Key Points:
- Recognize and accept the natural midday volume decrease and its impact on traders.
- Engage in deep breathing exercises to enhance present-moment awareness.
- Conduct a body scan to identify and release tension, promoting mental clarity.
This session, led by Sean, focused on harnessing mindfulness to navigate the often challenging midday trading hours. Sean started by acknowledging the expected midday volume decrease, a typical lull in trading activity, encouraging participants to view this period as an opportunity for mindfulness and self-care. The exercise began with deep breathing, emphasizing the importance of noticing the temperature differences between inhaled and exhaled air at the tip of the nose. Participants were reminded that it’s natural for the mind to wander, and the key is to bring attention back to the breath without judgment gently.
A guided body scan followed, moving attention from the feet up through the body to identify areas of tension and relaxation. Sean encouraged traders to notice the pressure and sensations in their feet and legs, highlighting how mindfulness can reveal insights into physical and mental states. Throughout the session, traders were asked to observe their thoughts and emotions without attachment, recognizing them as transient phenomena.
“Your thoughts are your brain’s excrement; just notice them without attaching meaning or judgment.”
– Sean Sawyer
C.L.E.A.R. Mindset Connections
Connect to the present moment and enhance your self-awareness with practical techniques.
- Notice your breathing and the temperature differences at the tip of your nose, anchoring your awareness in the present.
Loosen your attachment to thoughts and emotions, and cultivate mental clarity and resilience.
- Recognize your thoughts as transient without inherent meaning, allowing them to pass without judgment.
Embody your core values and align them with your actions to foster authenticity and purpose.
- Reflect on whether your trading actions align with your long-term goals and values during the body scan exercise.
Accept all the present moment offers, whether wanted or not, and find peace and strength.
- Embrace the midday volume decrease as an opportunity for mindfulness and self-care rather than a source of frustration.
Respond with decisive, informed action, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
- Utilize mindfulness practices to maintain mental clarity and make informed trading decisions based on your present state.
Conclusion
This session provided valuable mindfulness techniques tailored for traders. It emphasized the importance of self-awareness and mental clarity, especially during the midday lull. By regularly practicing these techniques, traders can maintain focus, align their actions with their values, and transform trading challenges into opportunities for growth.