Anchoring

There's a self-hypnosis (NLP) technique called anchoring. This is a technique that allows you to tap into a positive experience, and then apply the feelings associated with that experience to a different experience. That is, take an experience or a situation in which you feel extremely confident or secure and, in your mind, apply all of those sensory feelings to a visualization of an upcoming experience for which you are feeling anxious or less than confident. 

That's just one example. 

While working on the ship, I had an abundance of time to think and just be present. It wasn't always easy to find a quiet corner but some days I found one that was adequate. One of those times, I took care to notice every sensory input. After a number of years on this earth, I finally realized that my greatest appreciation for experiences often comes years later. I'm trying to change that, to appreciate more while in the actual moment. It's really just a matter of being aware. But for me, this requires some effort, a retreat inward, active meditation and acknowledgment of all sensory information being recorded. 

This image reminds me of the anchoring process, with each thick rope a vivid connection to strength, confidence, or simple calm.