A week ago, I fell off my bike while riding down a steep hill. I went right over the handlebars, and the bike followed me. It’s the worst accident I’ve had…ever. I’ve torn a ligament in my knee twice. I’ve fallen of horses numerous times. But this was the first time I’ve gotten up from the ground bruised and bleeding so badly.
I broke a tooth and chipped another but no bones (miraculously). Somehow I ended up with a hole all the way through my upper lip (just below the nose) and road rash all over my face. I had a horrible bruise (still do) on my right leg as well as one near my sternum, on my forehead and nose, and on my shoulder (which hit the road first).
I was lucky. I could have broken or dislocated any number of body parts or ended up with a traumatic brain injury. (I never blacked out and don’t seem to have any concussive-type symptoms.)
After the shock wore off, I, of course, began wondering about the accident. Why did it happen?
Why Do Accidents Happen?
My sister told me that “things just happen.” And, it’s true. Sometimes they do. They happen for all sorts of reasons. In this case, I did something stupid—something I knew I shouldn’t have done. While going down a steep hill I reached down with my right hand to turn on the shock system on my bike. I know better than to do that on a steep hill; the bike always gets unstable and unbalanced, and my left hand is on the front brakes. The bike has hydraulic brakes. They work really well…in this case, too well. When the bike began to waver, I hit the brakes. Over the handlebars I went. Simple as that, right? I did something stupid.
Or not.
A friend told me to look in Louise Hay’s book, Heal Your body, to see the mind-body connections between some of my bruised areas and the broken tooth. I immediately saw the connection between what parts of my body had been injured and why I might have suffered that injury from an emotional or mental standpoint. It all made sense. For example, problems with teeth represent “longstanding indecisiveness,” says Hay. I’ve been struggling to make some decisions.
Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Learn from Your Experiences
From that perspective, my accident was not just an accident. The fall from the bike also provided a message (if I was willing to see it)—a way for my mind, the Universe or some Higher Power to send me important information. For instance, “Make your decision(s) already!”
I don’t get into the New-Age guilt about the things that happen in my life. I don’t blame myself for creating them. I just think sometimes they happen for a reason, such as to open our eyes or minds to issues we aren’t facing or need to face.
I definitely had the thought as I rode my bike home, bleeding all the way, that the accident was quite symbolic of my life. Outwardly, my life seems to be going uphill fast. In many ways, though, I recently have felt like I’m about to careen down the hill out of control.
For me, an accident happens on more than one level. It is an accident. And it is an opportunity to explore your life—to learn from the experience or event. So, it’s never just an accident.
What do you think? Is an accident ever just an accident?
I’m so sorry for what has happened, Nina!
Thanks for sharing with us, your thoughts and experience. Your words are deep and should be read by many people. Another thought popped into my mind while thinking of what you wrote. I don’t believe in coincidences and accidents. At this moment I am wondering… what if in fact this accident was a blessing because… your path that day was shortened and because of this, you just avoided an even bigger “accident” which maybe was supposed to happen later?
Thanks for your kind words, M.C. Simon. I don’t really believe in accidents either. I did do something stupid on my bike…and that caused the “accident.” But there were too many coincidences or messages in the event to consider it “just” an accident.
As for your thought: I had already turned around to head home. So I wasn’t heading “out” farther. But I was hurrying…and thinking about things that were a bit upsetting…and tired.
I appreciate your comment and your concern.
I am with you, accidents are not just accidents–they happen for a reason–just like all our ill health, pain & hurt. I have learned to search myself and the Spirit of our Creator and I always find that reason for my benefit! 🙂
Yes, I usually find insight in everything that happens. Thanks for your comment, Thia.
I recall reading years ago that accidents where one is injured are caused subconciously to punish the self for transgressions. I believe this to be true for myself. An accident, whether it be my own or anothers, can be a learning experience and thereby turns a negative into a positive. Hope you quickly heal.
Hi Cynthia,
I definitely do not believe accidents or bad things that happen to us are punishments for transgressions. I do believe we sometimes co-create them or create them or the Universe/God causes them to help us get necessary clarity.
Why do I keep getting bumped with other cars ?
Mummy,
Not sure… You have to ask yourself that question, and answer it. Why do you constantly need to be “bumped”? Do you need a shove? Do you need to see something differently? Are you not staying present?