Naming things makes me more confident
Jerk!
Posted on 2023 May 12
I was on a plane recently, and if you've ever been on a plane, too, you'll know that feeling in the first few minutes after takeoff. That sinking feeling. The pit-of-your-stomach sinking feeling, where it almost feels like you're falling. I used to always be afraid of this moment: no matter how much I prepared myself, I always ended up having to hold on to the sides of my seat to convince myself that we would stay afloat.
It wasn't until recently that I discovered the power of naming phenomena and how it can positively impact our emotions and instill confidence. In the case of that unsettling sensation during takeoff, I found solace in understanding the scientific explanation behind it: g-forces and jerk.1
G-forces refer to the gravitational forces acting upon us. When a plane accelerates during takeoff, the force pushing us back into our seats increases. This increase in acceleration can produce a feeling of weightlessness, as if we are momentarily defying gravity. The unsettling sensation is caused by our body's inertia, as it struggles to adjust to the rapid change in motion.
Jerk, on the other hand, is the rate at which acceleration changes. It is a measure of how quickly the g-forces increase or decrease. During takeoff, the jerk is relatively high as the plane rapidly gains speed, leading to the sudden and intense sensation in our stomachs.
Learning about g-forces and jerk enabled me to put a name to the experience. Suddenly, it wasn't an unknown, terrifying phenomenon but something I could define and understand. And assign numbers to!
Once I recognized that the sinking feeling was a result of g-forces and jerk, I no longer saw it as a sign of impending doom. Instead, it became a predictable part of the takeoff process. I began to appreciate the marvel of human engineering that allows us to defy gravity and soar through the skies. Understanding the science behind the sensation gave me a sense of control and assurance, transforming my fear into curiosity.2
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: naming phenomena empowers us. It allows us to categorize and comprehend the world around us. When we can put a name to something, it becomes less intimidating and more familiar. We gain a sense of authority over our emotions, no longer held hostage by fear of the unknown.
In my daily life, there are countless experiences that leave me feeling uncertain. By seeking knowledge and understanding, we can give ourselves the gift of confidence. Whether it's learning about the biological processes behind stress or the psychological mechanisms of fear, knowing the names and reasons behind our emotions allows us to navigate them more effectively. I guess it's not just an exercise in semantics.