We should still take whatever steps we can to protect ourselves as much as possible. And this starts with basic awareness, of both the physical characteristics of our environment, as well as who is sharing it.
It is surprising how often that otherwise intelligent people put themselves into what could only be called physical “traps” – an elevator, for example, or walking down a narrow, dark alley because it is a shortcut to where they parked their car. Instead, take the route that is open, well lit, and more likely to have other people around.
What I recommend is that we should always be alert, both consciously and unconsciously. As discussed above, we consciously note everything, and everyone, around us.
We should also listen to that internal “threat alarm” that we all have – that little voice inside that suddenly tells us “something isn’t quite right.” It may be a chill down our spine or the hairs on our neck suddenly standing up, or just a vague “uh-oh” feeling. Either way, listen to it. Your intuition exists as nature’s warning system.
I use a simple system of just three alert levels. Imagine a traffic light: Green, Yellow, Red. We avoid condition “White” (i.e. virtually unaware) which describes most people today are talking on mobile phones, and of course, texting.
Green is not “stressed out” or anxious. It is relaxed, but alert and somewhat aware watching, listening, and paying attention to our “threat alarm” at all times. All permit holders should be at Green, all the time.
Yellow is something in our environment might be a threat. Whether it is unruly guys in a restaurant who suddenly start arguing loudly, or a woman walking around a park who suddenly notices that two guys seem to be following her.
Red is when an instant threat becomes immediate. It could be someone overtly threatening or actually attacking you.
No one can foresee or anticipate every threat – the scenarios are endless. But by being at “Green” awareness in the first place, we can at least give ourselves a fighting chance.
It is surprising how often that otherwise intelligent people put themselves into what could only be called physical “traps” – an elevator, for example, or walking down a narrow, dark alley because it is a shortcut to where they parked their car. Instead, take the route that is open, well lit, and more likely to have other people around.
What I recommend is that we should always be alert, both consciously and unconsciously. As discussed above, we consciously note everything, and everyone, around us.
We should also listen to that internal “threat alarm” that we all have – that little voice inside that suddenly tells us “something isn’t quite right.” It may be a chill down our spine or the hairs on our neck suddenly standing up, or just a vague “uh-oh” feeling. Either way, listen to it. Your intuition exists as nature’s warning system.
I use a simple system of just three alert levels. Imagine a traffic light: Green, Yellow, Red. We avoid condition “White” (i.e. virtually unaware) which describes most people today are talking on mobile phones, and of course, texting.
Green is not “stressed out” or anxious. It is relaxed, but alert and somewhat aware watching, listening, and paying attention to our “threat alarm” at all times. All permit holders should be at Green, all the time.
Yellow is something in our environment might be a threat. Whether it is unruly guys in a restaurant who suddenly start arguing loudly, or a woman walking around a park who suddenly notices that two guys seem to be following her.
Red is when an instant threat becomes immediate. It could be someone overtly threatening or actually attacking you.
No one can foresee or anticipate every threat – the scenarios are endless. But by being at “Green” awareness in the first place, we can at least give ourselves a fighting chance.
