You have a blueprint. It is what you are based on, and each new cell of your body is built from this blueprint. It is, however, also what we ever reach out towards, what we aim to achieve – as such, we also call it destiny, our life plan.

Like the acorn, which contains within it the blueprint of the oak tree into which it will blossom (should circumstances permit), we have a destiny that is inherent within our Being – our source, the plan we are based on and that we aim to fulfil. Each one of us has this potential irrevocably within us, the greatest majestic beauty we can possibly imagine that will manifest under the guidance of appropriate conditions.

Just as a building has a blueprint of architectural plans that must then be followed for the building to become real, so must we make the decision to follow what is in our heart through decision-making and action. For what is in our heart is the yearning to fulfil our life plan.

That highest potential that is our blueprint is (in) perfect balance. It is exquisitely and perfectly proportioned. It is your destiny – a certain destination if the right course is followed. It is also your source. The course, of course, is the focus on that balance; on that perfection. The more we focus on that perfect(ed) balance, the more we direct our Self towards it. It has always been within us, and by focusing on it again and again and again, we allow it expression; it becomes our experience – just as by focusing on love we find ourselves experiencing it.

In Chinese Medical theory there are five ‘spirits’ or motivating forces within the body, that are each associated with an internal organs. The spirit of the Liver is called the hun, commonly translated as the Ethereal Soul – that part of us that survives death, that we enter in the dream state, that organises and plans our life, the General that works out the strategy. It is the Hun’s responsibility to analyse and make effective decisions so that the Will’s vision can be achieved (the Will is called zhi and is associated with the Kidneys).

The Hun must be rooted, grounded, to function healthily, and when not so the individual can appear dreamy, airy-fairy, aimless, unrealistic and/or unable to tell reality from imagination. To achieve goals and heartfelt desires, we benefit from efficient planning, target-setting, and making decisions that direct us to the goal.

It is in the Hun that this blueprint resides.

It is not so much in the liver as a physical organ, but in the functioning that is associated and orchestrated by the Liver. Remove the organ and much of this functioning will still operate within the individual. Intoxicants such as drugs and alcohol negatively affect the Liver by unrooting the Hun, as does uncontrolled Anger, frustration and complacency. But ultimately the blueprint resides within and does not need to be found. All we must do is to encourage it to operate efficiently by moderating excessive behaviour and lifestyle so that the Liver can serve us (well, actually serve the Heart and its desires – referred to in the ancient medical classics as ‘the Emperor’). Do not act impulsively when confusion reigns, sit quietly until clarity befalls you before you make your move:

When the mud settles, the water is clear;

when the clouds part, we can feel the sun on our faces;

and we see can far into the distance.

So if you want to achieve what is in your heart, and are frustrated at your lack of progress, just calm down, be still, avoid excess, focus on how best to feed your Liver and your targets, and dedicate yourself to calmness, and to wise, timely action. Everything else will unfold in time.

In the words of the Tao Te Ching (translation by McCarroll):

“Thus, the True Person acts without striving

and teaches without words.”