Dancing Between The Raindrops

Imagine this: a hot dog stand on the beach, scorching July heat, and no water—only beer. You can drink all the beer you want, but not a single drop of water will touch you. You're being punished by a water gnome. This surreal story isn’t just about thirst; it’s a metaphor for luck—how it works, how it shapes us, and why we’re often blind to its power.

The Unseen Hand of Luck

Luck is an elusive force. Yet, it threads through every moment of our lives, from small coincidences to life-changing events. In today's video, E.J. Gold tells the story of his mother, who won millions on a televised game show. Strangers would approach her, asking, “Can I touch you for luck?” This might seem irrational, but it highlights a deep-seated human belief: that luck, like energy, can be transferred.

This belief isn’t confined to folklore. From blowing on dice at a casino to rituals in religious practices, touch and gestures are seen as conduits for influencing fortune. These acts might not alter probabilities, but they definitely reveal our desire to grasp something uncontrollable.

Luck and the Science of Avoidance

Think of luck as "dancing between the raindrops." You don't necessarily have to dodge every drop, but it would be nice to emerge from the storm relatively unscathed. This analogy is echoed in the science-inspired fantasy about a man (who disliked water) cursed never to touch water. Initially relieved, he soon realizes water’s absence disrupts his entire existence. He can't drink, cook, or clean, forcing him to face the unacknowledged value of what seemed mundane.

In life, luck operates similarly. It spares us from dangers we barely perceive. You miss a traffic jam by taking an alternate route or stumble upon a career opportunity through a chance meeting. These moments of avoidance aren’t always visible but profoundly shape our paths.

Can Luck Be Influenced?

The interplay of luck and intention is fascinating. In Star Wars, Obi Wan Kenobe passed stormtrooper guards with, “These are not the droids you’re looking for.” It looked like he used Jedi mind magic. But what if it was just good luck? Luck just happened to align circumstances to favor Obi Wan and Luke in that moment. This perspective could reframe "The Force" as a dance with probabilities rather than domination of them.

While luck often feels passive, there’s evidence that certain behaviors—for example, preparation, persistence, and awareness—can increase the likelihood of favorable outcomes. It might not be about controlling luck but setting the stage for it to find you.

The Profound Power of Luck

Acknowledging luck’s role in success doesn’t diminish effort. Instead, it adds humility. It reminds us that achievements are rarely solo ventures. They’re collaborations between skill, opportunity, and unseen forces.

So, how do you foster a relationship with luck? By being present. By staying open to the unexpected. By understanding that even the most carefully laid plans need a sprinkle of the unexpected to flourish.

Luck isn’t a gift reserved for a select few; it’s a dynamic interplay of chance and choice. Like dancing between raindrops, it’s about finding grace in the chaos and trusting that the storm will pass.