Tao Te Ching (Chapter 39)
In harmony with the Tao,
the sky is clear and spacious.
the earth is solid and full,
all creatures flourish together,
content with the way they are,
endlessly repeating themselves,
endlessly renewed.
When man interferes with the Tao,
the sky becomes filthy,
the earth becomes depleted,
the equilibrium crumbles,
creatures become extinct.
The Master views the parts with compassion,
because he understands the whole.
His constant practice is humility.
He doesn’t glitter like a jewel
but lets himself be shaped by the Tao,
as rugged and common as a stone.
(By Lao Tsu, interpreted by Stephen Mitchell)
Clear Mind, Spacious Sky
When a trader’s mind is clear, it is receptive to new and creative ideas. When “the sky is clear and spacious,” from over the mountain clouds form, suggesting new directions in viewing the world. Visual ideas suggested by the cloud formations crossing your mind can be generated by the Tao. Candlestick patterns on your trading screen can transform into cranes flying, indicting market direction. The Tao is creative. Let the red dragon eating your candlesticks swoop down before the market falls.
Red dragons can’t eat my candlesticks! Not if you interfere with the Tao sending you images . . . creative messages. If you don’t allow spontaneous, creative thought, then you will inhibit your crouching tigers and hidden dragons. Your connection with the stream of living water of the Tao will be severed. Your energy will be depleted. Your trading will feel heavy . . . stagnant. “When man interferes with the Tao . . . the earth becomes depleted.”
Shaped by the Tao
To avoid energy loss, realize you’re not the boss. How can I do that? “His [and her] constant practice is humility.” Practice letting go of judging your thoughts. Release your thoughts from their mental prison. Let your thoughts and images be shaped by the Tao.
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