How do you check your reality? ...seems like a funny question for an artist, specializing in the surreal. But it appears, in a way it actually sharpens my senses for the so called real world, by constantly questioning it.
Being scammed like you describe must be a terrible experience and I'm sure, it can happen to all of us. There is a trick out there for everyone, and therefore I wouldn't feel that much ashamed of afraid of looking stupid... someone simply found the button that worked in my case... Limit the damage and move on. Hehe... easy said, of course I'd be mad as hell, particularly when nothing can be done about it...
But like you said, at least one can take it as a learning experience 😎
I love what you say in your first paragraph. Yes, I analyze life and seek guidance to get clear on reality. But you...you morph and play with it to find clarity! It’s all good and we can learn from every experience if we stay open. :)