Beyond Coincidence: Unlocking the Power of Signs and Synchronicities
A new way of experiencing the everyday.
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the subtle messages the universe may be sending our way. But what if we took a moment to consider that perhaps there's more to those seemingly random occurrences than meets the eye?
After a particularly trying time, I started paying attention to the universe's signs. I shared a story with my spiritual life coach, Penelope, that I hadn’t dared say aloud because it sounded too extraordinary.
Brace yourself—you’re about to meet my quirky side.
The night I discovered my ex-husband’s infidelity, I went to bed feeling utterly alone. Around 4 am, I was jolted awake by an intense, beautiful fragrance—gardenias, my late grandmother’s favorite flower. Confused, I searched for the source. The scent persisted as I stumbled around in the dark, but I never found its origin. When I returned to bed, the fragrance gradually faded. It was strange, yet profoundly comforting—as if my grandmother was watching over me. Despite hours of tossing and turning earlier, I fell asleep instantly after this experience.
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Penelope explained that I had experienced something called clairscent. She recommended I read When God Winks at You by Squire Rushnell, a book about how seemingly coincidental events might be signs from a higher power. The author calls these "godwinks." I preferred to call them simply "winks" and I began tracking these little coincidences in my life. This practice brought a sense of wonder to even the most mundane days.
A few years ago, my husband, Michael and I sold our beloved apartment in the West Village. After the closing, I felt bittersweet. While logically, I knew it was the right decision; I mourned saying goodbye to our little studio. As I went to deposit the check, I had to join a virtual queue due to COVID-19 restrictions. Minutes later, my phone buzzed with a text: "Christopher is ready to help you now."
Of all possible names, the bank teller shared a name with our son, who was stillborn. I saw it as a wink—a message from Christopher that we were on the right path.
Most days pass without "winks," but sometimes they appear as an apt fortune cookie message, finding a penny from a significant year, or hearing a meaningful song as I enter a store.
I recommend keeping a record if you’d like to embrace this practice. It trains your mind to be more attentive, and over time, you may notice patterns or themes emerging, providing deeper insights into your journey. I used to maintain a “wink” journal, but now I use my smartphone's Notes app to jot down the date, the "wink," and my interpretation. Sometimes, I include photos—that sidewalk penny or an unexpected rainbow that appeared just when I needed a boost.
In her book "Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe," Laura Lynne Jackson explores this concept further. She describes two types of signs we might encounter: default signs and co-created signs.
Default signs are common symbols that often carry spiritual significance. These include rainbows, specific license plates, coins, birds, butterflies, and number sequences. These are the universe's go-to symbols for catching our attention.
Some people take this practice a step further by establishing specific "signs" with loved ones who have passed. The key is to choose something highly specific and unusual—a combination that wouldn't occur by chance. Jackson uses the example of someone who asked for (and received) the sign of a giraffe combined with the Eiffel Tower.
This approach adds an intentional element to the practice of noticing signs. Instead of simply being aware of coincidences, you're actively participating in creating a symbolic language with the universe or your loved ones who have passed. It can be a powerful way to feel connected and receive comfort during times of grief or uncertainty.
Whether you prefer to notice spontaneous "winks" or set up specific signs, the practice encourages mindfulness and openness to the possibility of meaningful connections beyond our everyday understanding.
What do you think? Will you start looking out for winks or even set up a specific sign with a loved one? It doesn't require a complete shift in your worldview, just a willingness to consider that there might be more to our experiences than what's immediately apparent.
Words of the Week:
“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” - Roald Dahl
(Discovered in the opening of Laura Lynn Jackson’s Book, Signs)
Photo of the Week:
Last weekend, my family and I traveled to Philadelphia for a wedding celebration. While we were there, we visited the Philadelphia Art Museum, where, upon entering, a golden statue, Diana, greets you. We learned this statue was originally a weathervane atop the original Madison Square Garden on 26th Street and Madison Avenues. During the day, the gilded figure caught the sun and could be seen from all over the city and as far away as New Jersey. It was the first statue in history to be lit by electricity.
Below is a bonus photo: the original Madison Square Garden’s Tower with the sculpture and surrounding rooftops.
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I'm far from religious and not sure I believe in an afterlife, but my father passed 8 years ago and I often see his favorite number 17 in everyday places. Have always felt like it was a 'Hello' from Dad. Thanks Lia for reminding me to keep eyes & mind fully open.
Your name is meant to be in print. The universe knows it, I know it, you know it and everyone knows it. Godwinks are everywhere and I find them to be very comforting. My dad was a police officer in the 114 Precinct and when I need a message from heaven, I often see the number 114. Xo 😘