As you may know, I’m a big fan of Julia Cameron’s book, THE ARTIST’S WAY (10th edition, 2002). In it, she discusses the concept of “synchronicity”: “we change and the universe furthers and expands that change.” (2). More specifically, “when we move out on faith into the act of creation, the universe is able to advance. It is a little like opening the gate at the top of a field irrigation system. Once we remove the blocks, the flow moves in.” (2).
Cameron doesn’t ask us to “believe” this concept. Rather, she simply asks us to “observe and note this process as it unfolds.” (2). Several times in my life, I’ve noticed that as soon as I place my attention on something, the universe responds. Maybe it’s coincidence. Maybe it’s Cameron’s concept of synchronicity. But here is an example of something that’s happened to me:
Several years ago, I wrote my first “real” novel and went through the query process. I was not successful, so I laid the manuscript to rest and got pregnant with my first child. About a month before my child was born, I decided to dust this novel off and give it one last try. I started revising the story. Within a week, an agent whom I had queried a year before responded to request the full manuscript.
Nothing ultimately came of this request, but the timing of it struck me as bizarre.
What do you think? Random coincidence? Or an example of synchronicity? Has anything like this ever happened to you? If so, what was it?
P.H. – I don’t know if it’s synchronicity or not but I believe that everything has its time and place. I believe that we have setbacks, rejections, small successes and rough starts to prepare us for when it is “our” time.
Robin, I completely agree. I certainly feel that everything that has happened in my life has led me to where I am now.
I’m a big believer in The Secret, which is pretty similar to synchronicity. So I loved this post!
I have many, many examples but here’s a writing-related one.
I used to love Jane magazine. One day, b/c I was bored at work, I perused the editor’s bios. One editor had a link to a book she wrote that had to do with getting the dream job you’ve always wanted. W/o reading the book, I decided I had always wanted to be writer and maybe it was time to try. I emailed this editor and told her I liked her book (okay, lie, but shhhh) and that I was a freelance writer. For some reason, she emailed me back and asked what my current ideas were. I made up some stuff and she ended up paying me for an idea and featured it in Jane magazine.
This was the first freelance writing-related assignment I ever had (that paid). B/c of my excitement from that adventure, I actually started writing. Within a couple months, that article came out and I sold articles to the Washington Post and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Haven’t stopped writing since. 😉
Kerri, I love this story! I’m so glad you decided to email that editor, and I would love to read your articles! Can I find them online?
Hi P.H., I do believe in synchronicity, and I hadn’t heard that term until reading your post just now.
My example comes from an experience five years ago. When I met my favorite band, I had no idea that I would also meet the woman who would become one of my best friends. We’d both bid to win the meet n greet package the band was offering in support of one of their charities, but had lost. The fact that she and I had both contacted the auction organizer after losing to ask if there was any way we could match the winning bid but set up our meet n greet for another of the band’s shows was complete coincidence. And then how the band was thrilled to do this for both of us was even more amazing! (This is why we have matching Depeche Mode tattooes.) Anyhow, the whole situation seemed like a series of asking for something impossible and then getting positive results. When I think about meeting the band, it’s wonderful. But when I think about meeting Kathleen, it’s lifechanging.
Thanks for sharing your story, Carlene! What a neat way to meet your best friend.
I’m not sure what to call it but I definitely believe the timing has to be right for events to fall into place. Example: I first met my husband in high school. He went to a different school than me but was best friends with one of my cousins. We dated on and off, and I dumped him 3 times over a four year period. Then, in 1990 we started dating exclusively again and have been together ever since. On October 2nd we will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary. 🙂
Congratulations on your 18 year anniversary, Dana! I agree, with love in particular, timing is key! Thank you for sharing your story.
Excellent! I’m not a big believer in synchronicity, but I sure could use some of it, maybe I need to step out in confidence and believe a little more…
Wishing good things your way, Susan!