ABOUT Survival Instincts:
Self-preservation is the process of an organism preventing itself from being harmed or killed and is considered a basic instinct in all organisms.
As humans when we are stressed or in danger, the brain's hypothalamus is activated. It releases a series of chemicals and nerve cell responses that readies for the impending scenario. Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream, our heart rate increases; blood is pumped more quickly into our muscles and limbs. Our awareness, sight, and impulses all intensify and quicken. All these responses are autonomic.
Then how does one overcome the survival instinct for self-preservation? In a word, it is through practice; and practice makes deadly perfection! People who commit suicide literally "work up" to the act by getting used to danger, fear, and pain. With enough practice, self-injury and dangerous situations become non-threatening, if not mundane, making suicide easier to carry out.
Many consider those who commit suicide as weak; but in actuality, they have achieved fearlessness. In my opinion, one cannot commit suicide without being fearless, and what is more interesting is that this behavior is learned through practice.
In the case of our late friend, Letze (Dani), he practiced rigorously until he was no longer fearful of death. Death to him as he related: Was simply another aspect of living. In fact, he was so comfortable with the idea of suicide, he decided to go with the SN method instead of the Exit Bag because he wanted to feel the process of dying and felt that the Bag was too painless and peaceful.
