Author Topic: AWARENESS (Read 635 times)

williamlayton · « **on:** March 18, 2006, 04:25:36 AM »

Recent discussions with myownself have led to questions.
Is there a pattern of your awareness of your surroundings? Example: Do you survey your surroundings all the time or just in areas that you are unfamilar with or are areas that may be high risk.
Do you find yourself being lax in comfortable surroundings?
Do you survey surroundings more in the night than in the day?
What is the pattern that causes you to survey your surroundings?
What is the best way to train yourself to be more aware?
Am I being paranoid?
Blessings

Ka6otm · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2006, 05:41:55 AM »

I survey my surroundings the same all the time, regardless of where I am...except inside my own house, that is. My father started teaching me this when I was small, probably because of his experiences as a bootlegger in his youth and later when he did some time in the Border Patrol.

I don't think it's paranoid at all, just prudent.

Ka6otm

jimster · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2006, 06:16:36 AM »

Your not being paranoid being aware of your surroundings.
Awareness can help you avoid trouble before it starts.
You'll be a couple steps ahead of the game being aware if something does happen.
I think you have to kind of train yourself to always be looking around and notice people in public places, not paranoid, just lookin around noticing things and where things are can be done in a very calm manner.
Regardless of if your carrying a weapon or not awareness is a good idea.
I bet there are books on things like this, that maybe could help with training or something. I'd like to find some info on it and read up.
Guess I have to surf the net sometime and see what I can find.

Greysky · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2006, 12:03:47 PM »

There is a distinct difference between paranoia and possessing a heightened sense of awareness... At least that is what those annoying voices inside my head told me. :-D

williamlayton · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2006, 02:08:46 AM »

I actually started this discussion with myself on driving--I started practicing driving again after I realized that I was just driving [very dangerous, not only to me but others also] then I started considering my surroundings all the time, AGAIN.
I think, just me think, that we have need to shake ourselves up, now and again, otherwise we become the prey [if that term is understandable in this conversation].
It has been a good thing also, I notice things I would like too see more.
Blessings

rockbilly · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2006, 06:29:48 AM »

I try to remain alert at all times, but the red flag does go up when in a strange place. I am sure all of us have been in places that we didn't really feel afraid, but still something told you to remain alert and pay attention to what is going on around you. Since Viet Nam I have had this thing about sitting with my back to the wall when ever possible, and to never sit close to an entrance or exit. I know this may sound parnoid but there are too many bad guys out there with guns to expose yourself unnecessarly, I think it is preventive to position yourself for a better defense situtation if needed.

William, I can identify with the driving too. My wife told me serveral times that I am a much better driver when hooked up to the 5th wheel and on the road. I was not aware, but she said I pay more attention to the traffic, speed, and what is going on around me. Heaven knows, she will address my driving from time to time.:shock:

Daks · « **Reply #6 on:** March 19, 2006, 06:30:20 AM »

I guess it depends on what folks mean by "comfortable surroundings". At home, at friends homes, at work - I am not scanning the area looking for threats to my life. I do, however, consider escape routes in case of trouble like fire.

Walking down the street, driving in my car, in parking lots, at ATM's - yeah, I'm always looking. Really, any public place, I'm looking and evaluating. Never hurts to be careful.

Awareness is the first step to being "attack proof", a book I am presently reading and trying to incorporate into my life.

powderman · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2006, 02:18:50 PM »

Nothing wrong with being aware of your surroundings, it pays to be observant. In restaurants I never sit with my back to the room, I always face the room, preferably from a corner. I'm not paranoid, just like to know what is going on around me. We can get too comfortable sometimes, there is no really safe place. I'm never nervous about going out but believe in being vigilant at all times. We were in the mtns above Cherokee NC and stopped at several scenic views a few years ago. I noticed a pickup truck pull in quickly, then speed away when another car stopped. A few min later he pulled in again, and again left quickly as another car stopped. I called to my wife and asked where my 45 was, she said, in the trunk, I said get it. She got the 45 and I sat down in the car with my feet outside. She asked what was wrong, I said that truck made one too many stops. She asked if I wanted her to get in the car, I said no, enjoy the view. Less than 2 min later they were back. They sat looking at me and started to open the doors. I smiled at them, they shut the doors and left, must of smelled a rat. We found out the next day that several tourists had been beaten and robbed, and a woman raped up there. No doubt in my mind that they were up to no good. I'm glad they didn't try anything, I'd of shot them for sure if they had tried anything. Be aware, be safe. POWDERMAN.