Comments on: Think Like a Black Belt in newsletter form

By: Barbara Swafford

Barbara Swafford — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:03:45 +0000

Hi Lori,

Me again. You mentioned how using a MP3 can distract us from being alert. Since I like to work in the quiet, I’ve also found I hear noises I normally wouldn’t hear if I worked to music.

When people tell me I need to spray some WD-40 on the hinges of the back door (because it squeaks a little when it’s opened), I tell them that’s my “warning” signal that someone (even if it’s the dog who pushed the door open) has entered the house.

By: janice

janice — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:14:36 +0000

It just dawned on me Vered mentioned assertiveness and my brain went to awareness – but at least all the A’s have merged! You’re so right about the MP3’s; it’s one of my bugbears. I don’t let my kids wear theirs when they’re out and about in the street alone and they’re not encouraged to text or phone while walking around either. They can see the sense, but it’s hard at that age to be ‘different’. I once told off my daughter’s friend when she was out and about with us because she was so busy texting, she nearly walked in front of a car.

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:15:41 +0000

Hi Janice,
I bought a cheap MP3 player to work out with, but when it lost sound quality and I returned it, I realized I didn’t want one. It blocked out so much of my hearing, thus dropping my awareness considerably. Being aware has a satisfaction for me that’s greater than the pleasure of the music. I’m sure anyone attacked while wearing headphones or earplugs doesn’t allow themselves to be so vulnerable again.

By: janice

janice — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:08:26 +0000

Bullet dodging lessons…I’ve been away for two weeks and missed bullet dodging lessons?!

These are great acronyms. Like Vered, I feel I’m doing OK if I can get my teenagers’ attention to talk about awareness. Teenagers seem to unwire their brains in order to connect to a myriad digital devices. It’s an uphill struggle, but at least i’m trying and you inspire me to keep going. It’s good to be back!

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:14:01 +0000

Hi Barbara,
Thank you and glad you are more aware and alert — you will see so much more and be more capable than most.

Next, we need to get you up to the bullet dodging level.

By: Barbara Swafford

Barbara Swafford — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:08:19 +0000

Hi Lori,

Just the other day I in a parking log and noticed how so many people are oblivious to their surroundings because they’re so busy talking on their cell phones, or texting. Now when I see situations like that, I think of you and these wonderful lessons you’re teaching.

Keep up the great work.

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:06:13 +0000

Hi Hilary,
Glad you were aware and avoided being herded into a bad situation!

Because of the newsletter format, I was able to cover the awareness part earlier in the series. It’s actually in the very first newsletter, so yes, it’s very important!

Hi Ikigai,
Thank you for visiting and commenting.

Level-headedness under stress isn’t much taught these days, is it? But what a gift it is.

By: Ikigai

Ikigai — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:02:30 +0000

Very nice breakdown of concepts. These acronyms and memorization tools are very handy for people looking to train their instincts and street smarts.

As you touch upon, the heat of the moment leaves little time for level headed assessment, so practice beforehand can help fine tune instincts when the need arises.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:27:39 +0000

Hi Lori .. being aware is so important .. years ago in Johannesburg I was walking back to the car park – and a group of youths came down the road, they were intent on cornering me into the building .. but I walked out into the middle of a main road – which deflected their intent and I was able to ‘escape’ .. they’d have snatched my bag and what little jewellery I had on. I’d learnt not to wear things or carry too much as I worked in the middle of town – & I don’t when I visit .. no point in tempting fate.

My other thought now is .. that so many go round with ipods playing, or reading, or talking into their phones … disaster sometimes .. people have been mugged, killed even .. we really need to be aware .. -

So a 4th A …

Good post for people to read and learn from .. Have a good weekend .. Hilary

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 03:02:47 +0000

Hi Vered,
I’m so glad you are working with your kids on this! So many parents are so busy things like this end up on the back burner.