Bad weather sailing and Demons of the Mind

[BurnitBlue]

I have just read an inspiring book by Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr Michael Stroud about their unsupported crossing of the Antarctic continent pulling two sledges each weighing 480 pounds. As a record of sheer guts and determination it is an amazing read but the chapter that caught my attention the most was the one where he writes about the Demons of the Mind which constantly tried to offer them all manner of good excuses to give up and airlift out of that hell.

Up until I read that chapter, I had always thought that these Demons, which, in my sailing cruising life, I also suffer from, were peculiar to just me, and I was so ashamed of them that I kept them to myself.

His solution, which is apparently a universal one among mountain climbers, is to think of a phrase and repeat it to oneself as a mantra to squash the thoughts of giving up by a form of self-hypnosis. For instance “Stick to it … stick to it … stick to it”, over and over again, until the Demons have been silenced, and apparently they do get silenced.

I never knew about this and I will try it out next time it happens to me. However, I am wondering if any one else has experience of this problem and what mantra they have used if any. I also wonder whether there is anyone here that has more information about this technique because I may have only half the story. Thank you.

 

[ChrisE]

My mantra comes from the area of France somewhere near Beane...

Seriously, sounds like a good idea, I've used the same technique when going into an exam hall as the nerves start to jingle a bit.

 

[bilbobaggins]

I sing and whistle 'that song' from the end of Life of Brian......

....then I get a clout on the ear from those with me!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[WowdyWebel]

An alternative to this, but the exact opposite approach, is to "stop thinking". It sounds rather wacky but the effect is identical.

In stessful situations I think we all, to varying degrees, have a parrot on our shoulder subconciously feeding us distracting, irrelevant or destructive thoughts. If you "stop thinking" the background chatter is silenced.

This is really just a passive approach compared to the example you mention. It is commonly used with people who have drug or other mental health problems where the constant chattering can be really destructive.

A way of trying is to take a sip of water and perhaps write down your next thought. You won't have one to write down and the problem will, temporarilly be gone. With a bit of practice you don't need the water. Magic eh?

 

[Searush]

However, there ARE times when one should listen to the Demons!!!! It's all a matter of balance & judgement.

"Harbours rot men & boats" so don't spend too long sitting in 'em worrying! But you do need to run to them now & then for a break or for safety's sake.

However, many great sailors will tell you it is safer to ride out a gale at sea with plenty of sea room - if you can get it!

 

[WowdyWebel]

You are absolutely right.

The point about the technique, and I am not exactly an expert in it, is that it separates out the emotion of a situation from logical thinking.

Therefore, if the demon is saying "I'm bricking it you're going to sink" you can recognise whether it is a rational concern requiring a "head for home or searoom" response or an irrational one requiring "have another beer and forget about it"

Anyway, like many theories about the mind it may just be complete cobblers. Its helpful cobblers sometimes though because it seems to work.

 

[BurnitBlue]

Yes, I agree but my Demons seem to punch above their weight. It starts with a feeling of dread which in the past I have thought was more a subconcious omen type of thing. Something warning me not to leave harbour which I was all too ready to believe being a founder member of the cowards club.

It came as a surprise to read that it was apparantly quite common.

Mountaineers, of course, cannot afford to pay attention to the Demons in case they are between ledges, where giving up (even if just for the night) will expose them to a freezing death tied to a ledge. The book does quote Cris Bonnington and his view on ignoring the Demons by Mantra rote.

I suppose its more a mountain risk than a maritime one, but I am still feeling a lot better today for knowing that I am not weird. (I think)

 

[duncanmack]

Ah yes, the power of positive-ish thought.

I used to white water kayak, daft stuff. I used to get in a right state the first trip of each year in the Alps - a "nice little warm up" section. Haha. Death doom and destruction.
All the little voices ranging from " Yew dont wanna do that" to "you're gonna die". Terminal shakes and wanting to pee -never mind you emptied the bladder 3 minutes earlier.

I used to chant to myself "If I can just get round the first corner...." Note, not "when" but "IF". This drowned out the little voices.

Once round the corner, the little voices stopped as I was in the zone - and they knew I wasn't listening any more.

Little voices can be argued with, if they persist then take what they say into consideration, If the advice is helpful than pay heed, if not then tell them to eff off and stop distracting you. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[wotayottie]

[ QUOTE ]
However, I am wondering if any one else has experience of this problem and what mantra they have used if any. I also wonder whether there is anyone here that has more information about this technique because I may have only half the story. Thank you.

[/ QUOTE ]

Earplugs are the answer. If you cant hear it, there is no real wind! Works every time.

My problem is harbour rot. Seizes me the minute I get into harbour and every weather forecast thereafter is another excuse for not leaving. Once I'm out there and in with the earplugs, I can cope no problem. But I've beeen known to refuse to go out into a F4 on the nose! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Noddy]

[ QUOTE ]
An alternative to this, but the exact opposite approach, is to "stop thinking". It sounds rather wacky but the effect is identical.

[/ QUOTE ]

Its very hard to 'stop thinking.' For example - if you were asked not to think about a white bear, I bet I could have a good guess at the image in your mind.

Another approach would be distraction, fill your mind with something else. This is ideal in a dangerous situation as doing something is both comforting and practical.

Interesting comments about Harbour Rot; as Shakespeare said:

"A coward dies a hundred deaths
The valiant only one"

I've found that the fear of bad weather is never as bad as the actual experience. But then I've never been any of the scary weather we read about.