Synchronicities

Synchronicities, or meaningful coincidences, are often dismissed as mere chance. If we view them as simply random occurrences, we often overlook the wisdom they offer. In his discussions with Albert Einstein and Wolfgang Pauli, Carl G. Jung explored the concept of Unus Mundus, or one world, the idea that all things are interconnected. Jung and others developed the theory of synchronicity to highlight how our internal states often manifest in external events. One of Jung’s most famous insights came while working with a patient. As she recounted her dream about a scarab beetle, a beetle resembling a scarab flew against the window. Symbolizing transformation and renewal, the beetle’s appearance profoundly shifted the patient’s perspective, helping her break free from a psychological impasse.

This is the power of synchronicity—it provides insight into ourselves, our circumstances, and the world around us. Jung even suggested that such experiences guide us toward individuation—psychological growth and wholeness. It is as if the universe speaks to us and guides us if we choose to look at the world symbolically.

I encountered the power of synchronicity while working on my dissertation. Frustrated by my research process, which seemed to unfold on its own rather than follow my plan, I discussed it with a friend. She remarked, “It’s as if you’re following Ariadne’s red thread.” In Greek mythology, Ariadne’s thread helped Theseus navigate the labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur. Looked at metaphorically, the red thread is often considered the guiding thread of the soul.

Shortly after our conversation, I took my dog, Zen, for a walk. Just a block from my home, I stumbled upon a spool of red thread lying on the rain-soaked sidewalk. The sheer improbability of this discovery struck me and reassured me that my dissertation process was unfolding precisely as it needed to.