"You're trying to make reality conform to your expectations rather than seeing what's there. In the sport of orienteering, they call that 'bending the map'."
Psychologists report about 75% of people stuck in a life threatening situation either freeze or go into a daze. These individuals become "victims." So what characteristics must one possess to be a "survivor?"
According to Laurence Gonzales in his gripping novel "Deep Survival," there are key factors that distinguish one as a "survivor":
--Following your instincts. This includes thinking for yourself in the face of danger. Paradoxically, obeying authority oftentimes is what kills people. Example: During the World Trade Center hysteria, many people were going up towards the roof or staying put, obeying the suggestions of rescue crews. Those that chose to follow their instincts and take the stairs to evacuate were the ones more likely to live.
--Having a Zen mind and a dose of humility. This means keeping your mind open to different possibilities, regardless of any training and expertise one might have in survival techniques. Interestingly, it is noted that while "professionals" trained in survival (such as Search and Rescue, firefighters, military personnel,etc) would seem the most likely to survive life-threatening circumstances, their experience is sometimes what holds them back from being survivors. Apparently, this is due to relying too much on what they have learned in training as opposed to keeping it basic. ("The Rambo types are the first to go.") The Tao te Ching says "He who is brave in daring will be killed, He who is brave in not daring will survive."
--Creating a mental map of where you are, NOT where you want to be. You must adapt to the world because the world will not adapt to you.
--Using fear to focus on survival. In other words, making a 100% commitment to staying alive, regardless of the conditions. Gonzales mentions a 17 year old girl who forced herself to keep going, despite fear of piranhas attacking her and worms that had dug beneath her skin while stranded in a Peruvian jungle. Even more inconceivable, there are historical accounts of those that have succumbed to eating human flesh to survive. This could not be done without preparing oneself mentally.
--Positive Mental Attitude (P.M.A.). This extends to having a well-defined purpose, even if it means short, attainable goals. People in Nazi concentation camps and/or prisoners of war have stated that what kept them going was to keep telling themselves they would be rescued say, within the next three months. When that time passed, they would give themselves another time period (ex: 3 more months).
--Empathy and teamwork. Chance of survival has been shown to be higher for people who helped their peers in an emergency situation. And if alone, thinking of someone to live for "back home" (mother, child, spouse, etc) seems to provide a sense of hope and endurance.
--Resting/pacing yourself. Especially in extreme weather/water conditions, it is of utmost importance not to push oneself too hard. Otherwise, dehydration and exhaustion may speed up the potential to become "victim."
--Belief in a higher power. Interestingly, it is said that prayer is a strength for those that don't even necessarily believe in God. One must, however, still actively help themselves. Sitting and waiting for help usually equals death.
If our experiences, education, family and way of viewing the world shape your propensity to be a "survivor"....I wonder, would I be a survivor? When I think of things I have endured throughout my life, I contemplate how frequently I utilized the above mentioned characteristics to "survive"/build my character. I have always been one to follow my instincts. I've also learned empathy and the power of teamwork at a very young age. Getting past fear is a trickier lesson to master though, something I'm still working on to this day. Ditto for PMA and adapting to my environment. I'm not so sure where I stand on how much I rely on higher powers to get me through crises; I'm somewhat indifferent. I'd have to think more on that one.
By far, my biggest weakness would probably be resting/pacing myself. I think this is what would get me in the biggest trouble. How do I know this? My hardcore overachieving personality trait. In everyday life, this might be a positive, but in nature where anything goes, this could be dangerous. I know how I can be. I tend to push myself too much when I haven't exercised in a long time, working too hard when I know my body hasn't had a chance to adjust to exerting myself. I also recently got a blister on the bottom of my foot (because the bottom of my sock/inside of my shoe was soaked with cold water, producing an onset of chafing) after I foolishly ran through cold slushy snow. It could have been prevented had I taken the precaution to wear thicker socks...and NOT run constantly through thick snow sludge. These are but two perfect examples of what could be my weakness....what could lead to my ultimate demise. Of course, chances are slim I would ever find myself stranded in the mountains/jungle/lost at sea,etc...but it is fascinating to consider whether I have what it takes to be a survivor.
Ever since I was a teenager, I have been curious to one day test my limits in the adventure/educational survival program called Outward Bound. If I had to live with nothing/no one else to depend on but my own skills, intelligence, and quick thinking....could I do it?
Do I really want to know or are some things better left as a mystery?
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