The ABCs of Self Defense: Keys to Personal Safety

As the warm spring weather starts to come our way, I'd like to share some principles of Self Defense and Personal Safety.  My philosophy is that these should be positive and enhance our quality of life, not restrict us in our fear.  

For example, the same awareness that allows us to recognize danger, allows us to appreciate the newly green grass and the magic of a baby's smile.  Please consider these principles and have a fun spring!

Personal Safety & Self Defense Key Concepts

Self Defense is a Life Skill:  The same skills that will keep you safe, will lead you directly to a more powerful, successful, joyous life space.

Fear is a signal:

• Trust your instincts–they are right.
• If you think something is wrong, act accordingly.
• Train to move from fear to power.

ABC’s to Personal Safety

• Awareness
• Boundaries
• Confidence

Awareness: Recognizing Danger Signals

• Learn danger signals.
• Appearance does not predict a dangerous person or situation.
• Look for attempts to isolate you, for situations that are out of the ordinary.

Boundaries:  Isolation and Invasion

• Isolation occurs when you are alone with another person, or outnumbered.
• Where others can’t see you OR you can’t be heard
• When your resources and “social contacts” are limited.
• Invasion occurs when your personal psychological space is violated: staring; gestures; peeping; ignoring; refusal to answer or communicate.
• Standing or sitting too closely; threatening/invasive movements; stalking behaviors; invasion of privacy (your room, desk, home, notebooks, letters, pc files, journal or diary, eavesdropping)

Competence Leads to Confidence

• Physical training of any sort will let you know yourself and your body.
• Verbal confidence allows you to express yourself competently.