The Startle Flinch Response as a Trigger
The Startle Flinch Response: Its Value in Self Preservation
The picture in our header is an example of the startle/flinch response. At the crack of the bat spectators react instinctively. Some spectators see the bat others react to the sound alone. Instinctively, everyone responds in some way to protect themselves. This response is not the same for every person but, varies as each person perceives the danger; some people turn away, some people duck, some people put up their hands. In actuality there is an entire museum of Startle/Flinch responses not all of which are effectively protective. In our brain we have an almond-shaped gland just under the hypothalamus called the amygdala. This gland is responsible for our instantaneous response or startle to loud sounds and unidentified fast motion. In general the startle/flinch is our response to instantaneous surprise and unknown form of threat. This mechanism is hard-wired into our nervous system but, these responses are not all effective in defense. I believe nature provided the startle/flinch as a trigger alone. Not knowing exactly what reaction should occur to help one to be safe, nature left the trigger open. Depending upon the threats of one’s environment be it a tiger, a falling rock or enemy warriors, the startle must link to an effective response. In the case of the stimulus being the tiger the response might be to freeze and remain absolutely quite. In the case of a falling boulder, just standing their and holding up your hands would not work at all. Therefore, the startle flinch response is the fastest known genetic trigger to aid instantaneous reaction but, the reaction develops from training. Through training the right reaction is associated with the right response. The trigger is genetically built-in, the response is acquired. The startle flinch will not necessarily aid us in all surprise attacks but, training to associate certain types of responses to this amazing trigger is an essential part of self-defense and self-preservation training. What are your thoughts?
