Is there a difference between coincidence and synchronicity? I think there is a huge difference, but decided to start with the dictionary.
From an online dictionary, coincidence is defined as: a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection.”They met by coincidence.”
From the same online source, synchronicity is defined as: the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection. “Such synchronicity is quite staggering.”
Notice the difference. We go from remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances to the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related…
The difference between those definitions is subtle and easy to miss. In the definition of synchronicity, the 2 significant words are the simultaneous occurrence… with what? Jung defined it better in the introduction he wrote to Richard Wilhelm’s translation of The I Ching. “Synchronicity takes the coincidence of events in space and time as meaning something more than mere chance, namely, a peculiar interdependence of objective events among themselves as well as with the subjective (psychic) states of the observer or observers.”
In other words, there’s an acausal connection between inner and outer states that is meaningful to you, the person who observes or experiences it.
“Wow, what a coincidence!” The next time you hear that, get the details. It’s likely the person experienced a synchronicity. The fact that they noticed indicates it held personal meaning and probably happened recently enough so they connected the dots.
Coincidence is the tidy word for synchronicity, the more acceptable word even though they don’t mean the same thing. Coincidence has a randomness to it that synchronicity does not.
Jung: Synchronicity is an ever present reality for those who have eyes to see.
David Richo: We do not create our destiny; we participate in its unfolding. Synchronicity works as a catalyst toward the working out of that destiny.
Dalai Lama: I am open to the guidance of synchronicity and do not let expectations hinder my path.
I like the Dalai Lama one – do not let expectations hinder my path.
I like that one, too!