« …Speed: really the whole business is the reverse of speed, how to eliminate it. In a racing car, speed doesn’t exist for me except when I’m driving poorly. Then things seem to be coming at me quickly instead of passing in slow motion. It’s the surest sign I’m off form, the kind of thing that happens whenever I go too fast too early on a strange circuit. …

…I’ll go into the corner at the same speed, but everything is a great rush. Things are coming at me rather than passing me, and I’m all ruffled. None of it’s of a piece, my movements are not coordinated; and it’s like first learning how to drive. …

…Speed is therefore what I compete against. It’s the thing that stops me from conquering a corner because I’m the master of the car and the car is coming along with me, and speed – what I’m calling speed – exists only when the car takes over, when something goes wrong or I’m really not getting down to it. … »

Jackie Stewart
F1 Pilot 1965-1973
Source: Faster!, Jackie Stewart & Peter Manso, 1972, p.28-29

Jackie Stewart’s account describes what happens when the body shifts into a state of defense, changing the reactions and experience of a situation, due to physiological adaptions with respect to that state.

The outside measured speed can be the same, but the experience of the person within can be very different : fear, being overwhelmed, frustration, anger as well as calm, centered, focused and determined.

It depends on the neurophysiological state the person is in.
And it affects the ability to recuperate, learn and perform.

The difference is hence not necessarily the amount of energy, but the state of presence in that energy.

Intensity, Movement and Tranquility are hence not a paradox.
They do not qualify the action, but our presence in the moment.

What can be intense and overwhelming in a defense state, can be intense and positively challenging in a state of safety and connection, at the same intensity, i.e.energy level.

The same applies to calm. If physiologically stuck in high gear at speed in a defense state, calm and tranquility can become stressfull and overwhelming.

The question is not what is better, but what state is best adapted to handle the situation aligned with own wishes, well-being and objectives.

Developping the ability to swiftly shift optimally our neurophysiological states is hence important and avoids getting stuck in defensive reactions when no longer necessary.

Learn, perform, recuperate or gently push on own limits and increase the own space, going for new horizons, possibilities and limits become in this manner a range of options allowing to grow and develop in self-respect of our well-being. To dare, gently, in respect of oneself.

From the beginning I planned to propose Driving Experiences, with the same coaching proposition in a safe and positive setting, yet in a more physically and mentally challenging context : Piloting.

Whatever the level of piloting experience : the point is to allow to dare play, experiment, learn and discover how to swiftly shift neurophysiologogical states optimally.

To learn and to perform, aligned with yourself.
At your own pace, in your own way.
To learn piloting techniques.
And having fun!

Intensity, becoming the intensity of presence in safety.
Shifting from Speed to Movement.
At your own wheel.

Be. Your own Pilot.

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You can find more information on Driving Experiences on this page’s menu point Driving Experiences, you can book a free discovery call or contact me directly.