“Petrificus Totalus! ” Harry bellowed again, backing away as he swiped his wand through the air; six or seven of them crumpled, but more were coming toward him.
These are bite-size pieces of experiences that we can manage from moment to moment rather than getting clobbered by this huge, scary craving that we choke on.
Yes, that's right. When a boxer is knocked down, he has ten seconds to stand up and get his senses together – if he can't, there's a good chance he's concussed.