No. 12,  Standstill  /  Stagnation,  Line 4:

"He who acts at the command of the highest
Remains without blame.
Those of like mind partake of the blessing."

     You may have identified the "inferior element" (Line 3),  which is a step in the right direction.  But  Line 4 says you are going to have to take some decisive action to end the Standstill caused by its influence.

     Whether or not you succeed will depend on your motives.  If you try to change the situation solely out of concern for your own welfare, you will remain stuck.

      If, however, you act on behalf of the common good - "the will of Heaven - " you will succeed, and those around you will benefit, too.

     The future holds the promise of Development, as we will see tomorrow.

No. 12, Stagnation  /  Standstill,  Line 3:

"They bear shame."

   Taoist Master Alfred Huang translates this line as "Embrace the shame."

   The inferior forces that have caused the Stagnation in your society - or in yourself - must be recognized before they can be overcome.

     Unfortunately, we are often stuck in denial.  "Oh, he didn't mean it."  "She's just under too much pressure."  "One more drink won't hurt me,  I've had a rough day."

     Realizing that you have allowed the inferior elements of yourself or others to take control is the first important step toward improvement.

    "In their hearts they begin to be ashamed, although at first they do not show it outwardly.  This marks a turn for the better."  [Wilhelm]

      Tomorrow:  ". . . at the command of the highest."

No. 12,  Stagnation / Standstill:

"Standstill. Evil people do not further
The perseverance of the superior man.
The great departs; the small approaches."

    Do you feel your progress is coming to a Standstill?

     This is probably the result of influences that are beyond your control.  As Brian Browne Walker explains this hexagram, "It is an inescapable fact of life that inferior influences sometimes prevail." 

    Be alert for the signs that "the great" is departing and "the small" is approaching - and adjust your efforts accordingly.  Don't waste energy fighting this trend.

     The Image advises, "Thus the superior man falls back upon his inner worth in order to escape the difficulties."   Focus on a purely personal interest, or perhaps a spiritual practice. This will be a time to "hide [your] worth and withdraw into seclusion."  [Wilhelm]

     The Yi charts the way through this Standstill with changing lines 3 and 4.  Tomorrow:  The uses of shame.

No. 39,   Obstruction:

"Obstruction. The southwest furthers. 
The northeast does not further. 
It furthers one to see the great man. 
Perseverance brings good fortune." 
 
    The future holds an Obstruction.

     "All obstructions are caused by a person's failure to heed warnings given by his commonsense against problematical elements present in a given situation."  [Anthony and Moog]

     The main message of The Family/The Clan and the two changing lines was that you need to deal with your family, company, nation, or world community by strengthening yourself first.

     The Yi advises that you distance yourself from the pressure to fit into a predetermined structure:  the southwest is the region of retreat.

     The last lines of The Image confirm this:  "Thus the superior man turns attention to himself, and molds his character."   Move your focus away from winning the approval of others, and toward who you are and what you want.

     In this way, even an Obstruction can result in good fortune.

      When others see that you truly believe in what you are doing, cooperation and good fortune will follow.