Combat>Mental aspects>Gut feeling

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Gut feeling

Intro

In a decisive, scary, or potentially dangerous situation, we have all have experienced a "gut feeling" about what our choice of action should be. It is an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach that tells you something is wrong.

What is it?

There is nothing supernatural or psychic about this feeling. It is just your body's first reaction to adrenaline entering your bloodstream. Your body is getting a shot of adrenaline because your brain has instinctively determined that you are in danger. Your subconscious mind has picked up signals of danger that your conscious mind has yet to recognize. As your digestive system is being shut down to allow more blood to flow to your muscles, you get a queasy feeling in your stomach. For this reason, you should always trust your gut feeling.

When you get a "gut feeling" of danger:
  • Move! Do not think about whether you should move, just move!
  • Shift into a high state of awareness.
  • Get ready to react to a threat. If you are armed, put your hand on the weapon.
  • Sweep the area around you for danger.
  • If nothing is noticed initially, stay aware until you are in a safe location.
  • Safely move to a safe location.
  • Even when seemingly in the clear, stay alert.

Even if you are unable to determine what caused the "gut-feeling" of danger, do not dismiss the feeling. Always trust the feeling. This instinct was developed by our prehistoric ancestors to survive. They trusted the feeling. That is one reason why you are alive now. To remain alive, trust your gut feelings.

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