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The story of 2 monks and the power of letting go

I believed you have heard of many versions of the story about 2 monks. No? Let me refresh your memory, and explain to you how it is applicable to trading.

There were two Buddhist monks walking along the bank of a river, making their way to back to the temple.

As they were walking, they came across a beautiful lady standing at the side of the river. She stopped them and asked if one of them is willing to help her across the river. The junior monk did not bulge but the senior monk without any doubt, carried her on his back and across the river. The senior monk put her down on the other side and she thanked him profusely and hurried off. The junior monk was taken aback by the gesture but kept to himself. The senior monk returned and they carried on with the journey.

As they walked, the junior monk kept brooding about the incident until it was unbearable and broke the silence, “why did you carry that woman across the river? Knowing that our religion forbid us to touch women!”

The senior monk replied peacefully, “I put her down a moment ago and you are still carrying her.” (more…)

Benefits of Mindfulness in Trading

Mindfulness in trading can be of significant benefit to traders.  Mindful trading will positively impact traders and their trading in a number of ways:

  • Reduce loss aversion
  • Mitigate the disposition effect (i.e., cutting winning trades short and letting losing trades run)
  • Help traders get into “the zone”
  • Reduce the negative effects of cognitive biases and heuristics on trading decisions
  • Directly reduce stress
  • Help traders see the market more clearly
  • Increase awareness of the trader’s internal state and how it impacts their trading
  • Increased ability to maintain focus on the market and the trading task at hand while trading, even when emotions are running hot
  • Increase internal emotional regulation
  • Other positive effects on trading and trading behavior

Forgiveness

One of Napoleon’s soldiers committed a crime — the story doesn’t tell which crime — and he was sentenced to death.

On the eve of his execution, the soldier’s mother implored that the life of her son be spared.

“Dear lady, what your son did doesn’t deserve clemency.”

“I know,” said the mother, “If it deserved, it wouldn’t really mean forgiveness. Forgiving is the capacity of going beyond vengeance and justice.”

As he heard these words, Napoleon reduced the soldier’s death sentence to exile.

Law suit? Porn addict? Divorcing? Seeking investment ideas? Worried about the world?-Just Spare 5-10 minutes to read this sermon

Jesus of Nazareth was a Jewish carpenter that was born about 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, which is now a Palestinian city located in the central West Bank about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem.  Over the course of a very short period of time (about a year) Jesus developed a large following as a miracle worker and religious teacher.  He was publicly executed by crucifixion around the year 35, and many millions believe the historical narrative that he was raised from the dead after three days in a tomb, and later ascended into the heavens.

Below is an English translation of one of Jesus’ very famous outdoor lectures, which was widely shared by his disciples that were present, and eventually written down circa 70-90. 

If you take 5-10 minutes to read this sermon, then you will know what being a Christian is actually supposed to mean. 

I like to read this first thing in the morning, immediately followed by a few minutes of meditation where I sit quietly listening.  I would not expect everything in the reading to speak to you, but I believe something will, as is always the case for me.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount

Excerpted the Gospel of Matthew – Chapters 5-7 (more…)

Truth

“Truth kills those that run from it “-Persian proverb

Traders must be able to face the truth.Great traders have learned these lessons early in their careers.Roy Longstreet in his classic book view points of a Commodity Trader started that “the first mistake teaches -then second mistake kills !”

Facing the truth in trading is necessary to prevant the consequences.Truth is necessary at all levels of trading.It is just as important to the novice as it is to the  seasoned veteran.The main difference lies in the ability to face the truth.

Truth seems so somple !But the psyche can do amazing tricks through rationalization.Some of these tricks seen to have no other purpose  then to prevent you from seeing the reality of the truth.The Bible states -“The truth shall set you free “Every religion has a saying echoing the same theme.Overcoming not facing  the truth can be accomplished by writing down the pros and cons of telling the truth.Once it is committed to paper the decision should become self-evident.

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