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Questions

(Quotes from Ed in Red)

Wed, 14 Feb 2007

War on a Feeling

Hi Ed,

I noticed while walking past a London Police Car, this message written on the side of the vehicle, “Working to reduce fear of crime”.

I recall thinking hmmm ... Fear - that’s an emotion, attempting to reduce fear is another way of creating a K-not about Fear, in fact fear of crime is a very healthy feeling!

This message also appears on the official Thames Valley Police website:

 
Our Aim

Working with our communities

to reduce crime,

disorder

and fear of crime

 

Site: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/

Yes, one positive intention of fear is to maintain risk control.

Burglar Responding to Sign in Yard

Clip: http://www.cusu.cam.ac.uk/welfare/

Wed, 14 Feb 2007

Wants to Fix Son

I think my “Fred” is still processing everything that happened over the weekend there in January. There are things in my life that are changing slowly, which is fine with me…the trend is in the right direction with my trading and my life.

I have a situation with my son though that I want to ask your opinion. My son just turned 20. He had a 4.0 in high school, skipped his senior year and went to college.

He had plans when he entered college to become something in life. He found alcohol and parties on campus his first year in college … started drinking the first time about November of his first semester. He still maintained a 4.0 even though he was getting stoned almost every weekend.

Since his first year has has moved on to benzo’s, cocaine and marijuana and other prescription drugs. He has now had 2 dwi’s … totaled 2 vehicles. He went to rehab and got kicked out because he was caught using there … got drugs from someone in with him.

How can I apply TTP to this situation … I know he has a mess in his subconscious mind and a lot of pain. How can I as his father help him to get in touch with these feelings?

You do not apply TTP to a situation - or to another person - you apply it to yourself.

You might consider taking your feelings of wanting to control your son to the hot seat.

So far, your son seems to be doing a pretty good job of controlling you.

Sons Typically Turn Out Like Fathers

including using the same medications

like, say, the need to control others.

Clip: http://www.madd.org/docs/

Wed, 14 Feb 2007

Fear of Brain Washing

The Rocks Process is a method through which  you can wash your own brain.

After The Wash Cycle

 be sure to replace brain.

Clip: http://www.forcesitaly.org/italy/

Wed, 14 Feb 2007

Apprentice Program

Dear Ed!

Wed, 14 Feb 2007

Building the New Rock

see previous

Thank you Ed.

I did not realize this aspect of the Rocks process and I will make every effort to "assimilate and conquer", with the help of the tribe.

I mentioned in my earlier email to the tribe that I do feel 'some' conflict, one that I am not able to describe well.

I have noticed (just yesterday actually) that I was again reaching out to my old rock by hitting the fear response button, so to speak.

Be sure to assimilate the positive intention of the Medicine Rock into the new Response Rock.

Otherwise, you may find yourself "reaching" for a valuable response you no longer have.

If you are making a conscious effort to "force a response,"  you may be holding the new rock as a conscious idea, like advice. 

At the IV-TT we make sure the sender fully develops his form before continuing - so the learning occurs on an emotional level as well as intellectually. We also make sure to assimilate the Medicine Rock into the new Resource Rock.

Reaching for a Response

may indicate you no longer have it.

Clip: http://www.reachingupforair.com/

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Magazine Cover

Here's a recent magazine cover that proclaims low interest rates are here to stay.

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Reminiscences of a Trading Tribe Member

Dear Ed,

I want to thank you for creating the Trading Tribe organization.

I have found the TTP process tremendously beneficial and useful. I have been a regular attendee of the [City] tribe since your presentation at the local technical society chapter over a year ago. My original intent for attending the Tribe was to improve my trading skills.

I have discovered that the quality of my life has improved and the goals I have set have been more easily attained. I also feel that Tribe has helped me to become more supportive and less judgmental.

I know my family has benefited from my growth. I seek less drama in my life and am more conscious of my k-nots and judges. The snapshot process has especially helped me focus on the important issues in my life. When I receive a no-pass on a snapshot commitment, I know that there may be an insight about myself to be found.

Tribe members can also be helpful in this discovery process. I have found the snapshot commitment process useful for strengthening the commitments I keep with myself. The hotseat forms help with the acceptance of previously denied feelings.

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Valentine's Day

Ed,

I just wanted to be the first to tell you I Love You! Happy Valentines Day.

As far as reminding each other who we can be ...  feel like I'd be trying to telling a star how to shine. You're doing great ... keep on shining. I'm riding the wave of intention. Thanks for showing me how to surf.

OK.  Donald is certainly welcome to apply to my apprentice program.

Speaking of lovely Valentines, here's a recent photo of my daughter.

Aziza Seykota

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Trend Detergent

I guess it all comes out in the wash.

Clip: http://www.dialdmd.com/

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Super Cycle

G'day Mr. Seykota,

Great to be able to chat with such a legend!

I have been studying commodities markets and am convinced that these markets are in a what people are calling a super cycle.

I am also convinced that trend following is the most productive way to take advantage of these events. I have been investigating a Mr. Richard Donchian  trend following system. It uses a 12 week break out system to filter non trending markets in conjunction with a 40 week MA following method. Exits consist of waiting for meaningful reversals in price, signifying the end of the trend.

An associated author suggests using low levels of leverage of 2 times. I'm not greedy but I am sure there could be instances where greater leverage could be used in this bull market.

You can find information on Richard Donchian at the the Chart Server link above.

FAQ does not recommend specific trades or trading system parameters.  See ground rules.

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Moving On

Hi Ed,

Now that I am feeling better, I am drawing 2007 snapshots. I plan to continue with the [City] tribe, and plan, with your permission, to visit and pollinate on an as-inspired basis to IV and Austin, rather than continue a regular bi-weekly commitment with the Incline Tribe.

I hope you accept this change of intention and allow this pollination. This seems to fit with your intention to move to Texas.

I recall attending the Incline Village tribe for over three years, by far the longest-attending member, helping you teach five workshops, reviewing hundreds of FAQ contributions, and proofreading many versions of your first book.

Thank you for your support over the years, musically, spiritually and Tribally.

All the best to you and your Tribe.

You are welcome to pollinate at any time, particularly if you bring some of your latest magic tricks with which to dazzle us.

Performing

at the Bowers Bluegrass Festival

Washoe Valley, Nevada, 2006

Photo Credits: Bob Piechocki and Doc Leary

Clip: www.nnba.org

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Wants to Make Good

Dear Ed,

I apologize again for all the time and effort to make the arrangements to come to Singapore, which fell through.

I sincerely hope that in time, I will be able to make it up to you.

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

[Firm] Tries to Deal with Volatility
 

(from an announcement email)

Hmmm ... I see no "complete details" attachment.
 

I do see some indications you are trying to cope with volatility by trading 50 instruments rather than 29 instruments.

You might consider dealing with your feelings about drawdowns and whipsaws.

If you think the answer lies in the math, you might like to prove it by sending me:

1. Comparative performance back-tests for the 29 and 50 instrument portfolios.

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

More Conflict after Rocks Process

see: previous

Hello Ed,

When I find myself in situations where I feel stuck / directionless / confused, I would go to the rock my mother gave me. It says panic, fear and imagining the worst possible outcomes are the best ways to deal with such situations.

We role played a moment from about 20 years ago, where I am studying late into the night and am stuck with a physics problem for a long time. I am studying for a crucial exam, one for which I have taken the whole year off to prepare. My mother would always be sleeping close by to make me tea, snacks and provide support. After many hours of being stuck, I clearly recall being engulfed with the fear of failing the exam, imagining my relatives mocking me and worst, seeing my parents, especially my mother, saddened by disappointment.

 
The Tribe and I have found new resources and squeezed them into a new rock. These resources are:

a) Ask for help if you need it

b) Go back to familiar problems where you were successful and use that approach

c) Go for a walk

d) One problem does not mean a thing in the grand scheme

e) Stay with the problem without worrying about the consequences

f) Take a deep breath and meditate

g) Picture what a tribe member might do

h) Continue to feel fear

i) Realize you are not alone and that many people love you

j) Be open to other options

 

You might consider making sure that your new Resource Rock contains, as one of the resources, the old Medicine Rock.

Your old Medicine Rock - "imagine the worst" - is a pretty good resource in some situations, say five percent of the time, particularly when you are in real danger.

If you do not include the Medicine Rock as a "five-percent solution," you may subsequently feel a sense of dis-orientation and vulnerability and / or an urge to go back to the old Medicine Rock and / or host some kind of fight between the rocks.

In the TV series Star Trek, the Borg, a race of cyber-beings, have a motto, "assimilate and conquer."

In the Rocks process, the new Resource Rock
assimilates the old Medicine Rock as just another resource.

When You Create The Resource Rock

remember to assimilate

the Medicine Rock

Clip: http://www.familyrightsassociation.com/

educate/borg/talons.gif

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Receiving is an Art


A man asks his wife what she'd like for her birthday.

"I'd love to be eight again" she replies.


On the morning of her birthday he rises early, makes her a nice big bowl of Coco Pops and then takes her off to the local theme park.

What a Day!

He puts her on every ride in the park:

* The Death Slide

* The Wall of Fear

* The Monster Roller Coaster

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Poker and Hiding Feelings

Thank you for sharing your process.

Poker is a Game

in which you try

to hide your feelings

while you also try

to read the feelings of others.

Clip: http://filebox.vt.edu/users/amadden/

Mon, 12 Feb 2007

Dealing with a Bossy Sister

Hi Ed!

I have a sister that always tells me what to do. I get irritated by this, but I don't want to get into her game of always telling her in reply what she should do - like stop telling everyone what to do.

Instead I try to just feel the feeling when I feel hurt, but much too often it affects me and in some "Karma-way" I often sooner or later continue the drama by giving words to my feelings, trying to defend me.

Is it a matter of self discipline to learn live with hurt feelings or is it more right to immediately respond to someone's negative behavior?

When I write this I still consider the right thing should be to accept the feeling without the need to defend me.

If I can do that, I will be more free. If I let people think whatever they want of me without my need to explain, I guess I will find some peace.

I will try to take this to the Trading Tribe and do some roll-playing. I also think about the rocks-process when I write this but forget it while it happens.

You might consider thanking your sister for helping you identify your issues with setting your boundaries.

Brother and Sister

can transform their relationship

by receiving each other.

Brother can start it off

by receiving sister.

Clip: http://www.cqcapd.state.ny.us/Danweb/

Sun, 11 Feb 2007

TTP With Mom

Thank you for sharing your process.

Mothers and Daughters

Can Have Their Moments

Clips:

http://www.bridges4kids.org/lead-articles.html

Sun, 11 Feb 2007

Fractal Video

Sun, 11 Feb 2007

Visitor to IV Tribe

Deals with Emotional Hunger

Dear Ed,

I want to thank you and the IV Tribe for helping me with my recent "gut" problem.

As you recall, I was experiencing a deep, gnawing ache in the center of my body -- a kind of "super hunger" that felt like I hadn't eaten in weeks. I was certain this was a physiologic state -- and I kept eating to try to alleviate the gnawing sensation. No amount or type of food helped.

I am one who finds it easy to gain weight, so my weight (which was already at it's usual annual post-holiday peak ) went up another 6 pounds in a month. I overshot my stop!! Yet the ache continued.

Additionally, I was having difficulty finding my voice in my interpersonal relationships. A close friend was trying to control a situation that I was responsible for, and a person whom I was interested in romantically seemed to be leading me on -- calling frequently, but never arranging any face to face contact.

A month after Christmas, he still had not been here to exchange gifts. I felt annoyed at my controlling friend, and saddened by the reluctance of my new lover to want to see me ... it was during this time that the "hunger" started ...

I relayed this during a tribe meeting, and thereafter took the hot seat. After experiencing the hollow gnawing feeling at it's peak intensity, The PM asked me to recall the first time I had experienced this. The following scenario popped into my consciousness from my childhood:

At around age 9, I had requested and been allowed to take my sisters new puppy across a busy street one late afternoon just prior to rush hour. I wanted to show the dog to my playmates. The puppy had not yet been trained and was wild and incorrigible. He was also quite strong. He wrenched free from my hold on the leash, ran into the street and was killed as I looked on in horror.

In the ensuing drama, I was callously attacked and blamed for the dogs death by my sister, and I watched as my father called the hapless driver on the phone and yelled and swore at him for his part.

My mother, who had set the drama in motion by failing to use good judgment and also giving ownership to my sisters possession without her knowledge or consent, watched passively as all this took place.

I relayed this scenario to the PM and with the help of another tribe member we replayed it. I felt the pang of horror, sadness and guilt as the puppy was crushed by the wheels of the car, and emerged bloody and lifeless.

A tribe member emerged at that point, and pressed a rock into my hand. He represented my mother, first on the scene and who, it may be noted, was one who had used food to medicate and stuff her emotions for most of her life. She was, at this point, quite obese. "Take this rock and use it when you feel like this" the tribe member / mother said. "It's how we do it. It will work to take away that pain you are feeling." I took the rock.

We took a short break, and after resuming we replayed the scenario. The role player asked me to relinquish the old rock, and instead gave me a new rock. Into the new rock I had pressed a whole new set of tools to use when I felt like this, such as:

1. don't numb out - say how you feel.

2. allow the other person to reveal their feelings.

3. negotiate compromises.

4. ask for help when you need it.

5. don't allow others to decide how you feel - speak up

6. if need be, remove yourself from the situation etc etc.

After taking the new rock, we replayed not only the original scenario, but a number of recent ones in which I was having trouble "finding my voice".

When the PM tried to role play a misogynistic middle manager at my job and was swiftly and effectively dealt with, we knew the process was not only successful but complete. We left to go to dinner, and my hunger seemed appropriate. I had not eaten since breakfast. It did not seem like the perverted "super hunger" that I had been experiencing.

Though impressed by the apparent change in my responses, I wasn't sure how durable this would turn out to be. Imagine my surprise when, the very next day, I let go out the trip I had been planning (and my friend was trying to control).

I didn't recognize that this was new behavior for me until after the fact. Two days later, I wrote my lover, expressing my sadness at his reluctance to put any sort of meaningful effort into seeing me and asking that he not call me for now, so I could transition the relationship into a friendship without being muddled by direct contact with him. The same day, I sent back his Christmas and birthday gifts. I also changed the reservations of a dive trip that we talked about going on together to something that I could afford to do my myself.

Thank you for sharing your process.

When Eating Medicates Sadness

dealing with the sadness

removes the need to eat.

Clip: http://www.meltfat.org/index2.htm

Thu, 08 Feb 2007

Sure Thing Trade #2

I include this letter as another example of a FR/CT (Free Recommendation / Confident Tone.) 

Notice the letter arrives well after the move. Curiously, I don't recall getting any letter before the move.  I see no way of getting 110% gains, even by following the impossible (you have to act in the past) instructions.

Stock Chart

Black circle indicates

date of arrival of recommendation.

Red oval indicates

date of claim to recommend.

Buying on this recommendation

results in about a 33% loss

over the next few days.

Thu, 8 Feb 2007

Feelings Coming Up

Ed,

Reno workshop is one month ago. I feel great within this month, peaceful, creative and energetic. Intimacy with my love ones is getting better. My process in the trading system development moves forward dramatically.

I learn a lot about trading by doing research, coding and testing. Even my mediation practice improves quite much. I am able to go into a mindful state, neither awaken as normal nor falling into sleep, after ten to twenty minutes deep breath. I can stay in the mindful state for about thirty to forty minutes. Overall, I feel that my life is in a healthy uptrend.

But within recent a few days, I feel that both my physical and mental state shift dramatically. I feel pain in low right side of my stomach. It is very tight and tense. It seems that energies amass there and try to burst out.

Thank you for sharing your process.

You might consider identifying the positive intentions of your feelings.

Trying to "control" your feelings may be like trying to "control" a person who is attempting to being you some valuable information.

If You Try to Control Your Feelings

you might wind up

making them tighter.

Thu, 8 Feb 2007

Rocks Process - "It's all Bulls---"

Hi Ed,

As promised I’m submitting my recap of the Rocks process we did two weeks ago in Austin.

I can’t say I’ve had any real changes or Aha’s since then but am still very grateful for your insights and help.

The recap is below. I'm not sure if I've got the complete sequence down correctly (especially how we got onto the subject of Bulls--- but I'm guessing it's not too serious because it's all Bull--- anyway :-)

Rocks Process – January 25th 2007, Austin, TX

The Process Manager asks me if I would like to do a hot-seat session. I begin to ramble on about definitely being willing but not sure if I would like to go ahead with a session now (this is not the first time I've hemmed and hawed and hesitated indecisively when given the opportunity to go on the hot seat).

When the process manager tries to clarify if I have any feelings I’d like to take to the hot-seat I immediately respond that I do have problems but defend my indecision to go on the hot-seat. When asked what my problem is, I'm indecisive again, saying that the problem is I'm stuck - I'm not moving forward in my life.

Ed steps in and is persistent in questioning me, probing to find out exactly what my problem is. He doesn't see any problem - he's not buying into my drama. He asks for evidence of being stuck. I respond ‘I’m just not getting ahead, I’m stuck’ He asks me what I want to do that I'm not doing. I respond 'there is so much I want to do'. I list a few things. He picks one - 'travel to India' and asks why I'm not doing it. I blame my stuck ness - 'that's my problem'.

We have a discussion about problems, about avoidance of problems and how everyone has problems. Even Bill Gates has problems - he chooses to get rich, follow his vision, move forward and deal with the problems along the way. Ed likens my situation to a Mobius strip which feels very apt. The mind feeds on the mind and gets into an irresolvable loop.

The conversation is moving fast and I complain that it's all Bulls---. The tribe members agree. Yes, it's all BS. Everything is BS. As I accelerate and get more animated about the BS my Tribe affirms my feelings and agree with me.

Ed says 'you like to complain a lot'. I admit it. I'm asked who in my family complained a lot. I see that it was my Mother. I see that my Father just tolerated his 'lot', put up with the complaining and didn't do anything about it. He just worked hard, sucked it in and tried unsuccessfully to lessen the complaints.

I'm soon asking to take this 'BS' form to the hot-seat.

I take the 'Bulls--- form to the hot-seat. Twisting my hands, flinging my arms out and shouting "It's BS, it's BS it's all BS". I'm encouraged to turn it up. I really get into it. Shouting all the time "It's all BS". At the peak I'm asked to freeze and then recall a time when I am young that feels the same.  Although before I had started the hot-seat session I had expressed my concern and anxiety about finding the right 'scene' to take to the rocks process (Ed cleverly reminded me that it doesn't matter because it's all BS anyway) I have no difficulty at all in coming up with a scene in the classroom.

My teacher is teaching us writing skills. I start to cry. I sob uncontrollably. I calm down. I’m asked what I’m feeling. I'm 6 years old. The sun is shining, the sky is a beautiful blue and I'm stuck in this classroom doing this BS, writing 'l's over and over and over. I'm bored. I want to be outside and instead I'm having to deal with this BS.

The Process Manager chooses some role players and we begin with me in the classroom being bored, irritated and frustrated and the Teacher droning on and on. I go home and my Father and Mother hand me a medicinal rock.

My Father explains that there is no solution for these feelings - the best is just put up with it and be a 'good boy'. My Mother shows me how to complain - that's what she does to cope with those feelings.

We role play later events where I'm stuck doing work that I feel is 'BS' and that I'd rather be enjoying myself elsewhere. From real life incidents such as moving hay bales, to shoveling pig s--- to being trapped in a College classroom I consistently use my medicinal rock and am a good boy yet moan and complain. I see the pattern clearly.

I'm asked if I'd like to let go of the medicinal rock. I open my palm and there is a slight hesitation but I let it fall.

The messenger (Ed) then approaches me with a different rock and explains we are going to charge this rock with some new resources. I will then be able to use it in similar situations and be far better equipped to handle those feelings of boredom and frustration. All tribe members contribute with a variety of resources that include:

do nothing (put up with it)

 

complain (the old rock)

ask for explanation (seek understanding for reasons)

negotiate

ask about other persons feelings

relate my feelings

explain my point of view

ask for help from someone else

discuss / investigate alternatives

create new challenges

re-structure the work

use time effectively (do something more enjoyable during boring periods)
 

I accept the new resource filled rock (although I do show some resistance saying 'this is BS' and accuse the messenger of being the biggest BS'er).

We role play the scene in the classroom again but this time I put up my hand and have an interesting dialog with the Teacher and I'm supported by my classmates. I also have a useful discussion with the Principal who agrees to talk to my Parents and Teachers and find more challenges for me. Similarly, when re-role playing the later dramas I draw on my new resources and have interesting and fruitful discussions with my Father and College professor. I feel empowered and energized.

We all check-out and I release my fellow Tribe members from their roles.


Thoughts and Feelings After the Rocks Process

I’m writing this 2 weeks after the Rocks process and am not sure if anything has changed in my life from a holistic or energetic perspective (I guess I was hoping for some type of ‘shift’).

Thank you for sharing your process.

Complaining

can have a positive intention.

Clip: http://www.funlol.com/funpages/

Thu, 8 Feb 2007

Austin Workshop

Thu, 8 Feb 2007

Feeling Conflict after Rock Process

(Inter-Tribe Communication from [City] Tribe)

I am feeling some internal conflict. I have noticed this only in the last few days and the intensity

-----

I wonder if you can tell me the medicine in your original (medicinal) rock and the resources in your new (resources) rock.

Conflict Indicates

Objects not yet in settlement

Clip: http://www.the-nextlevel.com/reviews/

Thu, 8 Feb 2007

Wants to Know the Cause of the Trading Tribe

In the system model, we hold that all things influence all other things and co-evolve in the everlasting moment of now.

Wed, 7 Feb 2007

Dead Link

Ed,

the link that seems to be dead is

http://www.seykota.com/tribe/

Thank you for the catch.

Wed, 07 Feb 2007

More on Course of Miracles

Wed, 7 Feb 2007

Wants to Know what He Should Do

Dear Ed,

According to many traders, the systems that we develop should work in all markets in order to be robust.

To paraphrase your contribution:

1. Many traders say something "should" work.

2. You have difficulties doing it.

3. You ask me what you "should" do.

FAQ does not tell people what they "should" do.  See ground rules.

You might consider:

1. asking "many traders" how they do it.

Wed, 7 Feb 2007

Wants to Follow the Rules

Hi Ed!

Now I have made my backtest on the system I have presented to you. The risk was too high! I sold out everything and before I start all over again I start with back tests. The results were +10% since the start two months ago so I feel lucky. The system I closed is only one of my three different trading models I am trading simultaneously and only around 10% of my capital.

I have always wanted to be able to trade all markets but maybe my ranking makes me trade fully when markets aren't that good for trend following systems. I am influenced by the trading turtle program on that point. I think it might be better to trade only a few markets and wait for the signals in these markets.

One of my snapshots is: "I can trade any market profitably without even knowing the underlying instrument". In my model I make a transition for all markets so they can be measured equally and therefore ranked, but my money management principle of always having 40-50% of my capital as Stop-Loss risk was to high, both for the system and probably also for my gut feeling.

There are so many things I want to test regarding trading and I really love to do it so the ambition is all right. Sometimes I consider my systematic approach is a little bit inefficient. I mostly use excel nowadays.

Thank you for sharing your process.

Sometimes, Following The Rules

may have associations

with deep feelings,

CLip: http://theredletters.mlblogs.com/

Tue, 6 Feb 2007

Trading Tribe Apprentice Program

Hi Ed,

Today I find out some very good news with regards to my work.

The last year is an uphill struggle, tough and challenging but I stick it through and insist on staying the course even though I have many thoughts of jumping ship or running away.

What feels good is not the best thing to do! I keep this in mind and persist. I notice how I stop running away from situations and have built more confidence in rising up to challenges that I would usually just walk away from.

We are currently contacting all apprentices, aligning interests and scheduling projects.

Tue, 6 Feb 2007

Loneliness Could Boost Alzheimer's Risk

Ed,

TUESDAY, Feb. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Being lonely may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life, new research suggests.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20070206/

Yes, one way to "medicate" sadness is to forget about it.

Tue, 6 Feb 2007

Yes, I am considering a move to Austin Texas.

Shoveling Snow

is a popular pastime

in Incline Village

Waiting For the Snow to Fall

in Barton Springs, Austin Texas

Clip: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/

Mon, 5 Feb 2007

Heart Disease Results from Loneliness

Ed,

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Depression, severe mental illness and loneliness are linked to illnesses such as heart disease and dementia, according to several studies.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070205/

Yes, disease can "medicate" sadness.

Heart Attack is Generally Effective

in "medicating" loneliness.

Clip: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/

Mon, 5 Feb 2007

Counter Trend Risk Control in Open Positions

Dear Chief Ed,

Ed says: Lightening up in response to your feelings might be less of a counter-trend strategy than a counter-risk-strategy. (and)  I like the rule : manage risk. (and) Remember to keep position size proportional to volatility.

So as the bull trend progresses, and tends to increase in volatility, should the rules read,

FAQ does not tell people what they "should" do.  See ground rules.

Another set of trading rules:

Sun, 04 Feb 2007

Trading Tribe Book - Wholesale ?

Yes, you may buy the book wholesale, at the same price as retail.

Sun, 4 Feb 2007

New US Emblem

New US Government Seal

Official Announcement:

A bi-partisan committee announces

effective immediately,

the country's emblem changes

from the Eagle to the Condom

since it more accurately reflects

the spirit in Washington.

A condom allows for inflation,

halts production,

destroys the next generation,

protects a bunch of pricks,

and gives you a sense of security

while you're actually being screwed.

Sat, 3 Feb 2007

The Liberal Mind:

The Psychological Causes of Political Madness

(book review)

Certain neurotic themes are dominant in the radical liberal mind’s perceptions of the world. All of them portray the citizen as a suffering child who is victimized, helpless and in need of rescue. All are evident in various liberal platforms. They represent the liberal mind’s transference of childhood dynamics into the world of adult relationships. As expressed in his most passionate political pronouncements, the radical liberal mind believes that:

A very large portion of the population is suffering; from injustices inflicted upon them.
 

They are helpless to stop their suffering.
 

Bad people, such as capitalists and the rich, cause the victims to suffer by depriving, neglecting, exploiting and abusing them.

The bad institutions supported by the villains are economic, social and political in nature; they include free market capitalism, basic property rights, strict moral and ethical accountability, reasonable social decorum, personal and financial responsibility, individual sovereignty, and justice based on merit and desert.

Modern liberals are heroes whose mission is to rescue the victims from the villains.

Most citizens need a powerful liberal government to direct and manage their lives.

The Modern Parental State is the answer to problems created by the villains.

Much of the suffering of the victims comes from too much freedom in economic markets, which allows the villains to exploit the victims for unjust gain.

They are the liberal’s projections of a painful neurotic disorder; they are the legacy of his childhood.

They represent his desperate longings for attachment, attention, affection, empathy, significance, esteem, adoration, recognition, indulgence, relatedness, guidance, direction, belonging and love.

They represent his desperate efforts to heal real emotional wounds that he suffered when he was, in fact, significantly deprived, neglected, exploited or abused.

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I feel that extreme liberal and extreme conservative views are both forms of medication for sadness.

Modern Politics

has less to do with finding solutions

to underlying problems

than with finding

ways to medicate sadness.

Clip: http://www.burningchrome.com/

Sat, 3 Feb 2007

Alcohol and Drugs and Addiction and TTP

Something I am thinking about is "alcoholics" and "drug addicts." Something that seems frightfully ridiculous is the forceful use, in some groups, of the acknowledgement of I am an "Alcoholic" or "Drug Addict."

The human emotional processing engine sits on top of an organic servo-system that regulates our internal state.

As servos, we respond to an "error signal" or a delta change from normal.  When we are too dry, the error signal generates "thirst" and we find water with which to "medicate" the feeling.

When we sense loss, the "error signal" appears as sadness.  Some forms of loss require complex remedies, or in TTP parlance, an effective Resource Rock.  The Resource Rock responds to the sadness and provides a number of effective strategies for dealing with the situation precipitating the loss.

Sometimes, during our formative years, an important role model gives us a Medicine Rock.  The Medicine Rock responds to sadness with ways to mask the sadness, without dealing with the underlying situation.

The TTP Rocks Process helps identify Medicine Rocks and to replace them with Resource Rocks.

In some cases, the Medicine Rock may indicate consuming drugs and / or alcohol as a way to mask sadness.  TTP provides a way to re-program gut responses to sadness so that we have many other healthy ways to respond to sadness.

Too Drunk to Send

One of The Main Concerns

with using TTP (or other methods)

to treat substance abuse

is how to keep the user

from sliding off the chair.

Clip: http://www.duncancumming.co.uk/