed and to care for those who are dependent on him – That is the superior man accept it when it is his responsibility to act.