Name: Brian Germain
First Jump: April 13, 1986 at the age of eighteen
Jumps: 10,000+
License: D11154
Ratings: has held AFF,
Static Line and Tandem Ratings; FAA rigger
Education: B.A. in Psychology from the University of
Vermont, Psych Master's work at Naropa University focusing on
Adventure Psychology and Contemplative Psychotherapy
"Real Job": President of Big Air Sportz, Inc., canopy
designer & manufacturer, instructor, innovator
Website: BrianGermain.com
More about Brian: After graduating from the University of
Vermont, he spent several years traveling the US working as an
instructor. He opened Vermont Skydiving Adventures at the age of
twenty-five. Currently, he conducts a
Seminar Series for Canopy pilots as well as an Instructor's
version.
In other words: "Fear makes us stupid"
by Brian Germain
28 Mar 2005
An
interesting fact is brought to the surface when one compares the brain
scans of someone who is relaxed and someone who is afraid. People who are
in a state of fear have a diminished functionality of the Neo Cortex, or
the "new" part of the brain. This is the part of the brain that controls
higher cognitive functioning. It is what separates us from the monkeys. In
short, when we become afraid, we are reversing evolution and reverting
back to the mental capacity of a caveman.
When we become afraid, the old brain seizes control, and does the things
that have saved our species in the distant past. This ancient response
will cause one of the three simple behaviors previously described:
resisting, running away, or locking up. If one of these three turns out to
be the correct response, we are in business. We will then increase the
likelihood that we will select this coping mechanism again in the future.
Most of the time however, acting on impulse just makes things worse.
Correct action is what is necessary. As in chess, every move may be our
last. We must consider our steps wisely. Momentum without consideration is
how we get ourselves into trouble.
The ironic thing is, most people believe that a certain amount of fear is
good for them. I will agree that this is true when our emotional response
causes us to avoid doing something ridiculously dangerous; beyond what our
skill and knowledge cannot save us from. If we choose not to go for the
summit of a mountain because of a bad feeling about the weather, the
choice may save our lives. Our physiological reaction is what causes us to
reconsider the safety of the situation. This function of fear is essential
for survival. We must learn how to listen to our bodies so that we may
avoid getting in over our heads.
Once we are in the situation, and things are moving, there is no room for
fear. Extraneous thought that is focused on worrying about things that are
not here and now only serve to take our attention away from the actual
current state of affairs. Survival happens in the now. We must remain
focused on the unfolding events, and make our best decisions using our
full attention and our complete intelligence. Staying cool in a crisis is
the only way to increase the likelihood that we will act in an appropriate
manner. The only way to make important decisions is to be act with a clear
head that is thinking forward toward solutions, rather than simply
avoiding problems. Once life is flowing, fear is the enemy.
These are exclusive excerpts from his newest book: Transcending Fear.
You may order other books at here.
