SHELLEY HALPERN EVANS
Writer

Coincidence or Synchronicity?

Jul 23, 2024 by Shelley Halpern Evans

Coincidence or Synchronicity?

 

In the 1920’s analytical psychologist Carl Jung coined the concept synchronicity to describe circumstances that lack a causal connection, yet appear meaningfully related. Scientists have studied coincidences and at times dismiss the study of chance occurrences as pseudoscience. Books have been written on this topic but I am more interested in my readers’ views.

 

What is your world view? Do you sometimes notice disparate events as connected? Do you feel everything in our experience is connected? Or do you possess a world vision comprised of discrete random occurrences?

 

Your world construct likely affects your inner life. Does your paradigm offer hope during duress? 

 

Maybe I can be accused of magical thinking. I don’t believe in coincidence. The world is a more beautiful and fascinating place when I see the connections between events, places and people. Here’s a little story:
 

Back when my husband Bill and I were dating, we visited Niagara-on-the-Lake with a group of friends. The six of us strolled along the quaint main street eating dripping ice cream cones in Ontario’s summer humidity. Surprisingly, I ran into my best friend (and future maid of honour) also enjoying the day there, even though she lived an hour away. We fell into each other’s arms. I resided in the north and we hadn’t seen each other in months. 
 

We were stopped in front of a magically-decorated Christmas Tree store and laughed as we always did when we were together. As I turned toward her, I caught a glimpse of the shop window display. My name, inscribed on a red ball and spelled correctly, glittered above Bill’s! 


 
Shelley and Bill ornaments on same branch 

 

Are you captivated by stories that reveal or highlight synchronicity? Or does your rational brain insist this is merely magical thinking? At times I am plagued by the contradictions myself and thus have a ton of interest in this topic. I can’t wait to hear about the experiences of my wonderful readers! Please drop me a line and share your ideas regarding this fascinating topic. ☺