It was a dark night in 2001. After working late at the office, around 12:30 a.m., I was riding my beloved silver bike at 70 km/hr. Out of nowhere, three dogs started chasing me! Instinctively, I lifted my leg and accelerated, but they didn’t stop. Their barking echoed like a loud singer’s voice in the stillness of the night. After what felt like an eternity, they gave up the chase. My heartbeat was racing, and my mind was overwhelmed with one question: Why do they chase?

On another day, my roommates and I decided to cook dinner—a rare experiment. We attempted a combination of gravy with rice or noodles. The result? It was barely edible! That night, we found a newfound appreciation for hostel food, which we had often taken for granted. Deciding not to waste the food, we gave it to some street dogs. To our surprise, even the hungry dogs came, sniffed, and walked away without taking a bite. We laughed at our failed culinary experiment—not even the dogs could eat it!

On yet another night, while returning from work, a pack of dogs chased me again. It became a nightmare to cross certain streets, knowing those dogs were waiting. Have you ever experienced this? It reminded me of movies where dogs are portrayed as seeing beyond the ordinary, barking at things invisible to us.

Over time, I started noticing a pattern: dogs chased fast-moving vehicles. If I slowed down, they wouldn’t chase. I realized that dogs might associate certain vehicles with past traumas—perhaps a car had run over a dog or its pup. Their barking and chasing seemed like a defense mechanism, directed at vehicles they perceived as threats.

But here’s the dilemma: If I slow down, will they bite? This is where intuition becomes crucial. When our minds are disturbed, carrying unresolved emotions or negativity, dogs sense it. They have an uncanny ability to perceive energy and may interpret it as a threat, prompting them to act aggressively.

Many of us believe that we are responsible for what happens to us. In moments of hardship, we question, What did I do to deserve this? Whether these experiences are consequences of this life or a past one, one thing is clear: cultivating a calm mind, practicing self-control, and building a positive mindset can influence how we react to life’s challenges.

Ultimately, our reactions shape our future experiences.