Everyone is familiar with the experience of a coincidence, those curious moments of related .jpg)
events that seem to defy odds. But in the field of metaphysics it’s believed the occurrence of coincidental events which provide a specific message is called synchronicity. For those who are personally familar with synchronicity, reactions can range from startling inquiry to humble awe to grateful amazement.
This term was coined by the brilliant Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, who specialized in research of the unconscious. The unconscious is widely understood to be an active storehouse of all events and feelings: every memory, thought, need, desire, and emotion one has ever experienced. It operates continuously, somehow always making itself known through dreams and human behavior. Jung defined synchronicity as a universal principle that connects matter and mind (visible and invisible); he explained it occurs as a response to a strong need present in an individual's psyche. Synchronicity, if recognized, usually has a wonderfully mystical-like effect, illuminating our connection to a spiritual reality. It's as if a caring presence in the Universe is sending an important personal message that commands immediate attention.
There are countless ways that synchronicity can manifest during emotionally intense times in our lives. For instance, you may be struggling with an issue, go to a bookstore and instantly find the book desperately needed, yet you’ve never heard of the title before. Or, you're in dire need of money and it suddenly appears, quite often the exact dollar amount, from a completely unexpected source.
My awareness of synchronicity arrived as a gift long before I knew its formal name. Years ago I was in the midst of intense problem-solving and very frustrated with lack of progress. One day while preparing to leave a friend’s home, my attention was drawn to an obscure pile of books. For some inexplicable reason, I actually felt compelled to stop in my tracks and go to another area---a literal (and spiritual) redirection---where the books were carelessly piled in a heap on the floor against a far wall. And there I found a book that explained in detail my exact dilemma and provided powerful solutions to resolve it. This incident was truly a pivotal point in my journey toward spiritual awareness.
To further open your receptivity to this phenomena, give serious thought to perceived coincidences that leave a lasting emotional impression. As elementary as it sounds, active journaling can dramatically increase the frequency of occurrence. Writing about these unique experiences helps to further embed them in consciousness and consequently provides a catalyst for manifestation.
Remember: an extraordinary and memorable "coincidence" that occurs during internal turmoil but results in immediate assurance, clarification, assistance or guidance is probably synchronicity at work!
For more information: See Wayne Dyer's "The Synchronicity of Strawberry-Ice Cream" http://spiritlibrary.com/videos/wayne-w-dyer/wayne-dyer-the-synchronicity-of-strawberry-ice-cream
Comments
I never believe in coincidence. I always believed that what happens is meant to happen. Synchronicity is worth exploring. Would you consider God pointing you in the right direction "syncronicity"?
Intentions grow like a tree.
The story of dreaming the hurricanes, tsunami,stockmarket and meltdown through treasuring moments of synchronicity.
I lived alone for six years starting in 1993 dreaming the whole story of how I would reach You. Find Me
Excellent article and appreciate how you brought in Jung, who was a progeny of Frued. Your article made me think back to the very important kind of happenings in my life that I would have defined as coincidence before reading your article - now I see those as syncronicity - and I really could use some right now! However, how about the less significant encounters that one experiences in life? Synchronicity or conincidence? I still believe in pure coincidence without a necessarily more significant cause - what do you think?
This is a very strong statement: "An intimately meaningful, seemingly coincidental, experience that reveals answers to a difficult challenge and has an immediate effect which causes you to stop, think, and marvel is probably synchronicity is at work." I'd like to learn more about the subject of synchronicity. Also, Ms. Carla please write your next article on illumination. I'd like to hear more about your thoughts on illumination.
Hi Alan--
Yes! I definitely believe in pure coincidence.
My experience with synchronicity is that the effects are immediate, intimately meaningful, powerful, and absolutely provide inspiration and enlightenment.
Coincidences on the other hand seem to be superficially meaningless: easily forgotten, have no lasting effect, create brief amusement at best, but do not provide guidance or answers during times of great need.
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