A few weeks ago I woke up anxious about a few things: a lack of clarity on a project I’m working on, the misfortune a friend recently experienced, an upcoming trip, general planetary vibes. But then while putting away the dishes, my finger glanced off the kitchen cabinet at just the right angle and a long splinter wedged under my fingernail, puncturing the nail bed.

The pain was shocking, rippling up my hand and into the neighboring fingers. I could see the lance of bruise-colored material th...