Reevaluating Our Lives: The 'Is This Familiar?' Questions

The 'spookiest' aspect of reality isn't the fear of ghosts, government conspiracies, or a stranger watching from a window. It has nothing to do with that classic 'what goes bump in the night' feeling. Rather, it is the sobering realization that no one remembers last month. At best, we retain two memories, such as a new lasagna recipe or watching a movie with our iPhone on a train, making sure we never ride trains again because it stands out as memorable. But even these memories can fade over time. So, what now? Everyone desires more meaningful experiences but often finds they retain very little of it. Two memories from a 30-day period might also begin to fade themselves.

The Pragmatic Mindset

Let's shift this perspective toward self-improvement. Many people find themselves in the same 40-cycle loop every month, only to forget they've experienced it before. They might struggle with the same situations repeatedly, such as frustration in traffic, lost keys, buying the wrong milk, receiving the same type of text message, or even taking a shower. Regardless of the specific 'this' in your day-to-day routine, by repeatedly asking yourself two fundamental questions, you can start to uncover patterns and understand your cyclical existence.

Key Questions for Self-Reflection

Two essential questions we should ask ourselves are:

Have I done this before? Have I thought this before?

These questions, when applied consistently, can help you identify when you're reliving situations or repeating thought patterns. Whether it's facing the same commute frustrations or buying the wrong item from the grocery store, reflecting on these questions daily can lead to profound insights and prevent unnecessary cycles of dissatisfaction and stagnation.

The Essence of Our Lives: A Purgatorial Loop

Life has an inherent essence of a 'purgatorial loop.' You might find yourself thinking, 'Another Monday, Bob. Another Monday, Bill.' How many times have you experienced these repetitive situations? Whether it's anger in traffic, losing your keys, buying the wrong milk, receiving the same recurring text message, or even the mundane act of taking a shower, understanding these cyclical patterns can help you crave change. By playing the 'How many times...' exercise, you can begin to recognize the monotony of your life and the possibility of growth.

Cycle of Stagnation and Change

Humans generally resist change, but when we comprehend the cyclical nature of our lives, we might begin to crave change. This awareness can lead to a greater desire for growth and development. By continuously asking these questions, you can identify when you've already experienced a situation or thought a particular way, revealing patterns that can be changed or improved.

Rephrasing the Classic 'Who Am I?' Question

It’s worth recapping the classic 'Who am I?' question. However, to add another layer of depth, I would suggest rephrasing it to 'What am I?' A fancy monkey floating through space is an inadequate answer. By asking 'What am I?' you can focus on your true essence, your actions, and the changes you wish to make in your life. This question can help you transform from a mere observer of life into an active participant in your own growth and development.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complex and often repetitive nature of life, reflecting on the questions:

Have I done this before? Have I thought this before? What am I?

can help us break free from cyclical patterns and embrace the possibility of meaningful change. Embrace these questions and use them to fuel your journey toward self-reflection, self-improvement, and a more fulfilling life.