Aware, or just paranoid?
It would seem that, even though we study a martial art, an attack that we don't expect or see coming would still put us at a distinct disadvantage.
But what is the line between being more "aware" of your surroundings, or in other words, being prepared for a possible attack, and being paranoid?
How can you "be prepared" for an attack without becoming distrustful of mankind, of other people's intentions?
Friend, the old saying is that it ain't paranoia if they really are out to get you.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think the proper attitude to take is that most people mean well, but since you really can't tell very easily in advance which ones are which, you are best off being on guard with everyone until you've gotten to know them. That's not paranoia, that's just being sensible.
But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
One of the things I do is tie awareness to a 3 color system.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm home, doors locked, on the couch enjoying some TV I'm in condition green -- a place where nobody is likely to disturb me.
Condition yellow is a slightly elevated mode -- cautious but not ready to go Jason Bourne on anybody, though you easily could. Grocery store, Wal-Mart, traffic -- places to have increased attention to surroundings but to still have a calm vibe about yourself.
If I'm in a place where things have the potential to be ugly, I go to condition red. Examples include going to work at the corner of gang war and shoot out at midnight. It happens to me sometimes. Condition red puts your best "Don't mess with me" aura on, and senses are really turned up.
Being aware of your surroundings is key. Playing various "what if" games with yourself is training. Knowing what you are and are not willing to do to a human being, and under what circumstance is important. If you hesitate at the moment of truth, bad things can easily happen.