Meaningful Coincidences
&
Signs from God
Process Theology and Synchronicities
by Jay McDaniel
If you like improvisational jazz, where unplanned melodies and rhythms come together in surprising harmony, or if you see unexpected events as signs from God—moments that feel too timely to be mere chance—then you already have a sense for synchronicities. These are the meaningful coincidences that weave through life, connecting seemingly unrelated moments into patterns that resonate with purpose, as if the universe itself is improvising alongside you, composing a story richer than any plan could foresee. I want to make a case for synchronicities, understood as surprising events which, in some circumstances, can be signs of God.
Synchronicities: Unexpected, Auspicious Events
Synchronicities are meaningful coincidences that seem to transcend ordinary cause-and-effect relationships. The term "synchronicity" was coined by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who described it as the occurrence of two or more events that are meaningfully related but not causally connected. They are events that resonate deeply with an individual's experience, often appearing as signs, patterns, or connections that defy purely random explanations.
These meaningful coincidences are sometimes dismissed by skeptics as "mere coincidences," as if they are entirely random. But those who experience them and are open to their revelations often feel that they have been orchestrated by some power, aimed at helping them find meaning or giving them a sign. Process-relational theology offers a way of appreciating them without seeing them as orchestrated in a deterministic way. They are events arising from the dynamic interplay of creativity, divine guidance, and human responsiveness. This does not mean that everything that happens is "meant to be" or that all events are "meaningful coincidences." But it does mean that some events are synchronicities and part of our enchanted universe, real and worthy of appreciation. And it means that there may be many more synchronicities, of the positive and life-nourishing kind, than we ordinarily recognize.
Examples of Synchronicities
A Process-Relational Interpretation of Synchronicities
From a process-relational perspective, synchronicities can be understood as emergent events within the ongoing history of the universe—products of:
Synchronicities emerge as co-created moments, reflecting the relational interplay between these three dimensions. They are not isolated events but expressions of deep interconnectedness, where multiple threads of experience converge in surprising ways.
Process-relational thought suggests that synchronicities arise from a form of tripartite coordination that is relational rather than deterministic. Instead of being pre-planned or imposed, this orchestration emerges through:
This relational orchestration reflects the improvisational nature of reality, where patterns and meanings are woven together through cooperation and responsiveness rather than rigid control. It invites us to see ourselves as active participants in a dynamic and creative process, attuned to the rhythms of the cosmos.
Synchronicities and Unconscious Experience
Synchronicities often arise at the intersection of conscious awareness and unconscious experience. Jung suggested that synchronicities may reflect the workings of the collective unconscious, where archetypes and symbols shape our perceptions and responses to events. From a process-relational perspective, unconscious experience can be understood as part of the deeper relational field in which we are embedded. This field includes:
By paying attention to dreams, symbols, and emotional responses, individuals may uncover layers of meaning that reveal connections between inner experience and outer events. This approach suggests that synchronicities are not just external occurrences but also reflections of inner dynamics, bridging the conscious and unconscious dimensions of human life.
Synchronicities versus Random Accidents
Not all coincidences are synchronicities. Some coincidences, especially those with negative or harmful outcomes, may result from the spontaneous energies and contingencies of the universe rather than relational orchestration or divine guidance. These events reflect the improvisational and sometimes chaotic nature of reality, where chance occurrences arise without deeper meaning or purpose.
Acts of unnecessary violence are not synchronicities but rather expressions of randomness, discord, or the misuse of freedom within the universe. Such events may disrupt harmony rather than contribute to meaningful connections, underscoring the distinction between synchronicities that inspire growth and accidents that result from chaos or harmful intent.
Process-relational thought acknowledges that the universe includes elements of unpredictability and randomness. Negative coincidences may be part of this spontaneity, representing dissonances rather than harmonious connections. Recognizing this distinction helps prevent misinterpretations and allows us to focus on synchronicities that inspire growth, connection, and meaning.
Love as a Criterion for Discerning Synchronicities
Not all coincidences are synchronicities. To discern whether an event qualifies as a synchronicity, one might consider the following criterion:
Synchronicities that deepen compassion, empathy, and care for others—whether human or more-than-human—are more likely to reflect divine guidance and relational harmony. Events that inspire divisiveness or harm, by contrast, may be misinterpretations rather than genuine synchronicities.
Learning to Be Open to Synchronicities
While synchronicities often appear unexpectedly, people can cultivate a greater openness to them through intentional practices and attitudes. Some ways to become more receptive to synchronicities include:
Meaningful Convergences in a Living, Divinely Infused Universe
In process thought, the universe unfolds improvisationally rather than mechanistically. Synchronicities reflect this spontaneous creativity, shaped by the evolving interactions of past influences, present decisions, and future possibilities.
God does not control the process but participates within it, luring creation toward greater wholeness and richness of experience. In moments of synchronicity, we might glimpse this divine invitation, responding to it with wonder, gratitude, or action.
From a process-relational perspective, synchronicities are not accidents but meaningful convergences—expressions of the cosmic dance of creativity, divine persuasion, and human responsiveness. They offer opportunities to reflect, reorient, and respond to new possibilities emerging within the evolving drama of the universe.
Synchronicities are meaningful coincidences that seem to transcend ordinary cause-and-effect relationships. The term "synchronicity" was coined by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who described it as the occurrence of two or more events that are meaningfully related but not causally connected. They are events that resonate deeply with an individual's experience, often appearing as signs, patterns, or connections that defy purely random explanations.
These meaningful coincidences are sometimes dismissed by skeptics as "mere coincidences," as if they are entirely random. But those who experience them and are open to their revelations often feel that they have been orchestrated by some power, aimed at helping them find meaning or giving them a sign. Process-relational theology offers a way of appreciating them without seeing them as orchestrated in a deterministic way. They are events arising from the dynamic interplay of creativity, divine guidance, and human responsiveness. This does not mean that everything that happens is "meant to be" or that all events are "meaningful coincidences." But it does mean that some events are synchronicities and part of our enchanted universe, real and worthy of appreciation. And it means that there may be many more synchronicities, of the positive and life-nourishing kind, than we ordinarily recognize.
Examples of Synchronicities
- Thinking of an old friend and unexpectedly receiving a call or message from them.
- Encountering the same symbol or phrase repeatedly in unrelated contexts, sparking reflection or insight.
- Finding an unexpected resource or opportunity just when it is most needed.
- Seeing an animal—like a butterfly—appear during a time of grief or uncertainty, offering a sense of comfort, hope, or renewal.
- Hearing a song on the radio that directly relates to a decision you’re contemplating.
- Meeting someone unexpectedly who offers guidance or insight relevant to a personal challenge.
A Process-Relational Interpretation of Synchronicities
From a process-relational perspective, synchronicities can be understood as emergent events within the ongoing history of the universe—products of:
- The Creative Powers of the Universe – The inherent dynamism and creativity within the fabric of reality, where novelty constantly arises through relational interactions.
- The Guiding Lures of God – The gentle, persuasive call of God toward richer experiences, beauty, and harmony. God offers possibilities, but realization depends on creaturely response.
- The Responsiveness of Creatures – The interpretive and meaning-making capacity of human beings, who notice patterns, assign meaning, and engage in reflective dialogue with the world.
Synchronicities emerge as co-created moments, reflecting the relational interplay between these three dimensions. They are not isolated events but expressions of deep interconnectedness, where multiple threads of experience converge in surprising ways.
Process-relational thought suggests that synchronicities arise from a form of tripartite coordination that is relational rather than deterministic. Instead of being pre-planned or imposed, this orchestration emerges through:
- The ongoing interactions of the universe’s creative forces, responding to and influencing one another.
- God’s non-coercive guidance, offering possibilities for beauty, meaning, and transformation.
- Human participation, as we interpret, respond to, and shape these events with our awareness and decisions.
This relational orchestration reflects the improvisational nature of reality, where patterns and meanings are woven together through cooperation and responsiveness rather than rigid control. It invites us to see ourselves as active participants in a dynamic and creative process, attuned to the rhythms of the cosmos.
Synchronicities and Unconscious Experience
Synchronicities often arise at the intersection of conscious awareness and unconscious experience. Jung suggested that synchronicities may reflect the workings of the collective unconscious, where archetypes and symbols shape our perceptions and responses to events. From a process-relational perspective, unconscious experience can be understood as part of the deeper relational field in which we are embedded. This field includes:
- Subtle influences from past experiences that shape present awareness.
- Emotional undercurrents and intuitive insights that guide interpretation.
- Shared cultural and symbolic meanings that emerge from collective memory.
By paying attention to dreams, symbols, and emotional responses, individuals may uncover layers of meaning that reveal connections between inner experience and outer events. This approach suggests that synchronicities are not just external occurrences but also reflections of inner dynamics, bridging the conscious and unconscious dimensions of human life.
Synchronicities versus Random Accidents
Not all coincidences are synchronicities. Some coincidences, especially those with negative or harmful outcomes, may result from the spontaneous energies and contingencies of the universe rather than relational orchestration or divine guidance. These events reflect the improvisational and sometimes chaotic nature of reality, where chance occurrences arise without deeper meaning or purpose.
Acts of unnecessary violence are not synchronicities but rather expressions of randomness, discord, or the misuse of freedom within the universe. Such events may disrupt harmony rather than contribute to meaningful connections, underscoring the distinction between synchronicities that inspire growth and accidents that result from chaos or harmful intent.
Process-relational thought acknowledges that the universe includes elements of unpredictability and randomness. Negative coincidences may be part of this spontaneity, representing dissonances rather than harmonious connections. Recognizing this distinction helps prevent misinterpretations and allows us to focus on synchronicities that inspire growth, connection, and meaning.
Love as a Criterion for Discerning Synchronicities
Not all coincidences are synchronicities. To discern whether an event qualifies as a synchronicity, one might consider the following criterion:
- Are they conducive to loving relationships with other people and the more-than-human world?
Synchronicities that deepen compassion, empathy, and care for others—whether human or more-than-human—are more likely to reflect divine guidance and relational harmony. Events that inspire divisiveness or harm, by contrast, may be misinterpretations rather than genuine synchronicities.
Learning to Be Open to Synchronicities
While synchronicities often appear unexpectedly, people can cultivate a greater openness to them through intentional practices and attitudes. Some ways to become more receptive to synchronicities include:
- Practicing mindfulness and presence, which can heighten awareness of subtle patterns and connections in daily life.
- Reflecting on experiences and journaling to identify recurring themes, symbols, or patterns.
- Spending time in nature or meditative silence, where the mind becomes more attuned to relational harmony and meaning.
- Holding an attitude of curiosity and openness, allowing for the possibility of meaning without forcing interpretations.
- Engaging in practices of gratitude and wonder, which nurture a sense of awe and appreciation for life's interconnectedness.
Meaningful Convergences in a Living, Divinely Infused Universe
In process thought, the universe unfolds improvisationally rather than mechanistically. Synchronicities reflect this spontaneous creativity, shaped by the evolving interactions of past influences, present decisions, and future possibilities.
God does not control the process but participates within it, luring creation toward greater wholeness and richness of experience. In moments of synchronicity, we might glimpse this divine invitation, responding to it with wonder, gratitude, or action.
From a process-relational perspective, synchronicities are not accidents but meaningful convergences—expressions of the cosmic dance of creativity, divine persuasion, and human responsiveness. They offer opportunities to reflect, reorient, and respond to new possibilities emerging within the evolving drama of the universe.