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feel more in control. I tried to impress upon her how important it was not to let shame and embarrassment lead her to withdraw from facing the reality of out-of-control trading losses. |
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Control Techniques in the Midst of Battle |
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In previous chapters we have already discussed techniques for working with changes of consciousness, which is the realm of our thoughts and emotions. We have also offered tools for altering the trading environment in the form of how to set up a home office space and to use it for shaping and reinforcing trigger and anchoring behaviors. |
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We have implicitly assumed that utilizing these tools would lead to a higher sense of personal control. But we will now more directly frame the following techniques in the context of gaining personal control. |
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We will emphasize how we may work with the positive yielding mode, since most of the tools offeredwith the exception of meditationhave been from the active, assertive mode. Meditation is a powerful method that strengthens the ability to accept internal and external events that are beyond our control. It is therefore a very appropriate tool in heightening our ability to enter the positive yielding mode more easily and, once there, to end up feeling a greater actual sense of control. |
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This type of breathing is associated with relaxation. It is a useful technique for periods of feeling anxious or out of control of our thoughts. Obsessive thoughts about trades, losses, or any other situation where we feel out of control can often be neutralized with diaphragmatic breathing. It is especially useful during market anxiety when we do not have the time or quiet setting to practice meditation. It is an "in the heat of the battle" tool that can make a difference. |
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Here are the instructions: Placing your hand on your abdomen with fingers barely touching, let the air come in through your nose without any effort to force it. As the air comes, notice how your stomach inflates slightly and your fingers move apart a little. As you exhale through your nose, notice that your fingers come back together. Take a few minutes to practice letting the air come in and watching your stomach inflate. Each time you exhale, your stomach |
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