“If you are looking for answers to the profound enigma of the meaning and nature of meaningful coincidences in your own life, answers that bring psychological insight and spiritual understanding, then you have come to the right place. Professor Surprise has given us the finest book of its kind.” —Allan Combs, coauthor Synchronicity : Through the Eyes of Science, Myth and the Trickster
The experience of meaningful coincidences is universal. They are reported by people of every culture, every belief system, and every time period. Synchronicity examines the evidence for the human influence on the meaningfulness of events, and the way the modern computational model of the mind predicts how we create meaning.
It demonstrates that these events, based on the activity of the mind, are caused by the person who perceives them.
In this fascinating work, you will: Learn to use your amazing ability to create synchronistic events Discover how your mind creates the reality you experience Unlock your brain's vast resources of connectivity and creativity Change from living as a separate being to living as a part of the unified whole
Synchronicity will show you how you already create events around you, and make you a conscious co-creator of your reality. Dr. Surprise describes the miracles of your brain's processes, merging the worlds of modern physics and ancient mysticism to reveal abilities you have always possessed, but which were not fully understood--until now.
Learn to make reality dance to the rhythms of your thoughts.
This book took almost a month to read....I had a hard time with the run-on sentences, the tangents, the bold "opinions" stated as fact, not to mention the grammatical issues. The editor needs a new line of work. Finally, about halfway through the book, I read a passage that sounded like something Dr Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory would say. From that point on, I read the book as if Sheldon was reading me the book : ) It actually made it much more enjoyable to read!
On page 256 (9 pages from the end...), the author writes, "Sometimes when I write I have the feeling there is something I would like to say, but making the thought clear eludes me." .... Yeah....
Aside from the Sheldon-like communication style (annoying yet grows on you), the book was interesting to read, but only a few pages at a time.
A frustrating read. Starts off really nicely by promising you insight into synchronicity but then fails to follow through. (I gave up at page 100).
All I learned from him is that Synchronistic Events are self-created and may not be causative but I remain doubtful. Lacks research but more frustratingly it doesn't "connect the dots".
A lot of the chapters seem to follow this pattern of lack of follow through. EG In pg 78, he tells a story of a client who exhibits signs of suffering from grandeur -- he interprets synchronistic events as calls from God. Dr Kirby says it's not, so you're expecting some words of wisdom but then he promptly ends the story by saying he only saw him for one session and doesn't know how the patient ended up. He doesn't even refute the patient on his interpretation either. So what's the point?
Excruciating.
With that said, I don't think his theory is unfounded but I think he jumped the gun by writing a book while his theory is still incomplete -- a pity.
And it needs a good editor if they plan to do a second edition. There are a few typos and grammatical errors.
I was really excited to read this book and see what new insight it had to offer, but this was short-lived. At first the book seemed interesting, but it quickly became difficult to stay tuned in, what with the clear bias and judgmental tone. Especially with a scientific book, I’d expect facts and statements that show what the author means; not constant opinions on other approaches to synchronicity (ie: mystical, religious, etc.). I get that the author has a scientific background and as such, perhaps he doesn’t realize how his language betrays his bias and rudeness, at least at times—but then again, I’d file that under ‘editing concerns’ (which comes up again later). But ironically, perhaps because he’s a psychiatrist, I’d expect him to be a bit more discerning with his work (or does he only make a point to analyze others and not himself?). The irony (or not) is that I was reading a lengthy book on Jung simultaneously, which included his chapter on synchronicity. And while Jung’s work and language is generally far more complex, I was far better able to absorb—and be amazed by—the scope of his work than this book was able to do for me.
A few basic points on the book:
1. The approach is based on evolutionary views, which I don’t believe in. I automatically knew this would take me down another path, but that in itself isn’t grounds for me to stop reading something. The issue here is not with my disagreement with this view, but rather, with my understanding and belief that one’s view on the origin of life often can, and will, impact one’s view of everything else.
2. So much for a ‘scientific’ approach when much of what he does is state his opinions while criticizing others'. He says himself that he is “deeply suspicious of anyone who claims synchronistic events (SEs for short) result from personal relationships with unseen supernatural forces” (p. 95) and seems to equally dismiss mythological explanations of SEs (p. 117). He may find other theories to be “just silly” and that “most models of SEs fail because they are operating either from a religious mythology or from obsolete science,” but he does not do a better job at conveying his own points. See more on that below.
3. Perhaps the most frustrating thing of all is that the arguments are not laid out well, and seem either confusing or downright contradicting.
For instance, he states that synchronistic events (SEs) are mirrors that reflect back what’s going on inside us. This seemed incomplete to me. However, he later adds they also ‘provide help and information.’ Speaking from my own experience with SEs, this is what I believe SEs to do. But I’m therefore not sure that defining SEs as ‘mirrors’ is the correct term since mirrors don’t generally ‘provide help and information’; they only reflect.
Moreover, the early part of the book spends much time repeating how we can, and do, create our own SEs—which require our thought processes. Then, on pg. 110, he states that “you never have full conscious control of your thought processes.” Well then, if we never have control of our thought processes, how can you claim that we can always, unfailingly create our own SEs? Clearly, he contradicts himself by saying that we create them, if we aren’t in complete control of our thought processes, which affect said SEs. In addition, this can also mean that we can’t be entirely sure what creates SEs and although we may create some of them, we may not create them all (and therefore Jung may not be entirely wrong on that front; which is what the author loves to go back on throughout the book).
But the last straw for me was the following:
On p. 152, the author states that “you are never going to be sure about SEs.” Um, WHAT?! If we are never going to be sure about SEs, then why am I reading a book that attempts to pinpoint exactly what—and who—causes them?! And did I really need to get halfway through the book to come to this quote? It felt inconsistent and annoying and I called it quits. We ‘may not be sure about SEs’, but what I AM sure about is that, given my pile of nearly 200 books, I have to be discerning of what gets my attention.
Lastly (as if the above wasn’t troublesome enough as it is), I’m quite shocked at the alarming presence of bad (or is it lack of?) editing this text was subjected to. Misspellings, grammatical errors, syntax, etc. are recurrent issues. Again—I get that the author is a scientist but this is where I’d figure that if one knows they have some areas they struggle with, then finding a competent editor would be of the essence. It just ended up feeling like a hot mess on so many levels. Obviously, it goes without saying that I’m no ‘authority’ on Carl Jung but his work is unquestionably influential, and is just on a whole other level, period. I definitely DON’T recommend this book as the starting point on the subject of synchronicity.
Really wanted and expected to like this book, but it just didn't work for me. The examples of synchronistic events woven through the text are much more illustrative of the concept than the author's ragged attempts to define synchronicity.
I just couldn't get into it.. I was excited for a book on the topic of synchronicity but just couldn't relate to the author's style of writing and felt it was disjointed. Some of the statements were just too generalised and lacking in substance.
Filled with good insight, bias against religion, and irony
I felt the book offered incredible insight into synchronistic events (SEs), and gave me a framework for understanding how SEs work. What I’ve read here gels well with other work I’ve read on a variety of subjects, from neuroscience to metaphysics. It’s a nice bridge.
The author is pretty harsh on religion—to a comical degree. He uses “The Flying Spaghetti Monster” as his prime example of how religion manipulates people, and refers continuously to religion in general as being nothing more than a tool to manipulate populations. If was off-putting, and he must have realized it would be. He caveats his commentary in a way that is meant to make one feel that being offended is a sign of being closed minded.
At times in the book the author seemed to lack self awareness while making statements that essentially ridiculed people who profess any sort of faith. I think he’s a well-meaning guy, but his take on this can be chokingly ironic at times. He makes statements and comments that he apparently does not realize are direct contradictions to what he’d said only a sentence or page before. I started noting these in comments on various passages, and could likely write a book of my own on the topic, at this point.
Still, I enjoyed the book, and took a great deal out of it that is useful and helpful to me. I recommend it to anyone curious about synchronicity, and offer only the caution that the author is anti-religious and a bit snarky and closed minded on the subject.
This book was not at all what I thought it would be. I appreciated it's sarcastic approach to a "woo woo" topic. Though I lean more "woo woo" myself. The devil's advocate in me, was surprised ;-) by this book's approach.
God, I love surprises! It’s like waking up on your day off totally refreshed and finding bright blue skies and unlimited possibilities for the day ahead. It just makes you happy inside.
I perhaps should clarify things. I have been in on a journey - of sorts - to not exactly 'find myself' but to certainly get to a better understanding of myself and perhaps ground myself and become okay with what and who I am. It's been an interesting exercise to say the least, and one that will probably extend til the end of my physical existence. I have no time constraints on this journey and no particular guidelines, other than what I stumble upon or what strikes my fancy and to go with the flow.
Honestly, I can say that although I have a long way to go, I've also gone a goodly distance down the path and am a much happier person for it. It's been an interesting trip to date and I'm excited to what lies ahead for me.
And that brings me to this book .... and it's surprising content and awareness.
I don't know what I was expecting - perhaps more of the same of things I've read before (it's not my first jaunt down a synchronicity path). - but it certainly wasn't this. This book seemed to both clarify and confirm things I felt were a base truth, that what I felt and experienced were on track and real.
It was a little vindicating. And exhilarating. And daunting. Because it all comes down to you and your choices, truly seeing and then acting accordingly to make things be what they are – for better or for worse.
There’s a ‘practical’ side of this wee tome that gets a little out of hand and was a little over my head at times. I figure things will be tried with baby steps. But I am excited to try it anyways. Truthfully – I’ve experience it and know it works. It’s truly an awakening to consciousness that is at your fingertips. It’s not Harry Potter magic, but it’s just as sweet. Because it’s real!!!
An easy to read book that wonderfully simplifies and expands Carl Jung's work in this field. Calling coincidences Synchronistic Events (SEs), Dr. Surprise not only validates these experiences, he also teaches the reader how to work with them. One way he does this is to use his own SEs as examples even as they occur while he is writing a particular portion of the book.
Pointing towards discoveries in Quantum Physics, Dr. Surprise stresses his view that we are multidimensional beings operating in a multidimensional universe. Well schooled in delusional thinking, however, he consistently cautions the reader in assigning specific meaning to the SEs that pop up around us. In order to maintain clarity of thought and action when operating in this arena, he strongly recommends the consistent practice of meditation.
Synchronicity, will be a very valuable tool for anyone wanting to seriously probe the nature of coincidence.
From all the books I’ve read on Quantum Physics, this is the one I appreciated the least. I didn’t like his writing as much, especially his sarcasm. I don’t know whether it was the traduction or not (I read it in French).
The book itself I bought a year ago, and though synchronicities were happening to me daily I was prolonging to read the book. But once sitting on the plane that nearly crashed, I finally decided to give it a go. I think this book only makes sense to people who experience SEs. If you constantly state that you are experiencing SE, but the abstract explanation of this book doesn’t really make sense to you, perhaps you are not experiencing SEs, but simply believing that you do. Yes, SEs are the only reflection of oneself, and by realizing that SEs happen in your life, nothing really significant changes. I think the key is a confirmation that they happen. Are they a sign from the universe? Yes and no. From the logic that universe is you and you are the universe than yes. SEs are signs from the universe. No, because universe doesn’t really pay attention to every single being and just is.
I think the breaking thing which is important to understand is that the universe is you, and you are the universe. The surroundings are part of you, and you are part of them. I believe this is the most important thought of this book.
The only problem I have with these books, does come comes from my own ignorance of the Asian philosophy. Dr. Surprise uses in his examples and his logic for Synchronicity a lot of materials from Buddhism. Only by studying the Asian philosophies, will I be able to understand the origin of Dr. Surprise’s logic.
Additionally, to further understand Synchronicity, I believe it's important to do further studies and read original (translated) books about Bodhidharma and the poems by Wu Li. Otherwise, we only receiving by-product of someone else’s thought or in another way someone’s experience of the SEs. Only by studying many different experiences and understandings of SEs we will be able to understand our own experiences.
I think this book will not give a direct answer to those who search for clarity. It is foolish to believe that one book will give you enlightenment that by centuries people tried to achieve. But at least the book gives you a direction.
Dr. Surprise really has good intentions writing this but the things he said in the 11+ hours of the book could have easily been expressed in a shorter amount of time. I do see his perspective on how your thoughts can come into reality and that it is the belief strength that matters. He also speaks on increasing the probability factor in games of chance. I found that very intriguing and also open end my eyes on the possible way the influence chance odds with a positive mindset.
Where he loses me is that he does not own the belief rather, he leaves the reader in a state of feeling like they could have just wrote a book themself and owned the truth of the research found. I think he knows for sure that synchronicity does exist but looking to save face and keep his “reputation” as a clinical psychologist intact without appearing to be crazy was more important here. The way I see it if you’re going to take this much time to write and research elements to a book why leave it with a not confirmed nor denied state.
In the end you cheated the seekers and the ones that were hoping to find real value in this. The big thing I see is someone that found something but didn’t have necessarily all the proof intact but strong enough evidence to be a factor. In the end he chose his “PhD” reputation over being bold enough to speak on what is truly possible out here in life.
I recently had some freaky synchronicties happen which got me searching for information on the subject. I listened to a podcast with this guy and was intrigued enough to download this book. I found it confusing though. On the one hand his theory is SEs are generated by our own brains, but then in the exercises there is one in which we can try to unconciously talk to another person' s higher conciousness via SEs. So it's not just me? Or it is just my own subconcious talking to concious me? In any case, it's fascinating to think about. This book left me with many more questions than answers.
From the moment my hands touched this book the meaningful coincidences started unfolding. Being thirsty for this truth I believe put it all in gear but this read is truly inspiring and left me with a great sense of control I never felt before. Now I realize these space time events popping up that mean so much I created. I'm looking forward to the rest of my journey with this new awaken. Thank you Kirby for your brilliance.
The idea of synchronicity is nice, but he is falling in the same trap as he is the reader (listener) warning about: he is telling a story as a metaphor but pretending it is the truth. As a physicist, I got annoyed after a while with the abuse of concepts of extra dimensions and warping of spacetime. I still give it three stars, since I really enjoyed thinking about synchronicity while listening to the book.
The concept is great, and while reading it I did notice a lot of synchronicities happening in my life whether big or small.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it does get quite repetitive at times, and I feel the book doesn't have to be as long as it is to get the entire message across.
But all in all I love the message and I believe it could change the way you look at what's happening around your life.
Loved reading every part of this book...going to reread some parts again...this will change your view of God,religion,Spirits,Demons & your own view of yourself & your thoughts..this book is about you...like a mirror & the reflection in it..
The only redeeming qualities are the half way entertaining anecdotes and debunking of delusions others have. However when other's delusions are compared to the authors you realize they are of similar qualities. There is one valuable lesson about what we notice being a reflection of our own mind and what we look for. Outside of that, it's a lot of painted emptiness and half finished thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Hmm... książka ciekawa, temat też. Natomiast hmm... ja "nadaję na lekko innych falach", więc tak aż pod racjonalistów pisana książka nie jest mi potrzebna :P i w pewnych drobnych kwestiach się nie znam... Cóż, całokształt oceniam na jakieś trzy i pół na pięć.
Ale kilka fajnych cytatów się znalazło:
"Bodhidharma nie potrafi odpowiedzieć na pytanie, kim jest, ponieważ odrębność jest dla niego iluzją. Mógł powiedzieć coś w stylu: „Jestem tobą, głupcze, a także krzesłem, na którym siedzisz, pomieszczeniem, które widzisz, sługą podającym ci wino – każdym oraz wszystkim, czego kiedykolwiek doświadczyłeś”. " (s.69)
"Nie istnieje coś takiego, jak odrębne obiekty. Przestrzeń to pole energii, coś na kształt bezkresnej tkaniny . Cząsteczki materii to po prostu obszary, w których tkanina ta pozostaje w ruchu lub jest bardziej zwarta. Nic nie rozdziela tu poszczególnych obiektów; wszystkie stanowią jedność. Nie ma pustej przestrzeni; odrębność to iluzja. Kolejną prawdą objawioną światu przez Einsteina było stwierdzenie, iż skoro nie ma odrębności między polem energii, jakim jest przestrzeń, a materią, z której jest ona zbudowana, to materia i energia to jedno i to samo. Znów pojawia się wątek jedności. Ty, książka, którą właśnie trzymasz w ręku, światło i energia cieplna obecna w twoim pokoju – wszystko to stanowi tę samą energię, część tego samego pola." (s.95)
"Widziałem coś, czego nie było. Spróbuj, a także zobaczysz to, co chcesz ujrzeć. Oto, w jaki sposób działa ten mechanizm. Gdy coś sobie wyobrażasz, twój mózg wykorzystuje te same obszary do stworzenia wymyślonej wizji, co w przypadku tworzenia prawdziwego obrazu na podstawie danych płynących od zmysłów. Skanery mózgu pokazują, że zarówno wtedy , gdy wyobrażamy sobie śrubokręt, jak i wtedy, kiedy patrzymy na jego zdjęcie, aktywuje się ten sam obszar kory wzrokowej. Jedyna różnica polega na tym, iż w przypadku wyobrażenia aktywność jest mniej sza, a obraz słabszy." (s.113)
"To, czego chcemy, wpływa na nasze samopoczucie, co z kolei ma przełożenie na to, jak myślimy. Nasze myślenie oddziałuje na nasze uczucia, co wyznacza nasze pragnienia. Wszystko to znajduje odzwierciedlenie w wydarzeniach synchronicznych." (s.114)
"Posiadasz umiejętność wyrażania wybranych myśli w postaci konkretnych form myślowych. Czy oznacza to, że twoje myśli stają się prawdziwymi przedmiotami pojawiającymi się wokół ciebie? Owszem. Wydaje się to nieprawdopodobne, ale obiekty mentalne stworzone z MN-przestrzeni nawet w tej chwili istnieją tuż obok ciebie. Pomyśl o nich jak o duchach, tworach urzeczywistnionych przez twoje myśli. To właśnie formy myślowe." (s.141)
Because I heard a lengthy interview with the author on the radio, there wasn't much of anything new in the book. I've been looking into these kinds of subjects for many years, and a new take on an old subject is always welcome!
Having said that, the book itself could be an engaging read for somebody wanting to know more about this strange phenomenon.
I had high hopes for this book and was excited to read it. I made it to page 83. Prior to that point I did suspect the author took a non-spiritual view of synchronicity. But I found the ideas he expressed to be quite interesting. Pages 81-83, however, clarified to me that, yes, this is in fact the case. As a social worker, rehab counselor, life coach, and spiritual person, I have read much--both spiritual writing and solely psychological writing--and I have learned from it all. But this author got to me. He is condescending toward spirituality and religion. His "SE and the Evolution of Religion" beginning on page 81 is a crass and simplistic (at best) take on spiritual and religious history. I took a break and decided to flip to some random places elsewhere in the book to see if this theme continued and I happened upon page 260 where the author tries to explain away having a conversation with God as really just a conversation with oneself. That certainly goes against my personal spiritual experiences and that of many individuals and groups throughout history. It is really disappointing, because I see synchronicity as both psychological and spiritual--as do many. It is rare that I don't finish a book. Unfortunately this likely will be one I don't finish.
This book was really good. I never heard synchronicity until about 3 years ago. I started to notice synchronized events that were happening in my life. Then I saw this book and it really changed my perspective on life. When you read about manifestation, they allows tell you that you are in control of everything that goes on around you. Manifestation and Synchronicity are the same thing. The reason I give the book 4 stars is because throughout the book, there is a lot of things the author claims he does not believe and I had to take a step back because if this author can do his research and learn about and how to do synchronicity, then why is it so difficult for you to believe that chakra energy exist. There were other things in the book that the author chose not to believe and it surprised me. The author also felt it is "PLAN STUPID" to use ANY type of hallucinogenic drug....I call it hallucinogenic plants Energy in the body is real, kundalini can prove that.
This is the most important book on this subject to come along in years....The author has actually discovered that Dr. Carl Jung, who discovered "Synchronicity," was wrong about its origin....It seems that we create them ourselves by the way we think, and not by what happens outside of our minds, as Jung believed.....This means that you can create them to your advantage in life, that is if you look for them and are aware they are being created by you at every instance of your thoughts......This book's information is the foundation of all magic that our forefathers believed was coming from some other realm, other than our own minds....A truly eye-opening read for the student of the mind....
For many SEs (Synchronistic Events) are the work of some higher being - God, The Universe, Angels etc. For Kirby Surprise SEs are things we create ourselves and therefore make no sense to anyone but us. They are effectively our subconscious creating and seeking to make sense from patterns. Mostly we subconsciously create SEs, but we can also consciously create them too. Dr Surprise has a fun writing style and the book is full of examples of SEs and tips on how to use SEs in your life.
Gave me lots of scientific evidence some of which I would rather have not heard especially the really important part which is: we each create our own synchronicity. That being said, Dr. Surprise (yes, it's really his name)gives lots of directions on how to create your own experiments. Interesting stuff.
Wow! This has got to be one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. I just cannot put it down, and highly recommend it as a most interesting and enlightening read. I am actually reading the e version on my kindle.
In this well written book that is also entertaining to read, Dr. Surprise shows us how, when we are ready, we can harness the power of our own minds to create the kind of "synchronicity" that can enrich our lives. And all along, I just thought it was coincidence!
Your mind has to be so open to get into this book. It's incredibly interesting and thought-provoking, but not exactly the best written. I can't even begin to try to explain the concepts in it. I'll ket the author do it.
Excellent book! I live my life by this sort of thing, and was nice to read a book written by a brilliant, educated man who thinks along the same lines as I do, because most of the time people write off these ideas as "new age mumbo jumbo."
I was so stoked for this book but after abour 100 pages when it was 'time to deliver' it fell short. The examples of synchronicity became annoying and tedious and you feel like telling the author to turn off his damn internet radio and write his book. I gave up around P.170