Sometimes when we repeat the same experience over and over, day after day, it starts to feel repetitious, like you’re on a treadmill. In this case, I actually was on a treadmill in the gym. Because of my knee issues, I don’t run anymore, so I walk, and walk and walk.
In order to deal with the boredom, I usually watch what’s on the TV screen attached to the treadmill. On this particular day it was tuned to Fox News and I said to myself, Well, I’m not going to watch that. So I started going through the channels as I kept walking and walking. I would pause on a station, feet still moving, and watch a bit one program, then move on to another.
Finally, I reached The History Channel and just as I did, what appeared to be a promo ad for Expeditions Unknown came on. But immediately afterwards, an episode of the show began. I thought this will keep me entertained while I walk, and I was hoping for a new episode, or an old one that I hadn’t already seen.
No such luck. Instead, the episode that came on was one that I’d not only seen, but I was actually in it. And my part was right at the beginning. So within seconds, there I was on the treadmill watching myself talk about the Bermuda Triangle to the big guy, Josh Gates, who investigates mysteries and legends.
On one hand, it was surprising. I mean, what are the chances? But on the other hand, I’d seen it, of course, so in a sense it was more repetition. But no matter how many I’ve seen the beginning segment, I do like watching the part where lightning bolts come out of my fingertips as I physically defined the Bermuda Triangle for Josh.
I watched a few minutes of the show until my time on the treadmill was over. On the way home, I saw something else that is somewhat repetitious in my life–the numbers 11:11. I seem to catch those numbers all the time, and this time they were in large numerals on the sign outside of Wellington High School as I drove by. Usually, there’s a message about something related to the school, but this time, oddly enough, the sign was a huge digital clock. And yes, it was 11:11.
I also enjoyed seeing those flashes coming out of Rob’s hands. What fun watching yourself while on a treadmill.
The flashes, of course, weren’t real, but the sudden storm was and we stayed atop the lighthouse until it hit.
I’ve been having so many synchros lately that – for lack of a better idea, are encouragements and suggestions from the Great Conversation – that I can’t help but jump in here with yours. It immediately occurred to me that in the midst of a boring, mundane task, you were given the opportunity to see yourself “in a new light”. You especially liked the part where “lightning bolts come out of my fingertips” as you defined something for the presenter. Then you head home, and have an 11:11 “pay attention” experience. “Usually, there’s a message about something related to the school, but this time the sign was a huge digital clock.”
School, education, light coming out of your fingertips (and you spend a great deal of time with your fingertips on a keyboard I bet) …… illuminating, defining, education, giving people you will never know “lightning bolts” of ideas that may be very life altering for them. Usually the 11:11 relates to the “school” (and your role as teacher?)…..but this time it occurs in a “huge digital clock”. One might think of the Internet, and media, as a “huge digital clock”.
Couldn’t resist sharing these thoughts.
Thanks, Lauren, an interesting dissection! I don’t get an opportunity to play Zeus very often!