In this phase of
alarm response,
alertness is increased, mild
adrenalization. This state is considered desirable in
competition and
performance. To be alert yet
non-combative is rare because
arousal mobilizes the
fight-flight muscle
response. This
phase brings us into our bodies and into the present
moment to
investigate,
search and
discover what is there and
organizes our
attention and
readiness for
action. This is a
question of
territory, protecting one's ground.
PHYSICAL RESPONSE IN THIS PHASE:
Increased muscle tone and peristalsis, skeletal muscles pull us upward to make us alert, mouth closes, nostrils flare, eyes open, hands are ready to open, the arms flex, the chest is raised by the intercostals, the diaphragm descends, and the legs stiffen slightly.