Chapter 34
War Games and Nervous Energy
Kutúzov fell back toward Vienna, destroying behind him the bridges over the rivers Inn (at Braunau) and Traun (near Linz). On October 23 the Russian troops were crossing the river Enns. At midday the Russian baggage train, the artillery, and columns of troops were defiling through the town of Enns on both sides of the bridge. It was a warm, rainy, autumnal day. The wide expanse that opened out before the heights on which the Russian batteries stood guarding the bridge was at times veiled by a diaphanous curtain of slanting rain, and then, suddenly spread out in the sunlight,…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Stress Response Team
Think of a recent stressful situation involving multiple people - a work deadline, family crisis, or community problem. Draw a simple diagram showing who handled stress which way: jokers/socializers on one side, focused/quiet processors on the other. Mark yourself on the spectrum. Then identify one person whose coping style annoyed or confused you at the time.
Consider:
- •Neither coping style is better or worse - they're just different ways of managing the same anxiety
- •People often judge others for not handling stress the 'right' way (meaning their way)
- •The most effective teams have both types working together, not against each other
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone's way of handling stress frustrated you. Looking back, what were they actually trying to accomplish? How might you respond differently now?
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