Calm attentiveness and instantaneous reaction is alertness.
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Alertness is a state of maximum readiness for action against the background of inner calm. This is physical and mental composure, smartness, vigilance, the ability of an instant transition to active action.
To be alert means to be ready for any turn of events, while not worrying about anything and not evaluating anything. An alert person is not distracted by mistakes, does not waste time on unnecessary experiences. His gaze is confident and attentive, his gestures are precise and appropriate, his actions are decisive and timely.
Examples of alert states? This is a kitten, outwardly relaxed, but in the event of the slightest rustle, it instantly flees to another room. This is a dog that was thrown with a stick, but has not yet been ordered to fetch. This is a mongoose, easily moving away from the attack of an attacking snake and immediately turning into a counterattack, this is also a professional bodyguard in a situation where his client goes to a public meeting. Of course, this is an active participant in the training, listening attentively to the coach while sitting, but ready to jump up and go to the center of the group as soon as the coach said “Who wants to come out here?”.
The most important thing to remember is that the state of alertness can and should become our constant background in life. There is a myth that the state of alertness is very energy-intensive and you cannot stay in it for a long time — you will get tired. Fortunately, this is not the case. Moreover, everything is just the opposite. In a state of alertness, a person recharges himself and is able to do much more than usual without getting tired. The main thing to watch out for is muscle relaxation and concentration on what you are doing.
How to enter a state of alertness
It is easy for someone who is being chased by an angry dog to enter into a state of alertness. Unfortunately, a dangerous situation can also cause another state, a state of panic, which we do not need. To more confidently enter a state of alertness without an angry dog, practice the following techniques.
- Any physical exercise. In any case, you need to start with something smooth: stretching, yoga. Gradually forcing movements, finish the warm-up with sharp lunges and biting blows.
- Stretch your face: do facial exercises
- Do emotional gymnastics. States change abruptly, mostly borderline sadness-admiration, dull obedience — evil persistence, royalty-relaxed contentment.
- Do breathing exercises. Finish it with sharp exhalations «HA!».
- Keep in mind the image of a hunter watching prey: I hear everything, I see everything, I control everything.
- In the shower: a calm presence. There is no unrest, the soul is a transparent surface of the lake.