Suzie Chick

Synchronicity is an ever-present reality for those who have the eyes to see it

Carl Jung

Ever uttered the words, “that can’t be a coincidence, can it?” If so, you’ve more than likely experienced synchronicity. I certainly have had moments where it feels that the universe is conspiring to wake me up to something important. I have experienced several encounters with people from my past that are so completely random I cannot rationalise them away. Although often uncomfortable at the time, I really relish these moments of synchronicity as it reaffirms my spiritual beliefs that there is something beyond me which connects us all. 

What is it?

The concept of synchronicity was first conceived by Carl Jung, describing it as the “meaningful coincidence of two or more events where something other than the probability of chance is involved”. From a purely statistical viewpoint, these events are probably just chance but it’s the significance we place on them which gives them meaning. 

Jung’s classic example of synchronicity, was whilst working with a client, who was struggling to make progress, as she retold a recent dream involving a golden scarab, Jung heard a tapping at the window, and when opened a scarab beetle flew in.  Jung turned to his client, with the beetle in his hands, and said “here is your scarab.” This moment proved pivotal in her therapy, as she learned to relinquish her stubborn grip on rational thought and allowed her inner world to come alive. 

Relevance to therapy

Experiencing synchronicity can enhance our spiritual development by providing us with a sense of purpose and that we are heading in the right direction. It gives us a sense of harmony within ourselves as well as with the universe. 

Studies in brain science have even shown that synchronicity has the potential to promote neurogenesis and neuroplasticity through experiencing the wonder and awe of the numinous experience. This in turn helps us with motivation and goal-directed behaviour. 

Recent research has shown that such experiences can be useful in therapy, as long as they are identified and discussed during the course of the work. 

I recall a moment of pure synchronicity with a client once. The client was talking about her struggle to connect and express her anger. All a sudden, there was a loud noise on the street outside. It was a woman talking loudly on a mobile phone, she was enraged and shouting aggressively. My client and I couldn’t help but see the meaning in this incident. Her disowned anger was just outside our room shouting loudly to be let in. This experience allowed her to take the first steps towards owning her anger as a catalyst for personal change and healing. 

Improving our awareness

So, given the benefits of experiencing synchronicity, how can we get better at spotting it?

Firstly, we need to know that these kinds of experiences don’t happen all the time, but all the more reason to be open and aware so we don’t miss them and their potential.  Secondly, we can reflect on past experiences to see if there has already been some synchronicity. This can strengthen our belief in the concept.  Listening to our intuition can also help us spot synchronicity, for example when someone new enters our life, we could ask ourselves why this has happened at this time and use our gut or hunches as a guide. If we consciously anticipate synchronicity (knowing that these experiences exist is a major start) then we will hopefully identify these experiences when they happen. 

I feel there is something quite special and worthwhile about synchronicity. The key is to spot these experiences and try not to overly attach to a certain pre-determined outcome. Synchronicity is how the universe speaks to us and sometimes the message isn’t something we want to hear.  As the Dalai Lama affirms, “I am open to the guidance of synchronicity, and do not let my expectations hinder my path”.  So as we enter a new year let’s stay alert and see what comes!

Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash