Explaining Coincidences That Are Meaningful

Coincidences that seem out of the ordinary yet meaningful are intriguing, amusing, mystical even. They can make us question our very existence in this human plane. How do we interpret synchronicities like these? Here I look at how to interpret synchronicities, as told by professionals.

How to Interpret Synchronicities

The following are ways to explain coincidences that are meaningful. As I explained in my article Signs of Synchronicity where I give real-life examples, the terms coincidences and synchronicity are interchangeable where the coincidences are meaningful (that’s how we define it in this context).

So, How Do You Explain Coincidences?

I’ll start with the works of psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Bernard Beitman, MD. ¹ I follow this with that of the psychoanalyst, Gibbs Williams, PhD. ² More will be added with time as I investigate the explanation of coincidences. So you might want to bookmark this page to return here for updates in the future.

Keep a Diary

Beitman suggests keeping a diary. This will help you with objectivity. Then look for any emerging patterns over time. Step back from the situation and let the free flow of ideas emerge.

According to Beitman, you are the expert and only you can explain the meaning of the coincidences. Though, consulting with a third party may help you with self-reflection.

Four Meanings To Explaining Synchronicity

Beitman recommends looking at the following four meanings to explain meaningful coincidences.

Interpret Coincidences As Waking Dreams

Then there is the work of psychoanalyst, Gibbs A. Williams,² PhD, who believes we unconsciously create meaningful coincidences to solve our problems.

Williams considers synchronicities to be waking dreams and so interpretation is similar to that of analyzing dreams.

This means picking out the key elements of the synchronicity and finding an association with each. The connection to the elements leads to the answer to the problem or conflict.

Interpret Coincidences Using Your Intuition

Paulo Coelho ³, the author of The Alchemist, regards coincidence a language. And, the key to understanding this language is intuition.

I wrote about ways to spark intuition in a previous article that could help here. Interestingly, one way I mentioned was to keep a diary of events, similar to that suggested by Beitman.

Final Thoughts

This has been brief, but it gives some basis to start your own analysis. I intend doing so in my own understanding of the synchronicities I mentioned in my article on signs of synchronicity.

Having a ‘coincidence journal’ appears as a key approach recommended by professionals towards unraveling any obscure meanings. I’ll give updates here as I find more professional wisdom and progress in my journey of discovery.

References

1. Beitman, B. 2016. Connecting With Coincidence – The New Science For Using Synchronicity and Serendipity in Your Life. Health Communications Inc. Florida.
2. Williams, Gibbs A. 2010. Demystifying Meaningful Coincidences (Synchronicities): The Evolving Self, the Personal Unconscious, and the Creative Process. Lanham, Md. : Jason Aronson.
3. Coelho, P., Clarke, A., & Smith, J. N. (2014). The Alchemist. Harper Collins.