Glitch in the Pattern

The moment something unexpected throws us off course.

This week’s Brain Waves has me reflecting on routines and patterns- the repetitive nature of humanity. Something we are often in control of. A curation of our lives that feels comfortable.

Even if the routine itself is uncomfortable- I’m thinking of those who take cold showers, etc.- it is still expected discomfort. You are the one turning the dial and inviting that chilling shock to your nervous system. You are the one that joined the Polar Bears Club with a plan to run and jump in the ocean in the dead of winter.

It is very different to be standing in a hot shower and, out of nowhere, the water suddenly turns ice cold within a split second. Zero mental preparation. Not the gradual, “Oh, if I don’t finish this shower soon, we’re going to run out of hot water” kind of temperature shift. A full, unexpected surprise of freezing water. It is very different to be woken up by being thrown into the icy ocean.

We all have patterns and routines that offer us comfort. And we have all experienced disruptions to those comfortable patterns- surprises that catch us off guard. Realizing you forgot to buy more coffee the night before. Train delays to your weekly Yoga class causing you to miss it. The alarm is being set for pm instead of am. Opening up a brand new humus to notice the seal was broken. Construction on your regular commute to work. A different instructor walking into the room from what was written on the schedule. The BBQ restaurant sold out of Brisket. Gosh would that last one upset people when I worked in the restaurant industry.

The interesting thing is: what comes with that surprise?