You are aware of (thinking about) your environment and have mentally and visually considered your destination before proceeding. Now, what are you hearing? You can’t see around every corner or vehicle. You can’t see well in the dark. You’ve done everything you can to secure your environment except one thing. Listen. What you can’t see up ahead, see behind you, or see approaching from a blind spot........you may be able to hear. Listen for the skidding sound of a shoe sole briefly sliding across concrete. Listen for the change of sound near an air vent when somebody crosses in front of it. Listen for the slight movement of clothes or change jingling. Listen for the light rustling of leaves or brush. Listen for the tell tale sign of strangers near a house - dogs barking. Any sound or change in sound you are hearing could signal the approach of an assailant or a vicious animal.

In review at this point on our discussion of self defense, you are aware of(thinking about) where you are, looking for signs of trouble, and listening for any hint of movement that may signal you to turn, move laterally, or run.

When an individual approaches you from the front, it may be a diversion from the one who is set to approach you from behind to actually initiate an attack. After you have done everything else and proceeded to your destination, your hearing can save your life. To this point, we have mainly just discussed the use of our senses in avoiding confrontation. Avoidance of confrontation and assault should be anyone’s primary form of self defense unless they are law enforcement personnel. Being able to escape is the best way to keep you and your family safe and is self defense in it’s truest form.

Unfortunately, people looking for self defense articles and products are often seeking out the advice and devices with the mental image of being armed to the teeth with knives, guns, pepper spray, stun guns and batons, going toe to toe with the bad guys. Knowing how to fight and carrying appropriate protective devices for self defense is fine. I am an advocate of private citizens being able to physically defend themselves from any actual assault. The businesses listed below carry dependable products for that purpose. But avoidance is true self defense in it’s purest form. There is a multitude of advantages in avoiding or escaping physical confrontation including the physical harm or death that can result in your standing to fight (regardless of how well armed you are), and the legal ramifications that can leave a victim looking like a criminal in the eyes of the police and legal system.

But using your senses, including the sense of hearing, you will, most of the time, have ample opportunity to avoid or escape confrontation with any would be assailant. Think, look, and listen, will keep you safe from harm and danger the majority of the time.

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