Meaningful coincidences occur on a constant basis, though seemingly more often for some folks than others. Whatever the case may be, when thoughts or emotions merge with perception, a heightened sense of reality results, if only for an instant. How much different individuals associate significance with the juxtaposition of random factors varies a great deal. Some people barely register anything as remarkable and some assume a universal guiding presence. There are those who chalk up extraordinary events to statistical probabilities while the superstitious readily ascribe miraculous underpinnings to the slightest correlation.
    Personally, I don’t believe in any sort of cosmic benevolence, much less divine intervention, but incredible serendipity has happened on a regular basis just the same. Many powerful metaphors rattled me over the years, but one episode was especially jarring in both pleasant and unpleasant ways. I rode my bike down to the marina to see a friend who lives on a boat and before departing after a nice visit I shared with him my daily habit of asking “What can I learn from my unconscious today?” He nodded and then encouraged me to additionally inquire how I could welcome wealth and financial abundance. I pretended to accept his affirmation though inwardly dismissed it for a number of reasons, not the least being the degree of stress he endures from his own overhead.
    However, on the way back, I wondered,  “Why did I automatically reject Rob’s suggestion to invite fiscal well being just because I think it’s wishfulness?” Certainly, I had been having money difficulty and could use some incentive to bolster motivation. Thus, I went ahead and inwardly posed the question, “What can I learn from welcoming wealth and financial abundance today?”
    A moment later, up ahead a black square object in the street behind a parked Tesla came into view and moving closer I realized it was a leather money clip with the corner of a five dollar bill sticking out. “Wow, what a neat coincidence, a few bucks right after thinking about monetary support.” I stopped, grabbed it and sat down near the sidewalk to inspect whether there might be additional funds. The clip contained $825! Shit. My disappointment lasted less than a few seconds for I knew I couldn’t keep it because the metaphor was too rich, immediately manifested after welcoming financial abundance. The amazing timing of the discovery reinforced a commitment to bonding with integrity as tempting as it was to pocket the windfall. Consequently, I left a note on the Tesla and continued home where an email had already arrived from the owner. Turns out he was a high end money management consultant. The metaphor just got richer.
    The next morning, I returned the clip to the guy, who resides in a two story mansion near the bluff overlooking the ocean, in other words he didn’t need the dough, but he was very appreciative. When he offered a fifty dollar bill, I wished I could’ve generously declined but needed to buy groceries. I shook his hand, said good-bye and walked away, shaking my head inside at the contrast between us. I’m still shaken knowing that future fascinating connections, large and small, from out-of-the-blue profound encounters to quirky omens will pop up again and again like in everyone’s life whether or not thankfully relished.
    Due to my own uncertain prospects, coming across the money clip left me feeling simultaneously mocked and yet also reassured from the pure happenstance. Mocked because nothing had changed and I still had to get squared away but strangely caressed for there was a time when I would’ve readily kept the “lucky” find. Nonetheless, the magnitude of the metaphor and the starkly ironic opportunity overwhelmed my self-centered fear of lack. Keeping the money would’ve undermined a partnership with the unconscious, the greatest support of all.
    So is synchronicity supernatural? I don’t really think it matters because we’re still subjected to not just limitations established by the laws of physics but more importantly the conditioning in our own psyche. Reliance on interpreting good fortune as being blessed can easily distract us from heeding incessant lessons as well as the pitfalls of denial, bias and hubris. That’s why appreciating guidance triggered by impactful metaphors can put us in touch with both growth and blockages. The pragmatic value of every astonishing coincidence is the chance to use inspiration for character refinement, polishing the rough edges of temperament. Then we can beckon a broader perspective through making a momentous adventure out of the imperative predicaments we all face on personal and collective levels. Relevance can be cathartic but it won’t erase consequences should we avoid attending to the nitty gritty, the echoes of desperation and despair.
    In the end, fortuitous accidents are merely as contributive as recognition of obstinate blindspots. Genuine salvation depends on comprehending self-sabotage. That means embracing the unconscious ultimately involves coming to terms with our deepest self, however uncomfortable that may feel in challenging situations. I needed to trust taking care of myself without taking advantage of another person’s misfortune. Did that disconcerting confrontation change dire circumstances? No, but it left me with a gratitude for wonderment while facing tribulation, perhaps the greatest wealth of all.