I have said this before, people can and do survive disasters without special training and equipment. Technological disasters such as plane crashes, train derailments, and ships capsizing aren’t always universally fatal. Similarly, sometimes individuals quickly make the right decisions and with a bit of luck, survive tornados, flash floods and landslides. What gives?
Let me be clear on this. On this physical plane of existence, we live finite lives. Some only manage to live for six minutes while others live for 106 years. You can do everything correctly in an emergency and still die. Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS, all end in death. Death comes for everything, stars, trees, people. It is immutable and inevitable.
Superpowers
There’s a large body of research into who survives and the how and why they manage to do so. Sadly, there’s no killer app or magic pill on the horizon for emergency preparedness and survival situations. Further, our technology is limited, and magic is an illusion. Thinking- critical thinking- is our true superpower. It’s so important that our lives and experiences are a direct reflection of not only what we think, but how we think. If critical thinking is the superpower that guides our lives, then attitude is the ingredient X of this power.
Cultivating mental toughness, adaptability, and a positive attitude go a long way to developing resilience. Believing that you can survive isn’t always enough, but sometimes it’s all you need. Knowing how to handle yourself and refusing to give up are equally as important. Our lives are dictated by our attitude, specifically, how we view ourselves and the world around us. Of course, an outsized sense of self, not grounded in reality isn’t healthy, though sometimes it’s helpful. What matters is that we think we can overcome, recover and thrive.
Overconfidence can be just as dangerous as not being prepared at all. Understanding your limitations as well as knowing the mechanics of what you’re preparing for matter. No one would survive outside in the full fury of a hurricane. However, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, formulating plans and learning from past mistakes to inform the decision to ride out the storm in a well-stocked, safe location is a far better option.
Believe
I’m not going to wax philosophical about the power of positive thinking; however, there’s something to it. I’m not talking about the sickeningly sweet, it’s always sunny mentality. That’s both annoying and delusional. Life isn’t always about parties and happy endings. Sometimes, you’re just not feeling it and you have that right. Struggle, strife, grief, despair, and death touch all of us. Accepting these facts is central to developing a healthy perspective on life and living with purpose and intention. I’m absolutely encouraging you to let go of the negativity, though. While you can always have more, the opposite is also true. Move on.
The poison we put in our minds is just as deadly as the poison we eat. Complaining, comparing yourself to others and an attitude based upon lack serve no useful purpose. I’m also going to mention that the belief that the world owes you something is another dead end. Let go of that, too. While you’re at it, acknowledging and displaying gratitude, kindness, and empathy go a long way to influencing others and events around you.
Being Where You Are
10,000 years ago, our instincts were critical to simply staying alive. Being wary of strangers and fleeing at the first sign of danger meant you got to live another day. Nowadays, we’re less attuned to our survival instincts and our once finely tuned senses have been dulled by life in the monocultures we call cities and towns. Moreover, we’re cut off from the world and events around us by technology, lifestyle choices and poor health.
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in large public spaces and gatherings. The location of stairs, emergency exits as well as safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and AEDs should always be on your radar in public spaces. Do the same on planes and trains.
For that matter, pay attention to all safety briefings, regardless of where you are and what you’re doing. Rather than wandering aimlessly in a foggy state of increasing panic, you have a few moments of clarity in which to act decisively. Out of body experiences are mysterious and wondrous; however, when you’re outside of your home, your mind needs to be fully in your body.
Meditation and Prayer
These two are no-brainers. The therapeutic value of meditation and power of prayer are well-documented. Both have been included in health care regimens by doctors and healthcare practitioners the world over. Prayer is our direct link to the Lord, for whom nothing is impossible. Outside of space and time, He’s waiting to hear from you.
Meditation allows you to assume and maintain a more purposeful state of mind by quieting your thoughts. Regular meditation can result in a lower heart rate and other physiological benefits. Prayer and meditation allow you to calm yourself in the face of adversity. Such calmness allows you to think quickly and clearly, and to see options that would likely be missed if you’re in a more agitated mental state, or openly terrified and confused. Both require daily practice, but the rewards are well-worth the effort.
Share your thoughts with me below. How do you focus your mind when mental clarity is essential? What are some of the tips you’d suggest to others looking to expand their repertoire?
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