Tongues of Fire

 Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday in our church year.  This is the event when a great sound and light show came upon the early followers of Jesus Christ who had gathered from the known corners of the world.  The Holy Spirit invaded the gathering of those people in Jerusalem and there was a great wind, tongues of fire over their heads, and the local people were speaking in the languages of everyone who had gathered there

When I was trying to discern my call to be ordained, I was in some ways hoping for something as distinct from the Holy Spirit as all the action on the Day of Pentecost.  I was hoping to get a Road to Damascus experience – like the original one in which Paul was knocked off his horse when he received a voice from Jesus asking him why he was persecuting Jesus?  A voice that would have given me a clear message that the road to ordination I was embarking on was the correct one.  Well on reflection, and considering what happened to Paul, I decided that I would prefer a more subtle message after all. 

I received that some time later.  I was in the process of deciding to begin the path to ordination with the diocese and went for an interview with the Dean of Theology, at Huron College, John Chapman as part of that process. 

Well, I had a very positive interview with the Dean, and the indication seemed to be that I was beginning the journey that God intended for me. 

After the interview, I got in my car to drive home and turned on the radio.  A CBC program was on air in which three people were being interviewed about their becoming clergy later in life – second or third careers like me.  I took that as the work of the Holy Spirit - my road to Damascus or road to ordination experience.  Now this could be dismissed as a mere coincidence.  However, Carl Jung has called these experiences of meaningful coincidences, synchronicity.  It certainly was a meaningful coincidence for me I was certain that this was a sign for me as the work of the Holy Spirit and one that has helped sustain on my road to ordination and as a priest since.

So, can we conclude that the Holy Spirit does not always work in such dramatic ways as it did on the Day of Pentecost which we celebrate today?  Let’s look at some other accounts of the Holy Spirit in the bible.  Jesus promises his disciples in John 16:13 that the Spirit will be a guide and “the Spirit would guide them into all the truth.”  In Acts 8: 29, the Holy Spirit instructed Philip to go to the chariot of the Ethiopian eunuch, leading to the eunuch's conversion. The Holy Spirit is a teacher - Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Advocate who will teach His followers all things and bring to their remembrance all that He had said to them.  The Holy Spirit also has the role of sanctifier.  Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians that God chose the believers to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 

The Holy Spirit was there in the beginning when God created the world – a wind from God – the Holy Spirit swept over the face of the water before God said, “Let there be light.”   The Holy Spirit the creative power of God – the empowerer, guide, teacher, and sanctifier. 

As I discovered in my road to ordination experience, the Holy Spirit is not always as easy to discern as on that Day of Pentecost.  However, be assured that it is still at work in us and in the world.  We must play our part in working with God by identifying how the Holy Spirit is at work and responding to that knowledge.  It can be in the still small voice we hear; it can be in our dreams if we pay attention to them; it can be in meaningful coincidences; it can be in the inspiration that gives you the answer that you have been struggling to find for a long time.  It can be in the inspiration we receive from an unexpected encounter in reading the bible as you come to gather in bible study or on our own.  It can be when we come together in the name of Jesus Christ to worship and partake in the body and blood of our Saviour.  Be assured that it is there at work in and for each of us. 

May we be blessed to recognize the Holy Spirit guiding us on our journeys. 

Both Hope and Despair

Just after I finished posting my last edition of this blog on the subject of Hope and Despair, Lorna and I had a living example of just that – we had a an experience of both hope and despair.  Our cat Trixie (although she is much more Lorna’s cat) who is an indoor branch of the feline species, took the opportunity to explore the great outdoors.  Now I’m not completely convinced that this is an example of synchronicity, I think it is a candidate for this phenomenon.  Here is Lorna’s description of the event as recorded on Facebook: 

I was gardening and I didn't realize the door hadn't latched. Trixie likes to watch me out the window when I am in the yard. When she noticed the door was slightly open, she decided to explore a bit. I had just finished my work and turned to see a large orange and black cat scoot under the back porch. I was wearing my outside (baseball) hat, which scares her for some reason.

 

I thought it can't be Trixie; Trixie's not that big. Then I saw the open door.

She next ran out from under the back porch - Greg caught a glimpse-and likely went from there under the deck. Ater a few minutes of calling her then googling about indoor cats escaping outdoors, I tramped around the forsythia bush as suggested but I frightened her. She startled me by darting out from under it. She disappeared before I could see where she went

 

Anyhow, we left both doors open and put out treats and familiar smelling things like her litter box and blanket. I had an email from my daughter to distract me.

 

So, just as I got to the point in the email where I was telling her how unnerving it was, and how worried I was and what if she didn't come back, and wasn't it lucky she'd been chipped when I heard a small "meep," so I looked over my shoulder. Greg had just seen her in the bedroom, so he quietly closed the back door, and motioned me to close the front door. She must have walked right behind me without my noticing. Anyhow I tiptoed over and closed the door.

 

She came back about an hour after she got out. So, I have Joanna to thank because I decided to reply to her, and thus let Trixie come in on her own !!!

 

This is a great example of how hope and despair can be experienced in the same event.  The reaction by both Lorna and me swung between both ends of what I can describe as the hope and despair axis – despair that we will never see Trixie and again and we will never have another cat to the hope she will return if we do what Google advises. 

 I hope that any times of despair will be accompanied with hope on your journey. 

 

More Synchronicity and You: Exploring Your Experience

 

 

 Dreamwork Canada presents

 an opportunity via Zoom to explore

our dreams as a means of deepening                  

and expanding our spirituality.

 

 More Synchronicity and You: Exploring Your Experience 

 led by Greg Little

Join us:
     Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. EST  (two hours) 
     On Zoom
     Cost: $40, or pay what you can

 In his essay, On Synchronicity, Carl Jung declares, “I have therefore directed my attention to certain observations and experiences which, I can fairly say, have forced themselves upon me during the course of my long medical practice. They have to do with spontaneous, meaningful coincidences of so high a degree of improbability as to appear flatly unbelievable.” Jung named these “meaningful coincidences” synchronicity. 

In our last workshop in January, Jung’s concept of synchronicity was introduced and explored using examples that were offered by Jung and by the workshop leader.  In this follow up workshop we will delve more deeply into how to identify synchronicity from mere coincidence and provide opportunity for participants to explore the concept more fully and explore personal experiences of synchronicity.  In small groups, participants will have an opportunity to discuss their experiences of synchronicity and explore the impact on their lives. 

Since Dreamwork Canada believes that exploring our dreams is essential to our psychological health, participants will also have an opportunity to examine dreams in a group experience. We invite participants to bring one of their dreams to share in the small group. 

Led by Greg Little, an Anglican Priest and Honourary assistant at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Strathroy, Ontario. He is a Certified Dream Group Leader and spiritual director from the Haden Institute.

Registration deadline: March 10, 2025 

To register: 
Step 1  Send your name and e-mail address to dreamworkcanada104@gmail.com so we can forward the Zoom link to you.
Step 2  Send your payment by e-transfer to dreamworkcanada104@gmail.com or request an alternative method of payment.  E-transfers are automatically deposited, no passcode required.
 
Questions?  Contact the registrar at dreamworkcanada104@gmail.com

More Synchronicity: More Than Mere Coincidence

 Last time, I introduced the concept of synchronicity.  Psychologist Carl Jung introduced the concept of synchronicity to describe meaningful coincidences that cannot be explained by conventional notions of cause and effect. This time, I want to give some guidelines on how synchronicity can be distinguished from mere coincidence.

As I noted last time, In his essay, On Synchronicity, Carl Jung declares, “I have therefore directed my attention to certain observations and experiences which, I can fairly say, have forced themselves upon me during the course of my long medical practice. They have to do with spontaneous, meaningful coincidences of so high a degree of improbability as to appear flatly unbelievable.” Jung named these “meaningful coincidences” synchronicity. 

Distinguishing between synchronicity and mere coincidence can be challenging, as both involve events occurring without a clear causal relationship. However, there are some key factors to consider when trying to determine whether an event is synchronicity or simply a coincidence:

1.            Meaningfulness: Synchronicity often involves events that have a deep, personal, or symbolic meaning to an individual. These events resonate with the person on a profound level, and they may feel a sense of significance or connection to their own life journey. Coincidences, on the other hand, may lack this meaningful or symbolic quality and are often perceived as random or trivial.

2.            Frequency: The frequency of occurrence can be a factor to consider. If similar meaningful coincidences happen repeatedly in your life, it may suggest a pattern of synchronicity rather than isolated coincidences. However, a single meaningful event can still be considered synchronicity if it has a profound impact.

3.            Timing: Synchronicity is often associated with events that occur at a particularly timely moment when an individual is facing a decision, dilemma, or emotional state. The event seems to offer guidance or insight just when it is needed most. Coincidences, on the other hand, may not have this element of timing.

4.            Intuition and Gut Feeling: Many people report a sense of intuition or inner knowing when they encounter synchronicity. They may feel that the event is significant, even before fully understanding why. Trusting your gut feeling about an event can be an indicator that it's more than just a coincidence.

5.            Personal Significance: Synchronicity often involves events that are personally significant or relevant to an individual's life circumstances or questions. These events may provide answers to questions, offer guidance, or reinforce a sense of purpose. Coincidences, on the other hand, may not have such personal relevance.

6.            Emotional Impact: Synchronicity events can evoke strong emotions, such as awe, wonder, or a sense of being guided or protected. Pay attention to your emotional response to an event, as it can provide insights into its significance.

7.            Pattern Recognition: Synchronicity often involves the recognition of patterns or connections between seemingly unrelated events. If you notice recurring themes or symbols in your life that seem to be associated with meaningful coincidences, it may indicate synchronicity.

8.            Reflective Inquiry: Take time to reflect on the event and its significance in your life. Ask yourself whether it has provided guidance, triggered personal growth, or helped you gain a new perspective. This reflective process can help you discern whether it's synchronicity or coincidence.

It's important to note that the distinction between synchronicity and coincidence can be highly subjective and depends on individual interpretation and perception. What one person views as synchronicity, another may see as mere chance. Ultimately, whether an event is considered synchronicity or coincidence, the key is to derive personal meaning and growth from it and use it as a source of inspiration or guidance in your life.

Synchronicity can open the door to mystery in our lives and that, for me, is a good thing.  May you be blessed to have mystery in your life.

 

 

 

Synchronicity: More Than Mere Coincidence

Last week, I presented a Dreamwork Canada workshop on synchronicity which is a concept developed by psychologist Carl Jung.  Carl Jung introduced the concept of synchronicity to describe meaningful coincidences that cannot be explained by conventional notions of cause and effect. In synchronicity, events or experiences seem to be connected not through a direct causal relationship but through their meaningful and often symbolic significance.

Key aspects of Jung's concept of synchronicity include:

Meaningful Coincidence: Synchronicity involves events or experiences that occur simultaneously or in close proximity and carry a deep, meaningful connection that transcends mere chance.

Acausal Connection: Jung proposed that synchronicity reveals an acausal connection i.e. no apparent cause between inner psychological states and external events. Unlike the deterministic cause-and-effect relationships of classical science, synchronicity implies a more subtle interplay between the inner and outer worlds.

Jung’s scarab beetle example:

Carl Jung’s scarab beetle example is one of his most famous illustrations of synchronicity, a concept he described as meaningful coincidences that are not causally related but hold significance for the individual. In this case, Jung was working with a woman who was resistant to therapy, largely due to her strictly rational worldview. During one session, she recounted a vivid dream in which she was given a golden scarab—a symbol of transformation and rebirth in Egyptian mythology.

While she was describing this dream, Jung heard a tapping at the window behind him. When he opened it, a beetle flew in—a rose chafer beetle, which is similar in appearance to a scarab. Jung handed it to her, saying, “Here is your scarab.” This unexpected moment created a powerful breakthrough, as it profoundly challenged the woman’s rational view of reality, opening her to exploring deeper psychological work.

For Jung, this incident exemplified synchronicity, showing how meaningful events can align beyond cause and effect. The appearance of the beetle served as a bridge between her inner experience and the external world, highlighting the possibility of interconnectedness and mystery within the psyche and the universe.

  

                   Rose Chafer Beetle                      Golden Scarab

I have had a number of experiences with synchronicity in my life.  As with the case of Jung’s client in the scarab example, they have opened me to the reality that there truly are “more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”  Before these encounters with synchronicity, I had difficulty in imagining that I could be a participant in things which were beyond my experience directly or indirectly and which provide insight into my life.  This opened me to the mystery which is such a vital part of the reality of life.

Next time, I will provide some guidelines to help distinguish between synchronicity and mere coincidence.  May you be blessed to have mystery in your life.

 

 

 

It’s Not Just a Coincidence

 Last Saturday, Lorna and I went for breakfast – as is our habit i.e., going out for a traditional breakfast at a restaurant.  The fact that our server had extensive tattoos on her arm caught my attention.  I had made note of that on previous occasions.  However, this time I wondered what was the attraction of tattoos for people and what motivates them to go through the expense or time and money – not to mention the discomfort (so I’m told) of being tattooed? 

Well, I didn’t think much more of it and let the question lie and fall back out of my consciousness.  Then, later that day, I opened the email for the Weekly Roundup from the Pew Research Center which I subscribe to.  The topic for this weekly roundup is ‘Americans and tattoos’.  This, naturally, made me sit up and take note.  The information was interesting e.g., 32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 22% who have more than one; For Americans without tattoos, seeing one on someone else gives them a more negative than positive impression of that person.  These are interesting data on the state of tattooing in the United States. 

There was also information that answered my initial question about why people get tattoos.  Sixty nine percent of those with tattoos was it is t honour someone or something; 47% say it is to make a statement; 32% say it is to improve their personal appearance. 

It is rewarding to have my question answered.  However, what really engaged me was whether this was a case of synchronicity.  Synchronicity is a term coined by psychologist Carl Jung for an occurrence that can most easily described as a significant coincidence.  Merriam-Webster dictionary defines synchronicity as:

the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (such as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality —used especially in the psychology of Carl Gustav Jung.”

Jung explained this seemingly inexplicable phenomena by drawing on his concept of the Collective Unconscious in which is the common inheritance of all humans and in which the usual laws of time and space and causality (no apparent cause and effect), do not apply.  This is described by one source, https://iaap.org/jung-analytical-psychology/short-articles-on-analytical-psychology/synchronicity-an-acausal-connecting-principle/:

A key signature concept in Jung’s vision of the world, synchronicity was defined by Jung as an acausal connecting principle, whereby internal, psychological events are linked to external world events by meaningful coincidences rather than causal chains.

 I have had what I consider synchronistic events in my life that have proven significant for me.  The best example is a synchronistic event which was about synchronicity.  Many years ago, I was taking a course in Jungian Psychology at the University of Toronto.  The lecture on the subject of synchronicity was held on April 1^st, which is my birthday.  The lecture used the Portable Jung as the text for this subject.  When we explore the applicable section, it began with an event which occurred on April 1, 1949.  This is my date of birth.  I queried the professor whether he had chosen the subject specifically because the date of the class was April 1^st.  However, he stated that he hadn’t done this.  So, we have a triple coincidence – the date of the class, the subject of the lecture, and my date of birth all coinciding.

When considering the issue of synchronicity, we must always consider the possibility of mere coincidence without significance.  Jung, in his writing, has gone into some depth on the question of mathematical probability and showing that many synchronistic occurrences and mathematically highly improbable.  However, I believe what must be considered is, what makes it significant?  In my experience these events have been an invitation to change course or to confirm a course in my life.  In the case of the example above it was an invitation from my unconscious to continue my exploration and education of Jungian Psychology.  I have done that since that occurrence, and I have pursued that in many ways including paying attention to my dreams and helping others to explore and understand their dreams. 

So, you may ask, was my encounter with tattoos a case of synchronicity or just a coincidence?  Tattoos themselves, are an interesting subject worth exploring and have great symbolic meaning.  However, I don’t believe that is what make it significant for me.  I found that I was at a time in which I need to renew my interest in Jungian concept and have not been exploring much of that lately.  My exergy and interest have been waning.  I believe that my tattoos coincidence was synchronistic because it reenergized my activity in the Jungian approach to understanding myself and the world.  And that, in the end settles it for me.

I invite you to pay attention to the significant coincidents on your journey. 

 

A Time for Lamentation

I always find occurrences of synchronicity – a term made popular by Carl Jung for significant coincidences – to be especially interesting.  As I was considering what to write about this week, I was thinking about lamentation in this time when so much of normal life has been disrupted by COVID -19.  When I sat down at my computer, I received a notification that Lorna had posted on Facebook an essay by N.T. Wright on the very subject, Christianity Offers No Answers About the Coronavirus. It's Not Supposed To.  Wright is the former Bishop of Durham and is a prominent theologian.  Now, the coincident is not that surprizing as this is truly a time for lamenting and I could also say that great minds think alike - but I can’t make a claim like that even in my wildest flight of fantasy.

That being said, it truly is a time for lamentation which is one of the things that Christians do not embrace easily despite a whole book of the bible being devoted to it.  As Wright notes, people want to find an explanation for why trouble besets us:

No doubt the usual silly suspects will tell us why God is doing this to us. A punishment? A warning? A sign? These are knee-jerk would-be Christian reactions in a culture which, generations back, embraced rationalism: everything must have an explanation.

It is natural for we mere mortals to want to make sense of what is happening – to cry out, “why me” in a loud demand for an explanation.  This was Job’s cry to God for an explanation for his troubles.  It seems to me that God gave him an answer that wasn’t truthful.  How would Job have felt if God had acknowledged that he was a mere pawn in a bet between God and Satan?  However, the answer that God gave him was true, if not the whole truth.  We cannot know the reason for everything and Job finally understood that, “Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” 

Sometimes, the best and perhaps only response is to sit down and weep as it says in psalm 137 which was put to lyrics by Don McLane: 

By the waters, the waters of Babylon
We lay down and wept, and wept, for thee Zion
We remember thee, remember thee, remember thee Zion

Wright closes his essay which the possibility that lies beyond the lamenting:

It is no part of the Christian vocation, then, to be able to explain what’s happening and why. In fact, it is part of the Christian vocation not to be able to explain—and to lament instead. As the Spirit laments within us, so we become, even in our self-isolation, small shrines where the presence and healing love of God can dwell. And out of that there can emerge new possibilities, new acts of kindness, new scientific understanding, new hope. New wisdom for our leaders? Now there’s a thought.

That new hope is best expressed for me in that wonderful hymn, ‘How can I Keep form Singing’ by Robert Lowry;

My life flows on in endless song;

Above earth's lamentation,

I hear the sweet, tho' far-off hymn

That hails a new creation;

Thro' all the tumult and the strife

I hear the music ringing;

It finds an echo in my soul—

How can I keep from singing?

Blessings on your journey and keep on singing

What Drives Me To Continue

The last few additions have been dedicated to responding to questions which were posed to me by a reader.  Here are the questions for your reference and consideration:

Can you explain to me your grounding belief in the Trinity? I can’t explain internally the need for formal religion and rules and commitment. 

I agree that when you drill down to the bottom of all... be good treat people as you want to be treated..  try to correct wrongs when you can etc. 

Does it come down to blind faith? What drives you to continue?  Do you ever feel that your energy would better placed in just straight up social justice?

Today I will respond to the question: “What drives you to continue?”   That is a very personal question which I am not sure I have a complete answer for as it is a work in process.   The first thing that I ask myself is, what is it that I continue?   Is it my life long involvement with the church?  Following on with that thought, is it my decision to seek ordination as a priest which I continue to be and continue to serve, albeit in a different and less active role in retirement.  Is it someone who believes that dreams are one of the many ways, indeed one of the important ways, a way that God speaks to us and who works with others in discerning their meaning?   It is as a Spiritual Director which I have come to more recently?  Is it my attempts to be a husband and father to my spouse and children as flawed as they are?

Or is it more basic than all that.  Is it to continue to explore and discover how I can be the person I believe I should be and by extension become the person that I believe God created me to be? All of those things are connected and the idea of discovering and making incomplete and flawed and halting efforts in all those ways are what drives.  It is what I come back to no matter how I try to avoid it or rationalize not following that path which apparently God has laid out for me.

Let me give one example which I am most clear about.  I first felt the call to ordained ministry in my thirties.  I had been and continue to be actively involved in the church all my life.  At that point it was in the United Church of Canada.  I entered into the discernment process and followed that for some time until circumstances convinced me it wasn’t the time to pursue that path, I told myself that it really wasn’t for me ̶ perhaps a case of sour grapes.  In any case, my journey continued in fits and starts and sometimes what seemed to involve many disastrous wrong turns and dead ends.  

After some searching I ended up in the Anglican Church as my church home.  I continued on with life and was approaching retirement from my first career as a civil servant.  I began to be drawn to take courses in theology at Huron College, out of interest of course and never with the intention that it might lead to where it eventually did.  I continued on taking courses part time categorized as a ‘Special Student” which always tickled me as I secretly thought I was special.  I retired and after a short, brilliant (just kidding) career as a “consultant” still taking courses as a Special Student, I began to fell the pull to explore the possibility of ordination on the Anglican Church.  As I have said at other times I was hoping for a “Road to Damascus Experience” to get a clear massage that this was a call I should answer.  That never came, at least not that clearly as St. Paul received his (thank God).  It was more a case of God continuing to nag me which, I have concluded is often the way God works.

In any case I decided the only way to discern if God was actually calling me to this path was begin to follow it.   This is what I did and continue to this day.  One of the signposts along the way which I like to recount (as am therefore going to here) was a case of synchronicity (a Jungian term for significant coincidence).   I applied to be a full-time student in the MDiv program (apparently no longer ‘special’) and had an interview with the Dean of Theology.  After what was a very positive interview I was driving home and had my radio tuned to CBC as usual (radio 1 for those who listen to CBC).  There was a program in which three clergy were being interviewed about their experience of being called to ministry as mature adults (at least chronologically).  I took this as a sign I as on the right path. 

A big part of what drives me to continue is to keep trying to discern where God is calling me in my life.  I try do this in as many ways as possible.  I believe that God speaks to us in many different ways.  We are all more open to some ways than other but it is for us to try and discern the voice of God however we can.

Blessings on you journey and keep your eyes and ears and all your senses attuned to the voice of God.