Synchronicity
Synchronicity. Though not an entirely new concept to me, it’s one I’ve been exploring and experiencing lately. No, I did not just come up with this on my own – I may be creative, but I’m not that creative. I first encountered this term studying Jung, then really started contemplating it while practicing The Artist’s Way. Yes, I studied Jung, he’s my favorite psychotherapist. Leave me alone.
Synchronicity for this purpose is the idea that it is natural to create and be creative, and as such God (or the universe, or the Force, or whatever) delights in creation, and will provide whatever you need for productive creativity.
Now. I know this whole concept sounds hippie-ish and New-Agey – I KNOW – but all it really conveys is the idea that creation is a natural part of being human, and as such we should move in faith that our creativity is a positive addition to the world. If we hold back out of fear or self-doubt, we will accomplish very little. Which is true, because not taking chances yields zero results in my experience. I am an expert in not taking chances.
So. I have been moving in faith, and already I saw an immediate result, which is CRAZY. I mean, CRAZY. Usually, I just wish for things and get all cynical and pouty when they don’t materialize. But in this case, it was like God telling me, “Okay, you took a chance? I see your chance and I raise you one answered wish.”
Namely, I have been trying to break into freelance writing, oh, since the dawn of time before I started this blog. So far, I’ve been mostly unsuccessful and only half-assing my attempts; you know, just wishing someone would discover me, like a Hollywood starlet. Naturally, this has not been the path to success for me. However, last week, my boss at my real-life job asked me to write something for her: a big project, almost like a non-fiction narrative. You know, like being paid to write.
BEING PAID TO WRITE.
It may not be exactly how I envisioned – sitting in my pajamas at the computer, or writing from a cafe in Rome, or even writing on topics about which I’m passionate, like travel or unicorn mythology – but this is something I can legitimately put on a résumé as a stepping stone to something larger. Though not the career I envisioned during college, I am at this job for a reason. Maybe this is that reason.
So anyway, that is my update from my wacky corner of the universe. Have you ever experienced a meaningful coincidence, like Dr. Jung describes in Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious?
Why am I the only person here who has read that?
20 Comments
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife
My hand is raised; I read it! A long time ago, but nevertheless…Congrats to you, I am sooo jealous.
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain’s Wife recently posted…Remember the Merchant Mariner on Memorial Day
Natalie the Singingfool
Yay! A kindred spirit! Jung-4-eva!
Kelly @ Dysfunctionally Functional
Good for you! That’s awesome! Congratulations. I’m kinda jealous, but thoroughly inspired…I’m hoping to someday make money from my writing, too. 🙂
Kelly @ Dysfunctionally Functional recently posted…Some Mondays are better than others.
Natalie the Singingfool
It feels a lot like luck. I guess the lesson is, put yourself out there and something is bound to go your way. 🙂
Jen
You are not the only person who’s read that! I have a minor in psychology, so while I read that eons ago. I did read it, and I still have it on my bookshelf 🙂 I think that’s awesome, and now you can PUT yourself out there MORE. Submit, submit, submit. I just started doing that, and I’m getting some positive feedback. Clearly you can make it happen! And we all love your writing or we wouldn’t come back all the time!
Jen recently posted…100 Word Song – Whale
Natalie the Singingfool
Lol, I just like to tease myself about the weirdness of my bookshelf. But you of course understand, having studied it in college. 🙂 And that’s great, that you’re receiving positive feedback!! Half the battle is just taking the step to actually submit your work. It’s scary at first, but once you dive in, it gets easier.
Chris Plumb
I’ve never read “it” per se, but I did study Jung (much better than Freud), and I’ve read The Hero’s Journey by Campbell, and it talks about the basic archetypes of all stories…learned a lot.
Good for you. Walking in faith is difficult…we are such a quid pro quo society, that relying on a higher power to “make it” is difficult business.
Chris Plumb recently posted…Losing a Decade: What Happened to My Life?
Natalie the Singingfool
I’m just a dork who tries to find practical application of what I studied in college…and yes, Jung is much more interesting than Freud.
Yes, faith is tough in this “make-it-happen” world. I certainly struggle with it.
Vanessa
I’ve never read Jung, but I do believe that sometimes the universe provides us with what we need, and that some things do happen for a reason.
Mind I’m having a hard time seeing the reason behind some things that have been occurring in my life lately, but I’m sure there is a reason.
Vanessa recently posted…Dreams are weird.
Natalie the Singingfool
Yeah, I’ve had those times in my life, too – far too many to count. During those times, the only time I saw any pattern was after looking back. Hang in there, Vanessa!
Beduwen
Yay! Great news! Sometimes just being “open” is the hardest part…
Beduwen recently posted…Beautiful Mallorca
Natalie the Singingfool
Yes! I’d always rather hole up and not expose myself, but sometimes you’ve got to take a chance.
Terrye
Yep, I have experienced something like that. The day Energizer (yeah, the battery company) asked me to be a contract technical writer at their Hawaiian Tropic plant in Florida. It was my dream job. I loved it. And it opened so many doors. 😀
I hope good things keep getting in your way. 😀
Terrye recently posted…Latch Key Husband – FAIL
Natalie the Singingfool
Thank you! It’s quite a surprising feeling…
Ericamos
Woo Hoo!! That’s great; I’m so happy for you! Congratulations!! 🙂
Ericamos recently posted…What’s In A Name?
Natalie the Singingfool
Thank you! 🙂
Ellen
Ok, so I’m the only one who first heard the term from The Police song and album? 😉
This part: “Which is true, because not taking chances yields zero results in my experience. I am an expert in not taking chances.” Sounds familiar. Congratulations on taking that first step and following it wherever it may lead. It’s good advice and I’m trying to do that myself.
Ellen recently posted…Sea of Love
Natalie the Singingfool
Haha, that’s a GOOD place to have heard it!
Taking chances is HARD WORK. Good luck with yours!!
Punky Coletta
Haven’t read Jung, but read The Artist’s Way. Now I will go back and read the part about synchronicity!
Punky Coletta recently posted…On Being A Woman
Natalie the Singingfool
Funny how things manifest in my life as I’m learning about them…either that, or I just notice it more. 🙂