Synchronicity or Coincidence?

Though similar, there is a definite difference between these terms. A coincidence is something thought to occur by chance, whereas synchronicity suggests a deeper significance.

Don’t we all love those days when everything just seems to flow perfectly? Everything just seems to fall into place without a hitch, no problems, no complications. These are the days that we feel as if we are on top of the world! Until we wake up the next day to completely opposite circumstances. On this day, nothing goes our way, and the harder we try to recreate the perfection of yesterday, the faster things fall apart. Why do you think this occurs?

Well, the answer lies in the last sentence – “The harder we try to recreate…”   

Attempting to recreate something is no different than having expectations. By trying to recreate something, whether it be a particular event or an entire day, you aren’t allowing for unprecedented circumstances that may pop up as you move toward your desired outcome. It is no wonder that it is so easy to get distracted from your authentic life’s path, isn’t it?

It is vital to stay mindful of our desired outcome without limiting ourselves to a single possible path because this doesn’t allow for other possibilities that may turn out to be better options.

The Concept of Synchronicity

Synchronicity is a series of events that occur simultaneously and appear to be related, but that do not have an apparent causal connection. You are usually not aware that synchronicity has taken place until after an event or outcome.

For example, one evening years ago, I was driving home from FedEx, and I just happened to miss the turn that would take me to the highway.

Feeling annoyed, I proceeded to drive home on a dimly lit back road.

There wasn’t another car in sight. Exhausted from working a double shift that day, I approached a red light and signaled to turn left.

As I was waiting for the light to turn green, I picked up a Martial Arts magazine on the seat next to me, and although I hadn’t done much with my newly acquired black belt, I was still highly interested. This particular issue had a feature story about my former instructor.

As the light changed, I put the magazine down in the passenger’s seat, and instead of taking the left turn that would lead me home, I paused for some reason.

And then, out of nowhere, a car driving at top speed, at least 60 mph, ran through a red light!

This was literally the first car I had seen since getting on this dark road.

Had I not paused and pulled into the intersection as planned, this reckless driver would have likely killed me. As you can imagine, I sat there paralyzed for the next two rounds of lights with all of the “what ifs” swimming in my mind.

I had been working for FedEx for nearly 10 years and had been contemplating leaving for some time.

This incident shook me to the core and reminded me that, in reality, anything could happen at any time.

At that moment, I decided to reconnect with my former instructor, and four months later, I quit my job at FedEx and began a new chapter of my life as a Martial Arts instructor, eventually achieving the rank of 3rd degree Black Belt! YAY!

Though that particular career was not my calling as I thought it might have been, it paved the way for everything else that occurred on the road, leading me to where I am today.

Though I didn’t realize it at the time, that missed turn, a magazine, and a speeding car set a snowball effect into motion.

So, Synchronicity or Coincidence?

I suppose that depends on what you choose to believe. But either way, you have to admit it’s pretty darn cool!

These types of events happen all the time and are often referred to as the moment you realize that a major change in your life course is about to happen. The question is, do you go with the flow or dismiss it?

If you’re game, I have a little activity for you to try. Interested?

For the next few weeks, all you need to do is be mindful of your “so-called” mistakes and allow them to lead you through your day. Instead of getting annoyed by them, make the decision to flow with them, and see where they lead you.

For example, if you are driving and make a wrong turn, try taking an alternate route to your destination. Perhaps a change in plans will result in the same outcome, or maybe it will lead you to a new and interesting discovery…perhaps a new thought will pop up that entices you to act on it! 

Move through your day as if it were designed specifically for you to learn and discover. Try to recognize the way in which your daily activities flow from one to the next. You may be surprised how many new opportunities are revealed.

By being fully awake and observing your life, you will be surprised at the number of wondrous synchronicities that you encounter!