Coincidences

Coincidences refer to remarkable occurrences of events or circumstances that appear to be connected but are not the result of a known cause or planning. They are often unexpected and surprising, involving a striking concurrence of events, thoughts, or circumstances that seem too improbable to be random. The significance of coincidences lies in their ability to provoke feelings of wonder, connection, or even a sense of destiny. People frequently interpret them as meaningful patterns or signals, leading to speculation about underlying forces, interconnectedness, or a universe operating beyond simple causality. The subjective interpretation is important, with the meaning of a coincidence often residing with the person experiencing it, sometimes triggering shifts in perspective or action. It's important to keep in mind that while remarkable, a coincidence is, by definition, random, and not caused by a shared intention or action, however, it seems that way to the observer.

Coincidences meaning with examples

• After years apart, Sarah unexpectedly bumped into her childhood best friend at a concert in a city neither of them lived in. The sheer improbability of this chance encounter, the shared history and sense of recognition, made the meeting a delightful coincidence. They immediately renewed their friendship, and the coincidence spurred them to plan more meetups, making the event feel destined.
• John had a vivid dream about a particular bird the night before he received a letter mentioning the same bird as a theme for a local art competition. The eerie synchronicity of the dream and the letter’s content struck him as a meaningful coincidence. He felt compelled to enter the competition, perceiving it as a sign of his future potential in art.
• During a family trip, each family member thought of the same distant relative. The shared thought was followed by a phone call from this relative the next morning, an unlikely coincidence. The strange event led them to believe they share an inexplicable family link. This experience strengthened their bond, reinforcing their connection through shared experiences.
• While researching a historical figure, Mary stumbled upon a document that perfectly answered a question she had been pondering. The document’s appearance was a coincidence. Despite being a complete accident, the fortunate accident fueled her research and changed her work, making her look for more coincidences.