We all have had moments of coincidence, serendipity, and synchronicity.
The moments where things align, and something occurs as a result.
Sometimes the words are used interchangeably.
I wanted to dive in, understand the differences, and use the right term at the right time.
The first thing I discovered (here) was that a coincidence occurs when events align in a way that has no particular significance.
When meaning is assigned to a coincidence or chance encounter, the two primary categories are serendipity and synchronicity.
Serendipity – This is when fortunate connections, events, or discoveries happen by chance. This article suggests that serendipity relies on wisdom and chance to accidentally find something of interest or value.
Synchronicity – These coincidences are meaningful and can’t be explained by cause & effect. When they happen, it feels like the universe has created the moment or the message personally for use. While these are chance moments, they feel intentional.
One article I read referred to serendipity as a “Happy Accident” and synchronicity as “A Meaningful Coincidence”. This article expanded on both the spiritual and scientific sides of the terms.
One common thread in all the articles was the need for mindfulness.
My Perspective
As I think about what I read, I like the shorthand of happy accidents and meaningful coincidences.
Another thing that strikes me is that life is full of chance – we can treat all moments of chance as a coincidence, or we can mindfully observe and celebrate moments of serendipity and synchronicity.
I chose the second.
Slow down.
Notice.
Celebrate.
Your Turn
When was the last time you noticed a moment of serendipity and/or synchronicity in your life?
How can you start to observe moments of chance in a new way?
Can you take one thing you want to discover and start noticing the serendipity that occurs?