Optimizing Arousal

In becoming a martially competent person, one must carefully attend to their state of arousal, as this will help or hinder one's authentic expression and self defense.  Both under and over-arousal can be dangerous in different ways.

The risks of under-arousal include passivity, disconnection, and excessive self abnegation.  Examples of this state include such acts as failing to speak to those who one perceives to be aggressive, failing to actively oppose evil intent, and serenely accepting unjust treatment simply to maintain peace.  This state works well when one is socially disconnected and can escape into anonymity, however, this state can expose oneself and one's loved ones to unnecessary attacks and losses.  Therefore, cultivating an attitude of avoidance and chronic low-arousal, though soothing and healthy, is a fundamentally selfish approach to life, as it curtails the necessary struggle of protecting one's interests and one's family.  Ironically, this is the best approach to building situational awareness, as detachment from immediate concerns allows for an unbiased observation of one's life circumstances.  Low muscle mass, low pain threshold, and low tolerance for conflict are symptoms of chronic under-arousal.  Yogis, Buddhist monks, voluntary celibates, and other separatists from social convention share this trait of low arousal.

The risks of over-arousal include aggressiveness, over-involvement, and impulsivity.  Examples include talking more than acting, vigilantly overreacting to slights and threats, and allowing one's situational awareness to wane.  By prepping oneself perpetually for conflict, one forgoes honest evaluation of one's life circumstances.  Stress becomes a default condition which accumulates in the form of physical and psychological ailments.  Obesity, poor awareness, and a positive attitude toward conflict are symptoms of chronic over-arousal.  Soldiers who enjoy killing, competitive business personnel, and high testosterone types exhibit over-arousal.

The ideal state is optimal arousal for one's circumstances.  One's optimal level will decrease over time as one becomes more secure in old age and less endangered.  Examples of optimal arousal include arguing persuasively with sworn enemies by balancing anger with reason, defending oneself using only the amount of force necessary to repel an attacker, and self abnegating only to the point of meeting one's goals and no further.  This balance point corresponds with feelings of competence, energy, vitality, safety, and a general acceptance of conflict as a fact of life.  Conflict is not avoided or attacked, but is confidently managed to attain favorable resolutions.  In sports, this balance of arousal is called being "in the zone" while in life it is simply called surviving effortlessly.  Striking this balance is one indicator of walking the martial way.