Chapter 1: The Importance of Reflection

Are you experiencing a challenging day? Should you simply push on, or take a moment to reflect and regroup?

There are instances when it feels as if everything is going awry; mishaps abound, Murphy's Law seems to be in full effect, and I find myself less focused, as if viewing the world through a foggy lens or grappling with uncertainty on a misty road. Typically, during such times, I tend to soldier on, dismissing my feelings with the thought that life can't always go smoothly. However, after a recent episode, which I refer to as a whirlpool of chaotic energy, I paused to reflect. In doing so, I recognized that I am currently navigating two major transitions in my life concerning work and family. While these transitions are positive, they often come with a degree of turmoil. So, why is it crucial to reflect during these periods? Simply put, it helps us maintain our perspective.

In my latest experience, I aimed to escape the relentless heat by taking a few days in the mountains. I left work early and texted my girlfriend, who was already at our destination, to let her know I was on my way! I felt a wave of happiness and freedom. Needing to refuel, I was confident that I would find a gas station along the state road once I exited the city. My mapping app suggested avoiding the congested interstate, promising to save me fifteen minutes on my journey. Perfect! I thought. Following my phone's guidance, I exited the interstate, entering an unfamiliar, semi-rural area.

I reassured myself that everything would be fine, casting a cautious glance at my fuel gauge, and convincing myself there was enough gas as long as I didn't encounter any unexpected detours. What could possibly go wrong? The app's pleasant voice directed me to take a right turn, followed by a left, only to find myself halted in a long line of cars. I hesitated, unsure whether to remain in this line or turn back to the interstate. My phone displayed only one option, warning of a five-minute delay. I decided to wait, thinking five minutes wouldn't be too much of a setback.

However, those five minutes stretched into fifteen and then thirty before I finally reached the intersection. The route my app directed me to take was blocked by cones and a "No right turn" sign. Cars going straight were weaving around others from the left, navigating through their own obstacles. I noticed some vehicles turning right, stopping to speak with a police officer, and I thought maybe I could do the same. To my delight, the officer seemed indifferent, so I pressed on. With no signs indicating closure and several cars ahead of me, I felt victorious. Yet, my fuel gauge was looking bleak. Just five more miles to the state road, with an estimated travel time of forty-five minutes!

But one by one, the vehicles in front of me veered off into recreational areas, causing my heart to sink. What if the road was closed? The app interrupted my anxious thoughts to announce that the state road was just two miles ahead. But then, I saw an orange sign declaring "Road closed ahead." Panic set in as I continued forward, only to find a blockade a mile from my destination. Frustrated, and sweating under the sun's intensity, I turned back.

Desperately, I searched the app for an alternative route, but it insisted that the closed road was the best option and refused to provide any alternatives. I drove several miles, seeking a way back to the interstate, while the app continued to urge me to retrace my steps. Stopping to refuel was a relief, but exiting the car felt like stepping into a furnace. Back on the road, I was thrilled to spot a sign for the interstate ahead, but it directed me westbound. The eastbound entrance, which I needed, wasn’t advertised. Wait! There was no eastbound entrance? Instead, a light rail train depot occupied that space. I continued, watching the interstate curve away from me.

In an unfamiliar area, I felt lost and unsure. Should I stop and ask for directions? But where could I do that? It was now Friday evening, and the semi-rural area was dotted with small shops that appeared to be closed. I turned left, knowing the state road was in that direction, but the main road led nowhere. I couldn’t recall my way back to the gas station, so when I spotted the entrance to the westbound interstate, I took it, eventually making a U-turn to access the eastbound entrance. Twenty miles later, I finally reached the state road, four hours after leaving work—originally a journey planned for an hour and a half. I felt akin to Odysseus, taking a decade to return home while my companions had done so in mere weeks.

Was I trapped in a vortex of poor navigation and oppressive heat? Even familiar street names seemed to morph unpredictably. During my ordeal, I pondered whether the universe was punishing me. Did it have a message for me? Was I meant to turn back? Along the way, I witnessed numerous accidents, street closures, and construction zones, making it easy to feel as though the universe was conspiring against me. Yet, what about the others standing in the heat with their broken-down vehicles? Were they also being punished? Conversely, what of those who seemed to be traveling smoothly, accomplishing their tasks and enjoying their day? Why was I the one facing hardship? Was I being spared from a catastrophic event, or was my perspective merely self-centered, paranoid, or perhaps a mix of both?

When faced with these energy challenges, I often seek counsel from my friend Herne, who has a deep understanding of such matters. One evening, as we sat on his back patio, basking in the cooler temperatures, I recounted my misadventures and expressed my belief that I was the target of a cosmic prank. He chuckled and said, "Bruce, it's easy to feel that way in those moments. But trust me, the universe has more important things to focus on than singling you out." "So, I'm just self-absorbed, then?" I asked. "No, not self-absorbed, but perhaps a bit self-interested. Your experience could have been influenced by the heat, atmospheric conditions, or other factors affecting energy, which only impacted certain individuals."

"Why certain people?" I inquired. "Ever notice that not everyone at work has a bad day simultaneously?" he replied. "You're having a day where everything goes awry, while that one colleague is happily whistling down the hall, having the best day ever. It happens to everyone." "But why?" I pressed. "We all have energy, and each has its own frequency. That's why when you choose a meditation singing bowl, it's important to find one that resonates with your energy, or else it won't serve its purpose." "I see! My friend Karen bought one online but gave up on it after a few uses, claiming it just didn’t work for her." "You need to approach energy work with knowledgeable guidance. Sometimes our energy aligns with the surrounding energy, making everything flow smoothly. Other times, it clashes, complicating our decision-making—like when you stopped for gas but didn’t ask for directions." "Yeah, looking back, that was a bit foolish." We both shared a laugh.

So, there you have it. Once again, Herne helped me make sense of the metaphysics of life. The next time I find myself in such a situation, I will remember to slow down, reflect, and proceed cautiously to avoid exacerbating my circumstances. Even if you don't subscribe to the concept of energy, during those days when you feel "off" or as if fortune is not on your side, consider taking a moment to reflect to prevent frustration and delays from spiraling further out of control.

The first video, "People Learn This Too Late! | Bruce Liptson," discusses the lessons many people overlook until it's too late, emphasizing the importance of reflection in our daily lives.

The second video, "What Happened to You?" featuring a conversation with Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey, explores the impact of life's experiences on our emotional and mental well-being, reinforcing the value of reflection during challenging times.