Synchronicity

Carl Jung coined the term synchronicity. He defined it as an "acausal connecting principle." Religions often consider events of syncronicity miracles. The Catholic Church calls it "the providence of God."

One of many examples of Syncronicity, from my own life is the following story:

I was involved with a martial arts group that offered some of the best training around. During a late summer weekend camp, the group spent two exhausting days drilling to some Irish bagpipe music. We listened to the same song over and over and over again as we practiced.

The women worked just as hard as the men, but throughout the camp, they were repeatedly treated as second class by some of the more macho guys. I was irritated with Master instructor for condoning such behavior. I decided not to attend the next camp, in protest.

After sending a letter of regret and citing my reasons, I get a phone call from the camp director. She calls while Im outside painting my deck. (think Karate Kid: wax on wax off, sanda floor, paint da fence.)

We engage in a long discussion in which she tries very hard to change my mind. I told her I would think about it.

At the exact moment when I hung up the phone, a hawk flies over head and calls out. Then some stranger that I have never seen before, or since, appears on my neighbors deck with a set of bagpipes and begins to play.

He is playing THE SAME SONG we had been drilling to at the camp! Shivers went up my spine.

I took it as a sign, and went to the camp.

As if this alone was not weird enough, my toe gets broken during a knife fighting demonstration at camp. This forces me to sit out on the 3 mile hike. I end up alone in camp with the very person I have a beef with. We sit around the camp fire, and talk out the problem. Lo and behold, a hawk slowly circles over our heads, calling out as we talk.

Without knowing anything of my bagpipe experience, the old Burmese Master points to the hawk and says "You See, Kelley, You See? The Spirits are calling to you."

"Yes Sir. I See."