The value of this blog does not lay solely in the specificity of its recommendations. Instead, the deeper value lies in providing a framework that enables the FP to envision a path to self-fulfillment.
Basically, while the end results should be similar, some strategies may not work as well as others for certain people. That is why I encourage all my patients to explore different teachings and programs. Knowledge can be power from many sources. One of the beauties of life is that we can keep learning and growing in perpetuity. In my practice, I’ve seen so many of my patients heal as they were willing to share their vulnerabilities, innovate, and exercise the willingness to change and in turn grow.
If certain components of my guidance are not working for you, try others, or try something else. Continue your quest.
Find your path.
The Ancient Greeks contended that “the way people felt in their minds could influence the way they responded in their bodies”—and vice versa. We can also contrast this Western tenet with Eastern techniques that focus on meditation, and the development of the meaning of one’s life in other ways.
One such Ancient Eastern philosophy I have found to be effective, in terms of exploring balance, involves delving into the TAO, which means the way, or the path.
For the uninitiated, Taoism (also referred to as Daoism) refers to a range of religious and philosophical and religious traditions that have influenced Eastern Asia for more than two millennia. Since roughly the early 19th century, Taoism has had an increasingly potent influence on the western world.
It is an active, holistic conception of the world that emphasizes intuition over rationality.
Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Blink” speaks to a similar idea. He asserts that the human brain knows whether someone is friend or foe in less than two seconds, maybe even faster—you don’t have to think about it, you just have to feel it. But you must be aware of what you feel, and be able to trust what you feel in order to make intuitive assessments. Self-awareness and self-trust are key.
Likewise, Taoists believe that change and transformation are critical features of life. They believe that the natural world displays the dynamic interplay between the polar opposites of Yin and Yang.
Opposites are linked in Taoism, and as such they formulate their own distinct kind of unity. Everything has a flip side, and that flip side is an inherent part of the whole. And nothing need be feared.
In terms a financial professional can more easily identify with: the market goes up, then it has to go down. This cyclicality is all part of the mechanics of the market. There can be no market without cycles. Real money is never made in flat, static markets. This is a critical construct in terms of mastering wall street psychology.
The TAO is the flow of the universe, the forces behind nature, and people are part of nature. Taoists talks of “effortless doing” and “less is more.” The three Treasures of TAO are moderation (or simplicity), humility (modesty), and love (compassion).
TAO is not static—and nor should the financial professional be static, especially in stormy market conditions. This is why the FP must be willing to explore, and even embrace, new philosophies—new ways of looking at the world, his job, his clients, and himself. This type of internal resiliency will only make one more effective in the market place.
Part of learning more about ourselves is considering the great context of the universe beyond: knowing ourselves involves knowing how small and unimportant and ultimately insignificant we are, just specks in the universe.
But this is not futility; this is enlightenment. It is surrendering yourself to undeniable forces and finding your fluidity, your value and your place within a larger context.
Others have been here before us, and others will be here after us. People can gain peace and stability when they remind themselves that they are part of a long history of humanity—of a tradition of brothers and sisters who have experienced the very same frustrations and struggles we are enduring now. And ideally, some of the same joys.
I have treated FPs who have embraced TAO, or another similar type of philosophy, and claim to be more peaceful and content as a result.
Interestingly, their production, asset accumulation and overall professional success have accelerated since embracing such enlightenment.
TAO teaches to yield and you need not break. Bent, you can straighten. Emptied, you can hold. Torn, you can mend. Philosophies like these are good mantras for the FP. They help create a more consistent balance between one’s work and inner life.
After all, balance is everything.