Do You Suffer from What’s Next Syndrome?
I know that I do from time to time. I’ve made the observation that the more time I spend with media and plugged in (the kind that are constantly and excessively using phones and media) people, the less I am enjoying the moment and present minded. In our fast paced society it seems more and more of us fall prey to the instant gratification of drive through windows, information and resources at our fingertips, and lightning fast computing. You can really spot the addicts when you see them experience anxiety when they are denied access to such media.
Impatience Leading to In-Patients
From Google to our iphones, many of us are increasingly conditioned to be impatient. Combined with high consumption of energy drinks and other stimulants, it is no wonder. While our time is more and more a scarce resource and our demands from work and overly complex living our bodies and minds are suffering from unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. Research indicates that we have more people on anti-anxiety medication at unprecedented levels.
Being Present and in The Now
Increasingly I find myself trying to get students to be in the moment, to, as it is taught in yoga, “BE PRESENT”. It is not only a critical lesson in enjoying life, having increased joy and gratitude, it is also a vital self defense and safety lesson. As I learned from my mentor Bob Martin of Gavin de Becker and Associates, the only time an attack can happen is, “…in the present and in your presence.” Being in the now can save lives, including yours.
Eyes Bigger Than The Stomach
My students are eager to learn new material all the time without having even grasped the elements of what they have. They want to learn the next form and yet still improperly execute the one they are on. Rather than pursue excellence in their existing material, they want to jump to the next because it seems new and shiny, neglecting the character and discipline lessons inherent in the proven training process.
It reminds me of my childhood when the family got to go to a buffet and my Mom saying, “You can eat all you want but you have to eat all you take.” The excitement of the variety and the prospect of so many yummy items usually won out but I learned some valuable lessons in controlling my emotions.
Living for the Bell
Greg X Volz, a singer from a band called Petra that I listened to in my youth, had a song called, “Livin’ for the Bell”. The lyrics are instructive:
Blue collar men mill around the dock
Their work is forgotten as they watch the clock
Just a few more minutes and they’re thru for the day
In their minds they’re already drivin’ away
The manager says you oughta be there some night
If you don’t think the dead can come back to life
Livin’ for the bell – like a fighter that fell
When ya leave it’s just as well
Coz your heart’s not in it when you’re livin’ for the bell
The students all hang on the edge of their chairs
Nervous anticipation fairly clouds the air
The teachers know better than to try to teach them
Coz those final moments don’t belong to them
They stay at their desks to escape the stampede
Coz there ain’t no fury like the recently freed…
Livin’ for the bell
The Album: The River Is Rising (1986), by Greg X Volz.
The lyrics stated, “when you’re hearts not in it then you’re livin for the bell.” Like school children counting down the seconds til the end of the class, many of us miss the most important announcements, tips and lessons in those vital moments at the end. Our hearts are not in it. Being prepared, pro-active and thinking ahead are good but training the mind to focus in key times can make a profound difference in our experience and education. Perhaps most important is the learning to be still, listen, focus, patient and diligent in our pursuit of excellence.
A Change in Recent Years
Years ago, it was only a small number of adults and children who had this issue. Some of them are simply drivers and trying to race their way to the finish to check off yet another accomplishment in the “whomever does the most and dies with the most -wins” life philosophy. Others simply demonstrate that they have yet to learn that often the best things are hard things that take time.
While working armed security I saw and heard of several incidents where guards or bodyguards were fired for improperly using cell phones on duty. Distracted driving continues to be a growing concern as well.
Hope for us Drooling Dogs
Like Pavlovian dogs salivating at the sound of a bell, I think many of us are products of our modern media conditioning. Respected clinical psychologist Dr. James McGee explained to me that it takes a couple days to deprogram from media. I’ve found that unplugging, practicing forms and martial arts with yoga is a powerful therapy – especially as a daily routine. Another tip is rather than just devour our food, it is good to exercise this mindfulness by slowing down, expressing gratitude or blessing the meal before eating. It’s not just what we do, it’s how we do it. Not only are we more grateful, we connect better to nature, ourselves and those around us. More importantly, we learn to strive for excellence rather than the next thing and stop living for the bell. Just one more reason I think that Martial Arts study with a good teacher is a great answer to the ills of modern day living.
John Nottingham's USA Martial Arts Self Defense & Security Blog 