Synchronicity is an experience that has fascinated me for a long time. I’ve read many books that discuss the importance of noticing it. I must admit though, that I’ve found it both a challenge and a joy. And sometimes, like recently, there’s so much of it! Being awfully bottom-line oriented in my quest to understand the Universe (haha), the only question I really wanted answered was, “For the love of God, what does it mean?!?”
Does it mean that the signal offered is the way to go, or I need to pay attention, or is it just fun and happy coincidence? Or could it be all three? Or is there a piece of the puzzle that I don’t have yet? Those of you similar in your desire to understand the ultimate question of Life, the Universe and Everything will understand this need to know!
What synchronicity has told me that there is a lot going on beneath the surface. We are connected, and any moment we forget this, such experiences can bring us an awakening. A doorway opens and shows us something that indicates there is much more than the limited ways we had been thinking. In and of itself this is a humbling and much needed miracle moment. After all, consider the mechanics it takes for synchronicity to appear.
Is there always meaning? Last year, I took a vocal workshop with about 20 participants. One evening, a few days later, I chose to take a longer route home than usual even though it would take more time. Upon entering my building, I saw one of the workshop participants from the previous weekend. We hadn’t spoken before, but recognized each other. Getting in the elevator, we also realized we were going to the same floor! I was so puzzled that I struck up a conversation and found out he was buying a computer part from someone who also lived here. He seemed a little stressed or distracted or confused, so the conversation didn’t exactly flow.
I didn’t learn anything that felt of particular significance to me, although perhaps it did for him on some level. I don’t know. But it was uncanny. I couldn’t help but think of the logistics it took for it to occur. The slightest change in timing and this encounter wouldn’t have taken place. We are all connected. And our connection goes beyond what most of us know. Sometimes, these clues simply mean we are in the right place in our life at the right time and to trust it. Enjoying the mystery is half the fun.
Does synchronicity require action? The most common question people have is about what to do about synchronistic experiences. Many of us look for signs when we come to a difficult or puzzling choice. In these moments, I believe it is smart to look around and see what shows up. The key to look for is your reaction or response. How do you feel when you experience the synchronicity? Does the signal make you more confused? Or does it make you feel surprised, excited, happy, calm, relieved, energized or affirmed? You may even cry tears of joy, feeling as if you’ve found the answer to your soul’s deepest calling. Your response is the one that counts. It will show you the way.
Of course, there are some situations which appear amusing, curious or “just a coincidence”. Examples of these include seeing a long series of green cars parked in a row, or two people with the same odd hairstyle walking past each other, or dreaming of a rhinoceros and seeing a big poster of it the next day. These have become, for me, moments to look up and be present. They make me smile or perk my ears up like a dog. I find I give more attention to the rest of the day, which can shift everything. On two occasions this year, I was sure I met angels disguised as humans, people I barely knew. They gave me such clear advice on something I had asked silently. Both occurred after setting a clear intention during my Nia classes. Just contemplating the presence of angels warmed my heart and made me feel deeply supported, shifting my energy and creating action.
On the whole, synchronicity is a reminder of the mystery of life and how much we don’t realize. When you notice it, it means your eyes are open, you are mindful to an invisible world, your soul can speak to you more easily. This is a good thing. It helps you wake up and really see, knowing that someone or something has heard you and has responded.
What I’ve learned most from synchronicity is that its meaning is up to each of us. And if we can’t decipher it, then it we don’t need to or it isn’t time. On the other hand, if it leads you closer to home, to who you are, to your deep and fulfilling truth, then it is vital. It will be known by the tug of your heart, by the pull of your desire. What do you want? What do you really want, at this time, in this moment? That may be as far as you can truly see. And that is likely the way it’s meant to be.
Love this blog – thanks for sharing! Your elevator story, reminded me of a strange incident recently, where I forgot my bus/train pass and had to return to get it and was running late. While in the elevator this woman mentioned that she found a yellow and blue Nautica umbrella that was identical to the one I was holding, on the side walk in front of my condo. I explained that I lost it and decided to buy another one. She suggested I go to her floor to retrieve it, so I did. At that point I was running late, and as I left my condo with my bus pass, a neighbor was leaving and offered me a ride to the West coast express train. I was amazed at these synchronous events and could not believe the timing. Some force was orchestrating that morning for me, and now I have 2 umbrellas :-)) I would hope for something a little more exciting, but maybe when I’m done losing things, the universe will know I’m ready for more!
Wow, that’s cool. Two umbrellas! 🙂 Always nice to have some help in unexpected ways. We’re all connected. The web continues being weaved.
Love this blog – thanks for sharing! Your elevator story, reminded me of a strange incident recently, where I forgot my bus/train pass and had to return to get it and was running late. While in the elevator this woman mentioned that she found a yellow and blue Nautica umbrella that was identical to the one I was holding, on the side walk in front of my condo. I explained that I lost it and decided to buy another one. She suggested I go to her floor to retrieve it, so I did. At that point I was running late, and as I left my condo with my bus pass, a neighbor was leaving and offered me a ride to the West coast express train. I was amazed at these synchronous events and could not believe the timing. Some force was orchestrating that morning for me, and now I have 2 umbrellas :-)) I would hope for something a little more exciting, but maybe when I’m done losing things, the universe will know I’m ready for more!
Wow, that’s cool. Two umbrellas! 🙂 Always nice to have some help in unexpected ways. We’re all connected. The web continues being weaved.
Here’s a music exercises with synchronicity that I once shared with my Taiko fellows when drumming with the Uzume Taiko Group years ago… One group of musicians plays a groove that is constructed by only the ‘odd meters’: 11+9+7+5 (32). The other group plays an even meter of 4 times 8 (32). The two lines move drastically different in their own timing, but the magic happens when they synchronize at 32 – Bang! The magic moment that is taking the spectators off their seat. Sitting at the coffee shop or standing at a skytrain station (or the Paddinton Station in London waiting to aboard to the train to Windsor!), watching people busily shuttling to and fro in an absolute chaos — who would guess beneath it the metronome is waiting to click at that 32nd count!
Here’s a music exercises with synchronicity that I once shared with my Taiko fellows when drumming with the Uzume Taiko Group years ago… One group of musicians plays a groove that is constructed by only the ‘odd meters’: 11+9+7+5 (32). The other group plays an even meter of 4 times 8 (32). The two lines move drastically different in their own timing, but the magic happens when they synchronize at 32 – Bang! The magic moment that is taking the spectators off their seat. Sitting at the coffee shop or standing at a skytrain station (or the Paddinton Station in London waiting to aboard to the train to Windsor!), watching people busily shuttling to and fro in an absolute chaos — who would guess beneath it the metronome is waiting to click at that 32nd count!