Anchoring and Anchors in Neuro Linguistic Programming

Anchoring is an NLP technique that offers the opportunity to access resources and positive states whenever we need them

NLP anchoring in its simplest form is the linkage of a state with a physical stimulus. When the human mind experiences two things at the same time, then it tends to associate them with each other, particularly when there is high emotional content, close association in time, and uniqueness of experience and association.

Anchors occur naturally, for example:

• Associating a feeling of patriotism to the national anthem
• Associating a feeling of love to a loved one's touch
• Associating a feeling of annoyance to the voice of someone who bothers us

In NLP we take advantage of this natural phenomena to create control over our states. Try the following thought experiement:

NLP Anchoring Exercise

• Choose a unique physical anchor, for example squeezing your thumb and middle finger together.
• Now think of some peak experience you have had. Some sense of confidence, or joy or whatever you want to experience more. Remember a time you experienced that, clearly. See what you saw, hear what you heard, feel what you felt. Now, as you're seeing that bring it closer, make it brighter,
• and as your hearing that make it sharper, and as your feeling grows, squeeze that thumb and middle finger together.that's right.
• Now, think of something else. Maybe a pink elephant.
• Now squeeze your thumb and middle finger together and notice the experience you have, now, keep practicing and the anchor will get stronger. Enjoy!