serendipity, synchronicity, happenstance, fate....

Published in the Idaho State Journal and Blackfoot Morning News week of July 11, 2010

Who doesn’t love a good sign from the universe? Signs in the old days were nice and clear—a burning bush, dreams of cows and ladders, being visited by angels. But today, we are stuck with signs that are often much more subtle--that surprise encounter, that interesting billboard, that book someone handed you. We call these curious events many things—serendipity, fate, omens, happenstance, law of attraction, a communiqué from Jehovah.

We can believe that buying in to the wonder of these striking events is akin to superstition and fantasy, or we can explore what role these events might be able to play in our lives. Lots of people with many letters after their names suggest that these mystical occurrences are more useful to us than some may think. Psychologist Carl Jung may have been one of the first to discuss it with his theory of synchronicity. He said, “The concept of synchronicity indicates a meaningful coincidence of two or more events, where something other than the probability of chance is involved. (It) suggests a kind of harmony at work in the interrelation of both psychic and physical events.” So, these peculiar events and I are strung together, somehow, for some reason. That song’s been on the radio a hundred times, but today it strikes you deeply. Why?

Dr. John Krumboltz, in his book “Luck is no Accident—Making the Most of Happenstance in Your Life and Career,” suggests that not only are these events significant, but we can take advantage of these meaningful accidents, set ourselves up to have meaningful accidents, and that meaningful accidents have already influenced your life in countless ways. Gregg Levoy, who wrote “Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life,” suggests that these signs are little calls, little signals, from a potentially transcendent force, and we can amplify them, study them and use them as a roadmap to get us where our souls want to go.

For me, these events provide a glimpse of the mysterious dimension of life—micro-visits from that which I don’t understand and can’t comprehend. Are all moments of serendipity and happenstance calls to immediate action and change, a clear directive from beyond? Maybe not. But do these experiences provide me with validation, a renewed sense of faith and trust in myself, a reminder to stay on track, a moment of communion and connection, or a much needed dash of humor? Usually. I find it fun to think there is something going on behind the curtain that I can’t see. It’s possible there really is no meaning to any of these occurrences, it’s possible they truly are just random events, but where’s the entertainment value and opportunity for creativity in that line of thinking?

Regardless of where these experiences might originate from, meaningful coincidences can give us an opportunity to check in with ourselves. How long had you been feeling lonely when that long-lost friend called you? What’s going on in your life that you can’t get those particular song lyrics out of your head? Perhaps you have unfinished business. Perhaps you are ready to take a brave first step. Perhaps it’s time to surrender to what you already know, and do the things you know you’re supposed to do. However you interpret and apply the big or small signs that pop up in your life, these beautiful words and ideas—serendipity, synchronicity, happenstance—can be a catalyst for our imagination, inspiration, insight, and perhaps even positive action. Onward!

Nancy Goodman is a licensed counselor with an emphasis on life and career coaching. For questions or to schedule a free consultation (in-person or over the telephone), please contact Nancy at 208-478-1414 or goodnanc@yahoo.com. http://vocatusidaho.blogspot.com.