1 the quality or fact of being synchronous
2 the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (such as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality
—used especially in the psychology of Carl Gustav Jung
Have you ever experienced a strange coincidence that felt a little too perfect to be random? Maybe you were thinking about how Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita” unjustly didn’t get much airplay anymore, only to hear it moments later. Or perhaps you dreamt about a specific symbol and then stumbled upon the same symbol prominently displayed later that day. These occurrences, often referred to as synchronicity, can leave us feeling strangely connected to the universe around us.
The first time I heard the word was when I was introduced to The Police’s album, Synchronicity (1983). Although I didn’t listen to the lyrics of Synchronicity II at first, that song moved me and still does. And I have very happy memories of the moments that we played The Police songs over and over in the early 90’s.
Carl Jung (Swiss psychologist, 1875–1961) coined the term "synchronicity" to describe these meaningful coincidences. He believed they reflected a deeper connection between our inner world – our thoughts & feelings - and the outer world - external events. Jung suggested that these experiences were not random chance, but rather nudges from the unconscious, guiding us on our life's journey.
While science often attributes synchronicity to confirmation bias (the tendency to notice things that confirm our existing beliefs), I strongly believe that we shouldn’t ignore the feeling of meaningfulness these coincidences evoke. Sting explained the theme of the song to Time magazine:
"Jung believed there was a large pattern to life, that it wasn't just chaos. Our song Synchronicity II is about two parallel events that aren't connected logically or causally, but symbolically.”
When I decided to resign from my job a few months ago, I had just started reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. That book had been on my reading list for a few years. Inspired, I also decided to invest in my personal growth and pleasure and enrolled in the Creative Visionary Progam, an intensive online art program led by Nicholas Wilton. Both James and Nicholas incorporate synchronicity in their own way. And I highly recommend their work - book & podcasts - for inspiration and a way forward in whatever you want to do.
Here's how synchronicity can impact our lives:
● Heightened Intuition: Noticing synchronicities can heighten our intuition and make us more receptive to subtle messages from our subconscious. Paying attention to these "coincidences" can lead to important decisions or creative breakthroughs.
● Sense of Connection: Synchronicity can foster a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. It can remind us that we're not alone in the universe, and we all need that. Now more than ever.
● Validation of Our Thoughts: When a thought or feeling is mirrored by an external event, it can feel like a validation of our intuition. This can boost our confidence and trust in our inner voice.
So, how can we tap into the power of synchronicity? Here are some ways to become more receptive:
● Pay Attention: Be mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and the events happening around you. Keep a journal to record any interesting coincidences you experience.
● Stay Open-Minded: Don't dismiss synchronicity as mere coincidence. Approach these experiences with an open mind and see what insights they might offer.
● Trust Your Intuition: If a synchronicity sparks a thought or feeling, trust your gut and explore it further. It might be a nudge in the right direction.
Synchronicity isn't about controlling the universe or predicting the future. It's about noticing the meaningful connections that emerge in our lives and using them to guide our journey. By embracing the magic of synchronicity, we can deepen our connection to ourselves, the world around us, and perhaps, something even greater.
And maybe that way we can make the world a little brighter.
What do you think?