Dear Action Line: My wife and I enjoy hiking in the rain, which around here of course means lightning. A recent article in the Herald has me worried about hiking in these conditions. As we all know, lightning is an electrical discharge that equalizes negative and positive forces on the ground and air. So my question is: In order to protect ourselves from lightning while hiking in the rain, should we retain negative or positive thoughts? – Michael
Dear Michael: Sure, we all knew about that positive-negative equalization thing. Didn’t we? Well, let’s just say we did.
Action Line spends a bit of time in the mountains every summer dodging storms, and is always interested in not being sizzled by a bolt thrown down by Hercules – or by Zojz, for those leaning more toward Albanian paganism. So this is an important and serious issue.
For questions like this we often turn to an expert in human thinking, and that’s Brian Burke, professor of psychological science at Fort Lewis College.
“Of course, there is no such thing as extrasensory perception, so, unfortunately, our thoughts cannot actually influence lightning in any way,” he said. “But they can influence our happiness: Some research suggests a ‘magic ratio’ of roughly three positive thoughts for each negative one if you want to enjoy your time in nature (and your life in general).”
Twenty-five Coloradans have died from lightning strikes since 2006, including one in 2020 at Edgemont Ranch west of Durango. After Florida (88) and Texas (39), Colorado boasts (if that’s the right word) the highest lightning mortality.
Even though the “experts” say not to, Action Line will probably find a grove of trees to go stand under for a while in a storm, just to stay drier and not freeze to death if nothing else. A tree’s shelter feels safer, so isn’t that, um, maybe, um, worth something? If out in the open, you’re supposed to crouch on your toes in a ball, and not lie on the ground (to lessen your contact area). But seriously, can a human being keep up a good crouch for a full, unrelenting, two-hour storm – particularly when you’re fully exposed on a mountain or ridge? Even a baseball catcher whines about that.
Action Line is not saying to ignore lightning. Not by any means. But follow “expert” advice within reason. Get down off the mountain! And, don’t stand in a lake holding long iron rods or flagpoles. Better jot down that wisdom before you forget.
Burke continued:
“Anecdotal evidence suggests that hikers are not respecting lightning – and its potential to wreak havoc and destruction – as much as they used to. This despite our exponential increase in knowledge and weather forecasting technology. Aptly named ‘summit fever’ can lead to hikers not heeding storm forecasts in their unquenchable quest for immortality (which can hasten their actual mortality).
“My advice: Think positive thoughts while you get yourself back inside as soon as you can when the lightning show begins!”
Just for fun, Action Line had a quick chat with Google Gemini, who/which agreed with Burke for the most part: “Lightning is a natural phenomenon based on physics, not psychology.”
Then Action Line got to wondering whether a higher power might help. Gemini, who is either a real quick-thinker or actually a form of “artificial intelligence” that supposedly is now in use, for the most part pooh-poohed that idea:
“While faith can provide solace and strength, it shouldn’t replace practical safety measures.”
Many Buddhists believe in a close link between humans’ morals and the state of the natural world. Doesn’t that mean that good, wholesome thoughts will ward off lightning? Gemini wasn’t buying that either:
“Essentially, a Buddhist perspective would prioritize practical action, mindfulness and compassion in the face of a potentially dangerous situation like a lightning storm.”
Gemini was a bit of a killjoy, and Action Line will probably not invite it/her/him to a party anytime soon. But Mr. Burke – a real, functioning human, as far as we can tell – is always welcome.
Email questions and suggestions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. Here’s what the experts say. Some experts, anyway. The advice does change a bit from time to time: www.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning-safety.
