Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Coincidences vs Synchronicity

Call it what you like, the subject of coincidences – otherwise referred to as synchronicity - is something most, if not all, of us have some connection with. Yet where do they come from? What causes them? What do they mean?

Thinking aloud, the first two questions may offer a clue. If something has to come from somewhere, then surely it’s origin is in the past. And if its origin is in the past, then surely something had to happen to cause it’s creation. That all sounds feasible enough … so how about combining the two: a coincidence is the result of a cause made in the past? Now, how does that sound? And perhaps more importantly, what do they mean?

Hmm, do we need an answer? Some of us do, some of us don’t. So what is it? How about this: a coincidence is the manifest effect of a cause we created in the past. In other words, we once did something to trigger this coincidence. And what if this cause was in alignment with something else in the universe, and as a result, became manifest in our lives at the time we needed it to? Now, it’s fair to say that not every coincidence has depth and meaning, but we can’t escape the fact that some do. Some are especially profound. Is that because they’re showing us something, perhaps a clue or a hint?

INQUIRY: What’s your perception of coincidence and synchronicity?

ACTION: For the next week, take a closer look at any such moments as they appear. Write them down. Now list what could have caused them, and what they might mean. Is there a pattern? Is there a connection?

Thursday, May 04, 2006

What's This Mission All About?

It’s simple: to make a difference, and to help others make a difference too. This isn’t a crusade or mock spiritual journey - this is as real as night and day.

I see us having created a world that’s sinking more and more into decline. Who's to blame? Humanity - no-one else. For centuries we’ve been plundering so much that’s good in the world, and now it’s our turn to stand up and give something back. What happens if no-one stands up? We all fall down. It’s a simple as that. So, what can we do? For a start, let’s get back to basics: practising the fundamentals of humanism. Let’s tap inside each of us and discover respect for one another. Let’s have compassion and understanding, Let’s do our Human Revolution, and look at what each of us can do to create benefit and value in the lives of those around us; our families, our friends, our colleagues. Let’s look at the causes we’re making … are they good, or are they bad? Remember the adage, “What goes around, comes around …” well, that’s cause and effect, right?

Now, what if you’re in disagreement with this? That’s fine. Like I said once before, this isn’t a soapbox for preaching, it’s an open house for ideas, experiences, and realisations. So, if it doesn’t sit comfortably with you, then that’s okay … perhaps you’d like to have a look at the inquiry below, or forget what’s you’re reading here entirely. You choose. But for those of you who feel you have something to give, or are already on that path of giving, then I’d love to hear from you … in the meantime, I’ll hand you over to the inquiry!

INQUIRY: Where do you see yourself making a difference? What is it you have to offer? Is it something that’s been grinding away inside for years, or is something that’s appeared recently or only just now? What does it look like? What will it create?

ACTION: What can you do today to start making this happen?

Now go and do it ...

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

BBF

This week I had a meeting with Blue Balloon Foundation which turned into a genuinely fascinating encounter. I could even describe it as the most bizarre meeting I’ve ever had, whereby nobody in the room had an agenda whatsoever, yet we all agreed we were meant to be there, and that the effect of which would soon become apparent. It was evident that we each shared parallels in our respective journeys over the last few months and years, and that there was indeed a higher purpose for our being there. Yet once again I refer to the “no need for analysis … just let it be,” in that something good will come of this when the time is right. BTW, when I say “something good,” I mean something that will be of benefit and value to many more people. For more information on the BBF, check out their website BBF.

This meeting also led to an equally mind-boggling conversation with Juliet Platt from Treetops Coaching (and Wisdom of Children). Once again, there were huge parallels with the journeys we had both taken from our respective IT backgrounds, via coaching, and then into education. There isn’t the space to go into detail here, suffice to say it was hugely inspiring to hear of Juliet’s pioneering work alongside the BBF in helping children discover their inner wisdom and potential. More will become apparent very soon.