Coincidences can be mindful clues.
It seems like coincidences appear to call our attention or give us direction. Like pieces of a beautiful puzzle, they work together to eventually reveal a masterpiece.
Yesterday I woke up and found a note clipped out of a calendar about how scallop shells once symbolized pilgrimages or the life journey in medieval Christian Europe. I liked the message, so I posted it on Twitter.
When I finished, I looked up at my dining room wall, which holds a huge painting of Venus riding in from the water on a scallop shell. I noticed the shell before, but this time it stuck out at me like. I smiled and thought, What a coincidence.
A few hours later I watched Under the Tuscan Sun. In the movie, the main character notices a random faucet sticking out from the wall of her house. The handle of the faucet? A scallop shell.
Cluing in to Coincidence
In his book The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, Deepak Chopra says the keys to understanding the intricate dance of coincidence are attention and inquiry. When we ponder the message or significance of a coincidence, eventually, through a sudden insight, encounter, chance meeting or circumstance, the answer will emerge and the pieces will fit.
To encourage the beginning of what Chopra calls “synchrodestiny,” or connecting with the underlying field of infinite possibilities through the appreciation and study of our coincidences, try these steps mentioned in his book:
1. Spend five minutes a day in silence.
2. Ask: Who am I? What do I want from my life? What do I want from my life today?
3. Let go — let your stream of consciousness supply the answers.
4. Write the answers as they come.
5. Repeat daily and watch how situations, events and people start to orchestrate the answers around you.
As I ponder the appearance of three scallop shells in one day, I also remain open to the overall message. Perhaps by following the chain of coincidences on the journey as a mindful beginner, the puzzle pieces will continue to fall around me, shed light and guide my pilgrimage.
Please share any interesting coincidences you have experienced. And if you’ve seen Under the Tuscan Sun… may your ladybugs be many!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wonderful article! I have had some of the most magical experiences when my heart has been open to hear the songs of coincidence and serendipity. And it is key to be open and aware because they can be so subtle. Thank you for the ideas from Chopra’s book…I’ll have to check that one out!
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.