Lessons From The Dead Man’s Pedal
- Jun 25, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Written by: Donna Oberg, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
My dad was a train engineer for 25 years. His favourite part of that was driving for CN Rail through some of the most beautiful scenery of Western Canada. Through the Rocky Mountains.
The peaceful and majestic scenery would have been a welcome and needed a change from the chaos and devastation he witnessed as a tank driver in World War 2. Driving these powerful locomotives, hearing the rhythmic sound of the engines must have been a great reminder of how lucky he was to be alive and immersed in such natural beauty. So, it's strange that when I think about the memories of Dad at work, I'm reminded of when he talked about the dead man's pedal, or maybe it's not so strange; perhaps this is one of the best ways Dad taught me important life lessons.
Purpose of the Deadman’s pedal
A dead man's pedal is a safety feature. When my dad was an engineer, they had to keep the pedal pressed down while the train was in motion. The concept was that if the Engineer became incapacitated or ill, the pedal would be released, triggering the train to come to a complete stop.
A dead man's pedal/switch is designed to be activated or deactivated if the human operator becomes incapacitated through death, loss of consciousness, or being bodily removed from control.
Maybe you think that's a morbid lesson for a young child. But I assure you it was not. Now as I reflect on the gift of life, knowing that we are all just passing through and that none of us will escape the inevitable, the Deadman’s pedal was a unique and powerful symbol for the gift of life.
Three unexpected lessons my dad taught me by showing me the Deadman’s pedal:
Lesson 1: The importance of having an anchor to the present.
Life can throw you some doozies! Now and then, it will cause you to switch tracks and maybe even derail you. As an engineer, staying alert to ensure the smooth operation of the train and that the tracks are free of wildlife, people, and debris is vital to ensure a safe and successful journey. The Deadman’s pedal was the anchor to the present, ensuring that the engineer was engaged, healthy and prepared to handle any obstacle or threat to the safe journey and its cargo.
The world today has become uncertain and chaotic, so when facing something that throws you off balance or even knocks you off your feet, what anchors allow you to get back up? For me, it is taking a deep breath, finding gratitude, or seeing the humour in even dark situations that allow me to refocus my attention on the situation I may find myself in. Are those your anchors too? Maybe, for you, it’s the reassuring hand of a loved one, the sounds of a child’s laughter, the sounds of nature, a favourite quote or verse, or perhaps your faith. Whatever your anchor is to the present, embrace it, practice it, and don’t take your foot off the pedal.
Lesson 2: The importance of mindful breathing
This is such an important point; it deserves deeper discussion.
If the Engineer stops breathing, we know the Deadman’s pedal will stop the train. Thankfully, our bodies are the miracle machines that they are; if we don’t mindfully breathe, it’s not that we will come to a complete stop. Our physiology makes sure of that. Barring any illness or accident, the body knows what to do to sustain life. Phew, good to know. But “centuries of wisdom instructs us to pay closer attention to our breathing, the most basic of things we do each day. And yet, maybe because breathing is so basic, it’s also easy to ignore.” (How Breathing Calms Your Brain, And Other Science-Based Benefits Of Controlled Breathing – David DiSalvo)
For the science enthusiast, there is a neuroscience behind mindful deep breathing. On average, we take approximately 22,000 breaths a day, involuntary and voluntary. “In the late 1980s, neuroscientists identified a network of neurons in the brainstem that sets the rhythm for respiration.” (How Does Breathing Affect Your Brain? – Greg Miller) Our lungs take in the life-sustaining oxygen, and it moves through our bloodstream. We then expel carbon dioxide when we breathe out. Our bodies were built to breathe automatically to sustain our life functions. You don’t need to remember to breathe. But when we breathe intentionally, our minds, bodies and emotions thrive.
Try it. Take a deep breath in through your nose for the count of 5 (3 if that’s easier). Hold your breath for a count of 5 (3). Breathe out through pursed lips for a count of 5 (3). Hold your breath for another count of 5 (3). Rinse and repeat for 8 to 10 rounds. This is a variation of the box breathing method. And I use it a lot. I’m not alone …military and emergency medical professionals use this method before deploying and entering highly stressful operations, requiring intense focus and a calm approach. When you did this, did you notice any of the following benefits?
Did you feel your muscles relax and your heart-rate slow?
Did any physical pain lessen or disappear?
Did your thoughts rest on positive images and ideas?
Do you feel more focused?
The more you practice mindful breathing, the more you will experience these benefits. As added bonuses, you may find that it improves your sleep patterns, reduces anxiety, and improves digestion and overall emotional regulation. There are many other techniques for mindful breathing, and I encourage you to try out several and then commit to the one you find most helpful.
Lesson 3: Find your purpose and live life to the fullest.
This pedal is definitely a unique reminder that time waits for no one. Whether we are here for a short or a long time, life is meant to be enjoyed. While the Deadman’s pedal reminds us of this fact, our youngsters and seniors are the best sources of wisdom and examples of finding purpose and living life to the fullest. Do yourself a favour, talk to your family elders or seniors, and ask for those gems of advice. Then sit back and watch young children navigate life with courage, curiosity, and wonder.
Some of my favourite notes of wisdom from the seniors in my life are:
Find your passion and your people.
Choose to Forgive.
Be Grateful.
Laugh… Laugh a lot!
You are strong enough to face anything. You just need to be reminded how strong you are.
Travel and explore new places.
One day you will realize you spent too much time worrying about things that aren’t important.
Listen more, talk less.
Give back.
Exercise and eat healthily every day; your body will thank you later.
Some of my favourite reminders from children I meet:
Don’t lose your sense of wonder and curiosity.
Dream without boundaries. Dream the impossible.
Embrace every activity with passion and excitement.
Laugh … big belly laughs.
Enjoy the simple things (bubble baths and puppy dog kisses).
Don’t be afraid to fall; you’ll get back up. And there are always band-aids.
It’s ok to cry and be mad.
Be Fearless. Unleash your superpower.
Choose to Forgive.
Dance like no one’s watching, or maybe like everyone is watching!
So much wisdom when we are young and in our elder years. First, when we see time as unending, then when we watch time fly by, and when each moment becomes ever more precious. Let today be your Day One of rediscovering that child’s wonder and belief in possibilities and of gaining the wisdom of your future self in knowing that life rushes forward, so pursue your dreams and live life to the fullest.
If you are ready to live life to the fullest, follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn or contact me on my Website.
Donna Oberg, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Donna Oberg, Author, Certified Flourishing Coach, Nutrition Coach, Wisdom Coach and Disability Advocate, was born with Cerebral Palsy. Living an adventurous and fiercely independent life with her disability has taught her many powerful lessons, including the power of being grateful for her disability. Donna’s mission is to inspire others now to become the person they were meant to be in the life they were meant to live.
