I just finished reading a novel (The Last Centurion by John Ringo). Mr. Ringo spoke often of the "trust society" that has become the foundation of American living today. I'd like to look at this.
The trust society is based on the premise that I help my neighbor in time of need, "knowing" that he/she will help me when I am in need. It's as basic as loaning your toolbox to your neighbor. You trust the he/she will give the toolbox back when they are done, and that if you need to borrow their snowblower later, they will allow that, knowing that you will give it back in the same condition. We take this for granted in America (at least in the more "settled" areas), though this is not the same dynamic that many people embody.
In the middle east specifically, tribalism is still in vogue. Loyalty and "bartering" are based more on family ties than geographic location. Witness the situation between Israel and Gaza......both peoples sharing the same general area, yet they are expressing hatred towards each other. They would not lend their lawnmower to a neighbor of a differing religion or caste. Let's hope that the natural course of evolution works these kinks out. In the meantime, we can be grateful that we live in a country which is tolerant, charitable, and altruistic.
And speaking of these qualities of American living.......it seems as if there is a swell of anti-Americanism pervading the more conservative media these days. Let's look at this.
There's a tenet in esoteric discipline which states "what you resist, persists". I believe that this dynamic is alive and well in American society today. As the Light intensifies on this planet, things are being shown to us that were previously in the shadows. They are coming up "to be dealt with". Uncomfortable as many of these issues are, if we resist dealing with them now, they will persist, and create greater disturbances down the road. Witness the debt situation in the united states. The folks in charge, for many years, chose to kick the can down the road rather than deal with those issues. And now this country finds itself in a fiscally poor state. Other countries are being shown their "shadows" as well.
The "revolutions" in the middle east are not a surprise. It is the shadow side of their culture coming up to be looked at and healed. The irony of it all is that the anger towards certain ruling regimes is real and tangible, and if those regimes fall, this very same anger will be put on the pedestal of power. Thus another disfunctional regime will take over. Trust, and specifically, a "trust society" is not coming soon to the middle east.
The reason I'm writing this blog today is to express my gratitude and appreciation for the "trust society" that has developed here in America. A neighbor has been plowing my driveway all winter. In return, I cut his grass and clear their leaves in the fall. We are being a blessing unto each other, in very practical ways. As the Light intensifies on this planet, we are likely to see things that will create discomfort and breaks in routine. If we embody the philosophy of "being angels for each other", living in a trust society, we will not only move through the dicey times with grace and ease, but we will create more strength in the foundation of a truly enlightened, prosperous society. It takes a conscious choice on a daily basis.
Choose wisely.
In Light..............................
TommyD
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A Lesson in Perceptions
Currently I work in a bowling alley. I've become an excellent bowler. I enjoy the competition and the "tests" that are presented during competition. The most common test on the lanes is how I handle pressure. In my Tuesday night league, the Continental League, there is a lot of 'action', and a significant sum often rides on the performance of the players. It's not uncommon to step up to a several hundred dollar shot. This pressure, the increased heartbeat, the mental chatter and stimulation, and the attention of those who know how much is riding on the shot all test both the inner and outer work and preparation that I've done. I've failed to execute strikes on many occasions. The past 3 Tuesdays however, my preparation has paid off handsomely, and the fiscal rewards have been large.
Though there is certainly an element of luck involved in high performance, the foundation of success is in the work that has already been done. It's like the once-world #1 golfer, Vijay Singh, said, "the more I practice, the luckier I get." I've practiced and studied bowling more than most. The bowling alley I work in is owned by my uncles, and I've spent a substantial amount of my life there. In bowling lingo, I'm the "house man". Since I know that house intimately, I have an edge over my competitors. I'm not a gambler on things I can't control, but if I feel I have an edge, I'm not afraid to bet on that edge. The past 3 weeks, that edge has been openly displayed, and a lot of attention was directed my way. This has caused a change in perception of other members of the league.
Just before leaving with a fat wallet last Tuesday, I was pulled aside by the league officers. They told me I would no longer be allowed to participate in the 'action'. They said I had an unfair advantage and that I was "raping them". I offered no arguments. How could I, as I only gamble when I have an edge, and that edge had become clear. I was accused of cheating. That did bother me somewhat. I'll be first to admit that I have an advantage in that house, but I am no cheater. I worked to gain that advantage, and it took a lot of time, sweat, and attention. I'm a mirror of the phrase quoted earlier by Vijay Singh. I was neither disappointed nor upset at being barred from the action. I understand their point of view, and I take it as a rather flattering compliment of my success in becoming a top bowler.
Why do I bring that story up? I do so because it relates well to a larger stage, the arena of international finance.
On various websites and on popular TV shows hosted by the likes of Glenn Beck, certain international financiers are consistently lambasted. They are blamed and accused of conspiracy, cheating, collusion, and other such manipulations. I'd like to assert that there is a direct parallel between this dynamic and that of my Continental League experience.
Certainly men like George Soros have a significant edge in market dynamics, that is what they have chosen to master. They have put in the work. They have failed before, losing money and learning lessons. That they are able to see the imbalances and bet against, making a lot of money in the process, unsustainable bubbles and irrational policy is no crime, rather it is a result of the inner and outer preparation to perform under pressure. To go against the herd takes a lot of guts and inner fortitude, but that is where the big money is made in international finance. Blaming them for the problems of governments, citizens, and currencies is a fruitless pursuit.
I've said before that the blame game will become very attractive as the global pressure cooker heats up and illusions begin to crack. The blame game transfers responsibility for one's plight to a scapegoat. Exercising sovereignty and wellness requires us to personally take responsibility for our choices, decisions, and perceptions. If we lose money gambling, in markets, or on poor business decisions, the blame falls squarely on our own shoulders. To blame others veils us from the lessons that can be learned by our failures. When we accept full responsibility, we can then move forward in learning, and either change our choices, or up our "skill level" so that we can then "compete" and hopefully succeed.
When we resist the urge to point fingers or unknowingly judge or accuse others, we step more fully into personal empowerment and authentic living.
In Light...............................Td
Though there is certainly an element of luck involved in high performance, the foundation of success is in the work that has already been done. It's like the once-world #1 golfer, Vijay Singh, said, "the more I practice, the luckier I get." I've practiced and studied bowling more than most. The bowling alley I work in is owned by my uncles, and I've spent a substantial amount of my life there. In bowling lingo, I'm the "house man". Since I know that house intimately, I have an edge over my competitors. I'm not a gambler on things I can't control, but if I feel I have an edge, I'm not afraid to bet on that edge. The past 3 weeks, that edge has been openly displayed, and a lot of attention was directed my way. This has caused a change in perception of other members of the league.
Just before leaving with a fat wallet last Tuesday, I was pulled aside by the league officers. They told me I would no longer be allowed to participate in the 'action'. They said I had an unfair advantage and that I was "raping them". I offered no arguments. How could I, as I only gamble when I have an edge, and that edge had become clear. I was accused of cheating. That did bother me somewhat. I'll be first to admit that I have an advantage in that house, but I am no cheater. I worked to gain that advantage, and it took a lot of time, sweat, and attention. I'm a mirror of the phrase quoted earlier by Vijay Singh. I was neither disappointed nor upset at being barred from the action. I understand their point of view, and I take it as a rather flattering compliment of my success in becoming a top bowler.
Why do I bring that story up? I do so because it relates well to a larger stage, the arena of international finance.
On various websites and on popular TV shows hosted by the likes of Glenn Beck, certain international financiers are consistently lambasted. They are blamed and accused of conspiracy, cheating, collusion, and other such manipulations. I'd like to assert that there is a direct parallel between this dynamic and that of my Continental League experience.
Certainly men like George Soros have a significant edge in market dynamics, that is what they have chosen to master. They have put in the work. They have failed before, losing money and learning lessons. That they are able to see the imbalances and bet against, making a lot of money in the process, unsustainable bubbles and irrational policy is no crime, rather it is a result of the inner and outer preparation to perform under pressure. To go against the herd takes a lot of guts and inner fortitude, but that is where the big money is made in international finance. Blaming them for the problems of governments, citizens, and currencies is a fruitless pursuit.
I've said before that the blame game will become very attractive as the global pressure cooker heats up and illusions begin to crack. The blame game transfers responsibility for one's plight to a scapegoat. Exercising sovereignty and wellness requires us to personally take responsibility for our choices, decisions, and perceptions. If we lose money gambling, in markets, or on poor business decisions, the blame falls squarely on our own shoulders. To blame others veils us from the lessons that can be learned by our failures. When we accept full responsibility, we can then move forward in learning, and either change our choices, or up our "skill level" so that we can then "compete" and hopefully succeed.
When we resist the urge to point fingers or unknowingly judge or accuse others, we step more fully into personal empowerment and authentic living.
In Light...............................Td
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