Abstract
M.Phil.
All of us have experienced some kind of synchronicity before. An example of this phenomenon would be thinking of a friend and receiving a phone call from
that friend at that time. The people you meet or simply run into on the street;
the shirt that someone you walk by is wearing; the license plate or bumper
sticker of the car in front of you — all could be examples of synchronicity. It
can range from minor incidents to those that have a profound impact on our
lives. The problem is that many of us do not understand the concept of
synchronicity and how to utilize it in our journey to personal leadership. Not
everybody is comfortable with the idea that the universe is giving us guidance.
Often people have misconceptions regarding the synchronicity phenomenon
and therefore dismiss it as mere chance while other believes that it is dark
and evil.
The general aim of the study was to get a better understanding of the concept
of synchronicity and the importance thereof the people's lives. Ways of
enhancing people's awareness of synchronicity was to be explored to assist
them in their journey to purpose and meaning. Specific aims were set in order
to achieve the general aim, namely to answer the following questions: "What
is synchronicity?" and " What is the contribution of synchronicity towards
personal leadership?" as well as "How can people enhance their awareness
of synchronicity?"
The research strategy of this study is characterized as explorative, descriptive
and hermeneutic. The research methods used included word and concept
analysis and literature study.
On the question of "What is synchronicity?" it was found in chapter two that
synchronicities are forces that come together in time and space, providing just
what is needed. The occurrence strikes the participants as special,
unexpected, or unexplainable by normal cause-and-effect rationales. The
effect of synchronicity on the psyche is to trigger awareness that maybe a
greater — or even divine — purpose is at work. It was discovered that the
theory on synchronicity was the brainchild of C.G. Jung and that different
types of synchronicity can be identified. The explanation of the background of
the theory as well as the different types was found to enhance awareness and
understanding of the concept of synchronicity.
The question of "what is the contribution of synchronicity towards personal
leadership?" was answered in chapter three. It was found that personal
leadership is a value-based, principle-centered, inside-out approach to
gaining control of one's life and living a happy and fulfilled life. It is based on
the knowledge of who one is, where one currently is, and where one is going.
A personal leader needs to develop in a balanced and holistic manner.
Therefore all the individual's dimensions such as the spiritual, physical,
mental and social/emotional dimensions should be improved. It was
discovered that synchronicity has a definite contribution towards personal
leadership, specifically towards the spiritual, physical, social/emotional and
mental dimensions. Synchronicity can assist people in their search for
meaning, with accepting the responsibility of taking good care of the physical
body, it can help one make better choices and heighten awareness of one's
own feelings and emotions as well as that of other people.
The last question of "how can people enhance their awareness of
synchronicity?" was also answered in chapter three. It was found that certain
practical guidelines could be given on how people can enhance their
awareness and use of synchronicity in their personal lives. These guidelines
include mainly the cultivation of an open, receptive and nonjudgmental
attitude as well as an active interest in synchronicities. In doing this, one
would be able to tap into the vast knowledge of the universe.
This study proves that every individual in his quest to become a personal
leader should become aware of the various possibilities for moving forward in
their lives. By being open to the possibility of guidance from the universe, we
can experience synchronicities that enhance our self-awareness and the
decisions we make in life. In this way, body and consciousness, ndividual
and society, mind and matter may come to achieve their unlimited potential.