Over the past few years, I have occasionally noticed how things line up – events or chance meetings with people occur that positively affect my life. Sometimes it almost feels too surprising to be just by chance. You might hear of something, then a friend tells you about it that very same day, and then the next day as you are getting out of your car someone walks by wearing the t shirt or carrying this very same thing – perhaps it is a book. Often it is a particular person everyone keeps suggesting you meet.
The idea of Synchronicity – first articulated by Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung in the 1920s – is defined as the experience of two or more events as being meaningfully related, whereas they are unlikely to be causally related. The subject sees it as a meaningful coincidence, although the events need not be exactly simultaneous in time.
I no longer doubt this principle of Synchronicity exists. For me it happens frequently with particular books that just show up at the right time – often there is some kind of learning associated with the arrival or chance finding of a particular book. I recently found a book someone years ago had given me – I can’t even remember who, but once I opened it there was already underlining and highlighting of the particular information that happened to be absolutely relevant to my life. Last week I went to throw out the garbage and on top of the garbage can was another book, “Perfect Spy” by John Le Carre. I don’t know anything about this book. I do know that my Father’s favorite book, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” is by this same author. I have not cracked it open yet. It sits upon my table waiting for me to do so. I know there is something here for me but I don’t yet know what.
What is most interesting to me, however, is that Synchronicity seems to only happen at certain times. I forget about it and then all of sudden things would start happening again…then it would die down. What I am now realizing is that synchronicity, the surprising, personal aligning of occurrences of people, situations or events, seems to happen more when I am involved with things that inspire me.
It seems to happen more when I am rested instead of tired. It seems to happen more when I am going slower and paying attention to what is going on around me. It definitely happens more when I am feeling joyful. Most importantly, however, it is right when I am in the ebb and flow of things, feeling good, that I make my best art. My creativity is just simply alive. During these times, I can do more paintings, come up with way more ideas and even sleep less because I am so excited from all the possibilities.
Is it the state of contentedness that invites serendipitous, seemingly connected events in? Or is it that this buoyant state is somehow supported or caused by these occurrences? Whichever way it is, it just plain feels good to know that the tide of life can sometimes be moving in the same direction as you.
I used to think this was just something that happened to me. I now not only know that this is not the case but I am beginning to believe that the principle of Synchronicity is not only real but also a universal truth. It is like a stream that is always full and moving. Sometimes you are standing upon the riverbank watching the water pass by and then at other times you are swiftly carried within it, absolutely effortlessly.
Does this sound familiar to you? I would be interested to see what you think.
Inquisitively, Nicholas
4 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world in our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group or learn more here about Art2Life.
Nick, thank you for sharing your insite on Synchronicity. I share your excitement in experiencing those moments when I feel in alignment with the Universe and things happen. It seems that when I stop trying to control a situation, when I slow down to listen and be aware of what is going on inside and around me, I let go and accept, doors open, opportunities come my way, connections are made, and I am ready to receive. A great mentor of mine from the past would say “read the signs” they are everywhere, but often we don’t see them because we’re moving too fast and not paying attention. Life is amazing with full of possibilities!
Sara
Good Evening Nicholas,
Yes. This does sound familiar. It happens to me only when I slow down enough to “see the signs” as Sara mentioned. I recently switched jobs. My employer sold her business. The new owner asked me to stay on I declined. I know in my heart that the time is not ripe to live exclusively on selling my art. I knew I had to find something else, but what? I live in a very small town and my last job afforded me the luxury to work from home and make a nice salary.
One day I felt led to look at a job website that NEVER has any jobs in my area that fit my skill set. But that day, I followed the bread crumbs and there posted was my ultimate job of all jobs. That is of course if I couldn’t be a full time artist:)
This job incorporated my love for horses and dogs, health and wellness, sales and marketing. I had to read the job description 6 times before I realized it was real. Guess what? I applied and got the job. A month into it, I cannot believe that I lived this long without the amazing people I’ve met and the amazing people I work for.
Funny. My new employers normally would have never gone down this employee seeking avenue. It was new to them but they felt led to go this path.
Serendipity and Synchronicity go hand and hand don’t you think?
LOVED and totally agree with Sara’s comments.
One day, I hope to find myself in one of your workshop’s.
When my husband asks me what is on my Christmas list…
Your workshop is at the top!
Cheers to slowing down and listening~
Traci
Dear Nicholas
I am not an ‘Artist’ but I do feel that creativity is important in everyone’s life and I love painting. Despite my lack of skill (honestly!), I get small groups together to ‘just paint’ – trying to focus on the process rather than the product so that how we feel can perhaps become more conscious. As you say, working together has a joy of it’s own, and what comes up as we look at our paintings and share a little bit about what’s going on for us is heart warming.
We do writing groups in the same way.
I agree that when we risk – and oh it’s so much easier to stay in the comfort zone isn’t it? – we feel more alive.
I have just discovered your blog (mentioned in Brene Bronwn’s wonderful book on vulnerability)and am inspired!
Thank you,
Gay
Interesting that you should write this now. My recent synchronicities have to do with YOU! Your name keeps popping up for me again and again. I keep coming back to wanting to work with you and now it seems you are everywhere. LOL!!
I just posted about it on Facebook and one of your current mentorship participants pointed me here to this post about synchronicities…
Synchronicities indeed!
I am paying attention.