Re Flex

Most reflexes operate in the background, quietly doing their job. They don’t make a big fuss about their importance. 
A newborn won’t complain when the sucking reflex kicks in the moment hunger arises and the mother’s breast is within reach.

“First one to blink loses” may be a fun game, but it misses the real purpose of blinking. Eyes might be the window to the soul — but more importantly, they’re an incredibly vital and inspiring tool for observing the world around and beside us. 
A pair truly worth protecting. Evolution had a clever idea: equip these delicate organs with built-in covers. 
These eyelids snap shut in an instant, shielding the eyes from harm. Dust particles, harsh sunlight, even tear gas — they stand little to no chance against what’s under cover.

“Fright, be gone!” — a pious wish, perhaps, but the startle reflex pays it no mind. The fright shows up precisely when familiar support or expectation suddenly vanishes or drifts away. Then the reflex reacts — promptly, and usually quite politely.

So far, so automatic — an impressive evolutionary feat.

Yet other fascinating reflexes are learned responses, shaped by experience. Think of the experiments that Mr. Pavlov conducted with his dogs. They knew exactly when the bell had rung — and what to do.

Inspiring are the humanitarian reflexes, often held in high regard. Those who’ve trained their outlook toward others in the spirit of humanity will instinctively uphold ethical behaviour — and in doing so, foster harmony. Such reflexes weren’t part of evolution’s standard package. They require imagination and creativity to become part of one’s personal reflex portfolio.

Of course, upbringing and learning play a key role in bringing this kind of inspiration to the table. 
Empathy, respect, and support are like premium features in the reflex catalogue — and yet, they really ought to be standard.

Listening to another without immediately interrupting demands serious discipline from the reflex. 
In discussions especially, one’s own opinion tends to rush in, fast and overwhelming. 
A shame — because those who give more than they receive learn little that’s new. 
After all, one’s own opinion is already thoroughly familiar to the speaker. 
And when emotions join the game, things get truly interesting. 
For when feelings slowly, subtly reveal themselves, doors — and sometimes windows — open that were previously unknown. 
To understand? Now that’s an emotional reflex.

This leads directly to the next candidate: active support, once a situation — and the emotions tied to it — has been understood. 
I suspect this reflex appears more often in communities. That’s where some of my favourite reflexes thrive. 
When decisions are made reflexively that improve the lives of entire communities, then — bravo.

One of my absolute favourites from the reflex collection is the injustice reflex. 
But it needs special equipment to function in reality: civil courage. Ouch!

To anyone who’s already tried this disciplined stance: congratulations. 
Because the fine print of civil courage clearly states that personal risk — physical and psychological — is involved. 
Often, the courageous individual stands alone in the open field when standing up against injustice. 
The injustice itself isn’t the one to confront — it’s the one who enacts it. 
Or put simply: the bully, the aggressor, or the dictator — they’re the ones who so often carry the club of injustice in their backpack.

Who or what motivates someone to activate this reflex — civil courage included?
The answer, again, is simple: someone tries, out of conviction, to do the right thing.

Goodness gracious. What’s going on in my subconscious at half past five in the morning?
Why does it still drag such heavy thoughts around before I’m even fully awake?

No idea.
I just write them down. That’s all.
And my reflex.