Psychology: White Moments

[RITFencing]

In a bout after I score a touch that is simultaneously very important and very nicely executed, sometimes the adrenaline comes to a head and I let out a big roar... yelling is too small of a word. Afterwards, I feel completely empty of nerves and distractions and come back on guard with complete and total confidence and generally procede to tear my oppened several new ***holes.

EDIT: The thing about this is that it isn't something I initiate; it almost takes control of me. The first time I did that is the first time I really understood why people shout after some touches. It's not a choice, it just... happens.

[FeatherBlade]

I think I experienced it but not yet in fencing (I wish!) :l

It was during my violin concert, while playing a difficult passage, where for ex. 30s = 6 different finger hits per second (and without making any mistakes...) So at this one moment everything around sort of faded, it was only me and the instrument, all was going by itself and it felt like it´s the easiest thing to do. Too bad these moments don´t last longer, at least with me.

Anybody remembers how long their "white moment" lasted? Mine was barely 3 seconds.

[Fencergrl]

So it is like electrical resistance, some of our brains "conduct" the switch more readily (e.g. those with more pathways). But am I wrong in thinking that there still needs to be an impetus of some degree, a certain "strength of current" in my analogy, to switch use one side predominantly over the other?

I had a horrible time in school as a kid (I think by nature I am a right brain thinker, as I come from a very creative family). What changed it for me was a teacher I had when I was 9. She combined the analytical with the creative activities. Most exercises involved using both sides of the brain, or switching from one to the other. I think this created the neural pathways in my brain early on.

Our bodies reach our adult size in our teens. Similarly, our brains stop developing pathways by age 13 or so. I think by nature, creative people have an advantage over someone analytical, because they either spend most of their time on the same side of the brain where the “Zone” occurs. It’s not to say someone who’s analytical can’t go there, it just means there may be less roads/paths to get there.

During a fall or accident, this part of the brain naturally takes over, which is why we have no sense of time. Artists and such, know how to go there voluntarily and spend a great deal of time there. I know a very gifted artist who would spend days on a painting, not realizing she hadn’t eaten or slept for days… she had to finish what she was doing before she “lost” her concept and just lost track of time.

Those who paint or draw know how difficult it is to talk while doing it (note yelling is different than actually forming words and communicating concepts). It’s next to impossible to draw and talk at the same time. To do both requires switching back and forth from one side of the brain to the other.

That was the point I was trying to make earlier, that analytical types would struggle more than someone who’s creative in getting into the “zone”.

Because fencing requires analyzing your opponent and reacting to it, (and being aware of time); I suspect that the “Zone” in fencing may require going from one side to the other rapidly. As opposed to some other sports or artistic endeavours that require you to go to the right side and stay there.

Women by the way (statistically speaking) tend to be able to cross over from the left side (logical, rational) to the right side (emotional, reactive) quicker than men… but as men who have lived with a woman, you already know this.

[Morion]

Women by the way (statistically speaking) tend to be able to cross over from the left side (logical, rational) to the right side (emotional, reactive) quicker than men… but as men who have lived with a woman, you already know this.

Very true! I have yet to figure out the triggering mechanism though. The transitions appear to be a random event!

[RoninX]

Very true! I have yet to figure out the triggering mechanism though. The transitions appear to be a random event!

While the trigger of the initial switch remains a mystery, chocolate and flowers seems to be the key to reversion.

[Fencergrl]

Very true! I have yet to figure out the triggering mechanism though. The transitions appear to be a random event!

In the same way that artists train their brains to go to the right side of the brain, athletes train to be in “the zone”. There are lots of books and CD’s on the subject.

[Maester]

I think Ive had that feeling. I too used it as a way to release stress or anger towards myself, and when I get at that point it almost feels like a "high" or something. Its neat because I feel relaxed for the rest of the day.

[Kenji]

Similarly, our brains stop developing pathways by age 13 or so.

That's actually not true; studies have shown that the brain does not fully develop until around 18-early 20s, or even later for some people. It's one of the reasons why adolescents act the way they do -- their brains are simply wired a little odd, with certain areas developing faster than others.

Of course, the way our brains develop early on does have a significant impact on us later in life.

Because fencing requires analyzing your opponent and reacting to it, (and being aware of time); I suspect that the “Zone” in fencing may require going from one side to the other rapidly. As opposed to some other sports or artistic endeavours that require you to go to the right side and stay there.

I agree. although I think a better way of describing it would be using both halves of the brain together, seamlessly. You take information, analyze it with the left half, and then the right half takes that analyzed information and reacts to it. It's a seamless flow from left to right, both sides operating synchronously.

I actually had an experience similar to being "in the zone" last week at practice. I was fencing, and the only real thought going through my mind was that the girl I was fencing was really good at pulling back, so I thought to myself maybe if I can just get a REALLY good extention off of my lunge I'll be able to catch her. And then, totally unexpectedly, I did a flunge without thinking about it or expecting it at all. I was probably more surprised at it than she was. I managed to get the touch, too I analyzed the situation and came up with a solution, and then my body just took over and did what it thought was best. It was like being on auto-pilot. The only similar experiences I can think of is when, sometimes, I'll be driving a little fast, and something occurs that requires a lightning fast response, without time to think, and it just happens. Hmm, I wonder if that has anything to do with my ability to keep my cool while fencing... I've scared myself so bad I could actually FEEL the blood drain from my face, yet at the same time I was calm and composed and [narrowly] avoided disaster. Fun times... but I'm glad I'm smart enough to not do that anymore. ...too much

[chefencer]

In our family, we refer to them as Wyatt Earp moments. When we first saw "Tombstone" (with Kurt Russell) there was a scene where he and his compadres are pinned down on the bank of a creek by the bad guys who are shortly about to flank them. Wyatt, upon seeing how things are going to turn out if they sit where they are, leaps into the water and just starts plugging the banditos unmercifully while he remains miraculously unscathed. He completely ignores the imminent danger surrounding him and focuses on discrete, effective actions. The movie is not real life, of course, but when I saw that I immediately identified it with a similar incident I had during a particularly vicious paintball encounter. I felt as though I was invincible and paid no head to the paint splattering all around me, but merely focused and hit... I even had time to thank my opponents for acknowledging their hits. I'm sure it helped that they were shooting paint instead of lead, and as to accuracy - Hah!, but the feeling was the same...

[BrianH]

The air seems to become thicker, things around you appear to move slowly, and you react instinctly right to everything that your opponent throws at you.
I've been chasing that moment for while now, it hasn't come back yet.

The first part of Veeco's statement is a superb description of what happened to me once. I easily defeated everyone in a local tournament, including my coach and a terrific epeeist whose name you might recognize. I could 'see' everything my opponents were about to do before they began their action, and their actions were like they were moving through cold molasses. I 'saw' what was happening, but didn't have to think about what to do...it happened, seemingly without effort on my part. At the end of the day, I was more, rather than less, energized. Walking out to my car took more energy than defeating ten or so opponents. The only touch I gave up that day, I am sorry to say, was a gift to my coach, to keep from hurting her feelings.

I remember wishing that a couple of Olympians had been competing that day, as I wanted to see if my 'zone' would have allowed me to overtake them as easily as I had everyone else.

As has been mentioned by others a couple of times...at that point in my career, I was fencing hard five days a week and in excellent condition. I had very good concentration, was able to relax myself and was technically fairly proficient.

As to Veeco's last comment, I spent another dozen years trying to reconstruct that state of being, but it never reoccurred at that level. And sadly for me, probably never will.

[fencerbill]

As to Veeco's last comment, I spent another dozen years trying to reconstruct that state of being, but it never reoccurred at that level. And sadly for me, probably never will.

Don't give up! It happened for me in the 50's (1950's) when I was in college. Then not again until the 90's. Ah, the wonders of Veterans fencing.

[BoutAfrica]

Yes, I get this often, during many different activities, and have found many different ways of getting in "the zone". This is what I have been told and it makes sense to me: There are various levels of brain waves that your brain operates on, the highest being Alpha. When in Alpha one supposedly should feel in "the Zone". The other levels of brain waves have different effects on your consciousness.

There are many different ways of getting into this state, usually unique to specific individuals. When fencing, I can’t do it all the time, but every once in a while It comes. Unfortunately it is hard to stay in this state of mind for long without being distracted. Watch top fencers at the beginning of a bout and you will notice that they all have there own ways of concentrating. Baldini for example, will often stroll from the starting line to back of the piest and back again before going on guard.
If some one is in this state of mind you can see it in their eyes and achieving this can be enhanced through practice.

I know a very gifted artist who would spend days on a painting, not realizing she hadn’t eaten or slept for days… she had to finish what she was doing before she “lost” her concept and just lost track of time.

I am an Artist and I always end up in this state of mind when painting or drawing. The above is exactly what I do and yes, it is far easier to do while painting that fencing.

[Poulet]

Yes, I get this often, during many different activities, and have found many different ways of getting in "the zone". This is what I have been told and it makes sense to me: There are various levels of brain waves that your brain operates on, the highest being Alpha. When in Alpha one supposedly should feel in "the Zone". The other levels of brain waves have different effects on your consciousness.

I find that lining my mask with tinfoil has helped focus my brain waves better so that attaining brain wave level Alpha One is easier.

[Fencergrl]

So when you said you were a "foilist" you didn't mean this was a weapon of choice but just the way you like to dress???

[BoutAfrica]

Yes I know it sounds dumb and i will admit that I dont know enough about it but it is not like a psychic thing or anything.

[chefencer]

First, your're tired, hot and sweating but you’ve got to keep pushing , keep moving and stay focused. You’ve been going all day, but you feel relaxed, strong and the adrenaline’s got you feeling sharp. You’re in the flow of the back and forth, technique comes effortlessly and lets you focus on details, tempo and strategy. The words “mistake”, “error” and “failure” don’t exist in the vocabulary of this moment because everything you do has, is and will work. Your mind and body are a smoothly perfect machine and you’re elegantly removed, watching and directing yourself effortlessly as the orders are fired, the steaks put through their paces and placed on their plates in a splendid cacophony of muttering, bellows, clangs and heat. The Chef calls the orders out like a miss-fed machine gun but you’re so focused you only hear what you need and remember it long enough to put it where it belongs on the grill and then it’s gone from your mind, a sliver of ice melting in an inferno. You don’t need to remember because the grill tells you everything you need to know. When Chef needs something NOW, it is already there on the grill. You adjust your tempo and juggle your flaming hot responsibilities around to their new places as they await their turn in the line of plates that stretch the length of your station all night long...

Let go and follow the Tao...the joys of Zen Broiler on a rockin’ Saturday...