SYNCHRONICITY: MORE THAN COINCIDENCE

Synchronicity. You’ve heard the word, but what does it mean? In the 1920s Swiss psychotherapist and psychiatrist, Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, coined the term to describe the phenomena when two unrelated events occur simultaneously experienced in a meaningful manner. More than coincidence, it can be manifested by strong intent.

We’ve all experienced synchronicity at one time or another. For example, you’re gassing the car and you start thinking of someone you haven’t seen or talked to in a while. You make a mental note to phone or text them and a moment later they pull up at the next pump and get out of the car. “I was just thinking about you,” you greet them with a laugh. “Really? I was just thinking about you too—and here you are!”

”GOOD FORTUNE’s” recurring theme of synchronicity is something I commonly experience in all areas of my life, so it came as no surprise that while researching Chinese culture and customs, the information I needed often appeared as if I’d attracted it like a magnet. One of many such examples is how I learned about the history of Shuikou noodles.

I was well into writing chapter 40 devoted to the annual Chinese New Year dinner hosted at the Chow household. After consuming a feast, the Chow family and friends listened to elders tell after dinner stories. I wanted this section to be interesting and not read like a textbook. I’d already researched and written about the history of the Chinese calendar and the art of calligraphy through the vehicle of two elders relating tales about these topics. I wanted a third tale to be something different and attention-grabbing, yet relating somehow to traditional Chinese food.

The next morning while getting ready for work I mulled this over, wondering where I’d find just what I needed. When I got home that night and collected the mail I was still thinking about this dilemma because I still had no idea where to find exactly what I needed. Among the mail that day I noticed an Auto Club magazine. Usually, I’d put it aside and wouldn’t look at it until much later, yet for some reason I felt compelled to sit down and read it immediately. I placed the magazine on the table and, as if by magic, the pages popped open to an article about the history of Shuikou noodles. There was my research—problem solved! This is the actual article. 

If you’d like to share examples of synchronicity in your own life, send me an email via ljbratspis@gmail.com and I’ll post them in another blog. I wish you good fortune!

Leslie Bratspis

“GOOD FORTUNE” is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble in paperback and e-Book formats. The eBook is on sale now for $2.99 through Smashwords using coupon GY25V. Offer good through May 1st. 

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