In today's world, we often associate the art of self-defense with physical movements, punches and kicks. However, have you ever thought about another form of self-defense, less visible but just as crucial? I'm talking about psychoverbal self-defense. This form of self-defense may seem less impressive than its physical counterpart, but make no mistake, it is just as essential for navigating the conflictual situations of our daily lives.
What is psychoverbal self-defense? It's the art of defending yourself against verbal and psychological attacks. Its aim is not to "win fights", but to prevent them.
Imagine being able to recognize the warning signs of conflict and prevent it from escalating. A person who has mastered these techniques will not be known as a "great debater" or someone whom others fear to contradict. On the contrary, they may be known as someone who avoids arguments, someone who doesn't seem to get angry, or someone with whom others can't stay angry.
A master of psychoverbal self-defense is not someone who wins wars of words, but someone who prevents them - without allowing people to attack him at will. If faced with a psychoverbal attack, the aim is not to direct the attack back at the attacker, or to absorb all the force, but to deflect it safely away from everyone involved.
In our increasingly connected world, where conflicts can arise both online and in real life, psychoverbal self-defense is an essential skill. It enables us to navigate conflict situations with grace and dignity, without resorting to violence or physical aggression. It allows us to maintain our integrity and self-respect, even in the face of adversity. Isn't this a skill we should all be striving to master?
Ultimately, psychoverbal self-defense is a form of self-defense that deserves to be respected and understood. It may seem less spectacular than physical self-defense, more hidden, less visible and less honored. However, it can help to avoid and prevent latent conflict from expressing itself physically, if not to defuse it. It's a skill we should all seek to master, for our own well-being and that of others.
Stay tuned for more articles on psychoverbal self-defense. I will continue to share my knowledge and experience in this area, providing practical tips and insights to help you master this skill. Make sure you subscribe to my blog or newsletter so you don't miss out.
Gaëtan Sauvé
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