When Reflectors Feel Stuck

Have you ever had one of those days where nothing inspires you, nothing can entice you, and no matter how hard you try there's not even a hint of forward progress on the horizon?

Of course you have, you're a Reflector!

"I feel stuck and don't know how to get out of it" is one of the most common phrases I hear from other Reflectors, and it's something I've muttered bitterly to myself on many occasions.

Why though is this stuck feeling such a common thread across our type? I don't believe that any sensation or feeling we experience is done to punish or hurt us. Instead, it's been helpful to see these as hints about who we are and what we're here to do.

"Stuck" is just one way of describing the feeling we're talking about here, so that's how it'll be referred to, but it can also be experienced as the absence of feeling altogether.

Let's go over what it means when this feeling shows up, what about it is problematic, and why we're so eager to be rid of it. Prepare to get unstuck!

The Hints Behind Feeling Stuck

I don't believe that the Universe tests us to see if we can figure things out on our own but I do believe we come across hints that are up to us to interpret and take action on. Feeling stuck is no different.

So, what does it really mean when you find yourself feeling this way?

Everything in life has its own natural cycle. We've got the different seasons, the moon phases, and the tide goes in and out. We also inhale and then exhale. What you won't find is a situation where the full moon stays full for 28 days or where you continue to inhale instead of alternating with an exhale.

Ebbs and flows, peaks and valleys. Everywhere we look there are examples of these contrasts. Why then are we so surprised to find a rhythm of our own when it comes to growth and productivity? If you've ever followed a guided meditation you might remember the teacher asking you to notice a very subtle pause at the end of the inhale, and another at the end of the exhale. It's a moment of neither inhale nor exhale.

When you experience feeling stuck, essentially what's happening is that you too are at the end of a cycle but the new one hasn't started yet. The energy around you, your creativity and gifts, and what you need to focus on are all on a momentary break that's essential to help you gear up for whatever is coming next.

Even if you're in the middle of a creative project when the stuck sensation approaches, consider this a hint that you're being set up for success if you're willing enough to hold space for it. This has been true for me on so many different occasions where I've been frustrated and annoyed because I wasn't making as much headway as I wanted to, only to have a new insight come to me during this time that made things so much better.

When Stuck is Problematic

How do you talk about this stuck feeling? If you're like most people you might say "I am stuck", and although that's a common way to explain things, I want you to be aware of your "I am" statements. Anytime we begin a phrase with those two words we're indicating with certainty who we are. When you begin to identify with stuck you run the risk of literally becoming stuck.

I don't know about you but this isn't who I want to be.

Check out this post about your Reflector story for more on this concept of identity.

For Reflectors, stuck can be viewed the same way as any other feeling. It swoops in, lingers for a while, and then moves on. There's no need to make it part of your identity, especially since Reflectors are constantly changing as the moon moves through the various Human Design gates.

I like to imagine the stuck feeling as a cloud that floats into my life and lurks over my shoulder as I struggle to be productive. I've named it Stuck as if it's a real thing, like, "Oh look, my buddy Stuck is back! Guess I'll be doing nothing today." This tactic helps me detach myself from the feeling. The word "preparing" is also a useful substitute, since it's way more empowering than helplessly sitting around waiting for things to change.

Should We Get Rid Of Stuck?

Why do we want to get out of stuck so badly? Simply put, it's freakin uncomfortable and seems super unproductive. Since we're bombarded with messages telling us to hurry up, get shit done, and conquer the world, sitting in the feeling of stuck can look like a waste of time. But that's only because of someone else's expectations if how you should be.

Let me ask you this. If you knew with absolute certainty that sitting in these feelings would eventually bring you to some opportunity that's beautifully aligned with what brings you joy and fulfilment, would you be ok with that? Heck yes! It's only because we're conditioned to this go-go-go lifestyle that we even feel pressure in the first place.

One of my favourite sayings is, "If you don't know where you're going, don't run". Movement for the sake of movement isn't going to help you escape these stuck feelings, so why not try sitting with them and see what comes to you.

Some Final Thoughts

Reflectors are naturally more open to experiencing changes to their energy than the other Human Design types. Blame it on the moon or our open centres if you need to but it won't change your design. The road to alignment doesn't require you to love every moment of every day, but it sure makes life more enjoyable when we start seeing experiences with a fresh and supportive perspective.