Deconcentration / Dekontsentratsiya

by Bakhtiyarov O.G.

Paperback

Published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Stuart Carmichael-Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dekontsentratsiya by Bakhitiyarov is a fascinating book, especially for those interested in psychological resilience and stress management. It dives into a unique "deconcentration" technique that Soviet operatives used to stay calm and focused under intense pressure in the 1980s. This method helped them compartmentalize their thoughts, make decisions based on training, and shut down fear responses. Finding a translated version took longer than reading the actual thing, and the book’s limited online presence, particularly in the Western world, gives it a pretty spooky feeling.

It’s also interesting to note that the technique has been adapted by free divers to manage their breath and mental state underwater, showing its versatility. The book itself is pretty complex, and I had to use ChatGPT to help break down some of the material. Despite this, Dekontsentratsiya is definitely worth the read for anyone curious about mysterious psychological techniques or Cold War-era secrets.

Also, I have to mention that the first time you successfully deconcentrate is incredibly eerie—like when you’re driving and suddenly can’t remember the last 10 minutes, but you’ve somehow managed to stay on the road.