Downswing

[rory]

So, I am on a downswing right now, not a huge downswing but it is still one.

Here is what is happening to me psychologically:

1) I feel reluctant to play the game I usually play which is at the edge of my comfort bankroll.
2) I am apt to become frustrated more quickly when playing, both when simply losing money or when losing money I have won in a session.
3) I am more likely to quit a good game just to book a win to avoid feeling bad.
4) I am much more aware of how other players who play better than me are playing, and I am much more open and receptive to making changes in my game based on how I see the players I view as the better players are playing.
5) I am feel humbled and not as if I am one of the best poker players on 2+2. On an upswing, I feel as if I am one of the best players on here.
6) I feel uninspired to play poker and seek companionship outside of poker in terms of spending time with loved ones.
7) I engage in other non-poker playing activities that I used to enjoy before playing poker.
8) I consider multitabling a smaller limit but never actually do it.
9) I play lower stakes games which are not my main game, including omaha hi/lo, stud and no-limit hold 'em.
10) I am more likely to seriously review my hands after a session to see where I felt like I made mistakes, rather than give a cursory examination.
11) I write in my poker journal more.
12) I play very short hit and run sessions, and only play when I am feeling completely amped up and ready to attack the table.
13) I philosophize about poker more.
14) I feel bad for myself.
15) I am more likely to speak to people at the table when playing live, I think for a sense of comraderie. Losing is lonely.
16) I pursue my spiritual practices more intensely.

I'm not sure what the point of this post is.

I think the best thing that happens to my poker game is going through a downswing.