“Nothing’s so loud as
hearing when we lie…”
Anti-vibration devices
for tennis have been around since the 1960’s. Many tennis players believe the
use of vibration dampeners, also known as shock absorbers, reduce vibrations
and change the feel of contact between the ball and racquet. Some tennis
players also believe placing a shock absorber on the strings allows for more
flexibility and reduces the chance of tennis elbow injuries. Actual research
suggests there is no link between tennis elbow and the absence of a shock
absorber, but they sure do look cool on the racquet. Many come in different
shapes, colors and sizes (I prefer the Wilson “W”). Homemade shock absorbers
are also effective in creating that mental and psychological comfort most
players seek. Think rubber bands only have a use in the office?
What about the human
shock absorber? Last week, I witnessed a terrible car accident on the way home
from work. I drove by, on the other side of the road, just as it was happening
and saw people rushing out of their vehicles to comfort the people involved in
the crash. One SUV was completely flipped over and the other car was so smashed
in it had to have been totaled. Strangers were running to their aid, helping
the victims absorb the shock and damage of the accident. The image I still can’t
get out of my head was of the man, in shock, sobbing in the arms of a woman who
rushed to his side. She was his shock absorber in that moment. Who is your
shock absorber? Have you ever altered the sound of vibration or prevented the
shock of impact for another?
“The air outside so
soft is saying everything, everything.”
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