My first post as a Steemiteer so please forgive errors in formatting. I intend to contribute information and insights that can be of value to our burgeoning global Steemit reader community.

My name is David H. Smith. I am Senior Analyst for The Morgan Report, a Columnist at MoneyMetals.com, and a Ghost Writer. I am a serious student - over several decades - of the martial arts, a life-long learner about fly fishing and an inveterate reader of history. Most time frames and cultural backdrops interest me. However I am often drawn to new interpretations of German strategy during WW II, with special emphasis on the Eastern Front, where fully 70% of all German casualties, not to mention those of millions of combatants and civilians on the other side, took place. As this blog evolves I anticipate discussing these topics - and more.

The Smallest Sea-Run Brown Trout ever landed in Argentina?

Mind like the Moon

Whether learning about a new theme or digging deeper into something we've studied for many years, it can be difficult to clear away the clutter and let new information flow through our senses. The plethora of the 'Net's offerings and sources means that to "allow" the information to speak - and for us to hear it in its own voice - can be an upstream swim.

A way of "clearing the decks" to the possibility of transformational learning is to understand - and allow yourself to experience "Mind like the Moon"- what Japanese masters in antiquity called _Tsuki no Kokoro._ In this state there is utter quietude, perfect vision, and no disturbance by way of sound, thoughts or physical sensation. Rays of light shine evenly when clouds (thoughts) don't get in the way.

Mizu no Kokoro

A similar conceptual state is that of "Mind like Water" - or _Mizu no Kokoro._ In this condition, reality reflects upon a becalmed surface without the slightest hint of distortion. A thought would be like a pebble tossed into the water, distorting the ability to fully perceive one's surroundings. Clouds mirror on the surface exactly as they appear in the sky, the glassed water uniformly reflecting all around it.

In such a no-mindedness state, deep knowledge flows without inhibition, accessible in a manner not possible when one "tries" to learn. No need to seek, judge, or engage the "monkey mind." Just be.

Imagine if your mind could achieve such clarity. Well...it - and you - can!

It's been said there is no teaching; only learning.

In the course of several decades as a "teacher" I've come to more fully appreciate the great power of this truism. As a life-long student in the art and science of living, I love sharing my experiences with others.

Brown Fox in tall grass, Tierra del Fuego

It's about catching and releasing a personal record King Salmon on a fly after 6 days of fruitless effort on a remote stream in British Columbia, about almost stepping out into thin air over a 300 foot cliff at the edge of an Alaskan forest, winning a judo match with a clean throw from a tatami mat while poised on one knee, or about sensing an attack dog around a blind corner of the street while biking.

It's about making 60x after 3 months on a cryptocurrency trade.

And it's about feeling the universe open itself briefly, in order to more deeply comprehend the teachings of "Sword Saint" Miyamoto Musashi. And finally it's about closing out a blockchain currency position for a 60x profit after a 3 month hold. So, I am fully open to sharing thoughts and insights with as many people as possible.

In the process - if my own mind can remain free and clear of expectation, judgment or assumption - I stand to learn as much - perhaps more - from you as you do from me!

I'll return with pen and sword in a few weeks.

Adelante!