As part of my recent explorations and readings vis-a-vis the confluence of physics and metaphysics, the realm of the acausal and the intriguing problems introduced by quantum and string theories (and how they all collide), I’ve started thinking a lot about coincidences. If, as I came upon myself (although apparently there are books and books on the subject), the Heisenberg principle applies to realms beyond the physical, perhaps looking too hard at coincidences will change them or make them go away. But I still think about it a lot.

Recently, I’ve encountered several coincident events to which I’ve assigned meaning. This assignment of meaning of course being the most relevant issue. Last week I saw four hawks–an osprey, a red-tailed hawk and two unidentified, tawny giants–in the space of two hours all in the inner SE industrial district of Portland. I choose to find meaning in that, even if the metaphoric omen escapes my deciphering. Just before that, a coincidence involving rim shots (yeah, as in “buh dunh dun”). I know those close to me have intriguing things that happen together. I’m not even suggesting these events would have meaning to anyone else but me, nor that by my assigning meaning to them anything actually happens. I, to simplify, actually find joy in believing something might be afoot. And I don’t even find sorrow in the likelihood that my belief here is for something that isn’t extant. That’s OK with me. Being wrong is fine. I still enjoy it.

Tell me about your coincidences–recent or otherwise with meaning in your life–as I am curious. If you would be so kind. Do you find meaning or value in them? Or do you find them manifestations of chance?