The Positive Psychology of Synchronicity: Enhance Your Mental Health with the Power of Coincidence

by Chris Mackey

Synchronicity: the phenomenon of experiencing a striking and meaningful coincidence that connects our inner and outer worlds.

Synchronicity can act as a guide along our life path, helping us through challenging times, restoring self-belief and awakening a deeper understanding of ourselves and our destiny.



Writing for both practitioners and anyone interested in mental health, wellbeing and the opportunities offered by altered states of consciousness, psychologist Chris Mackey provides astounding case studies and many practical suggestions for working with synchronicity, from journaling and symbol analysis to dream interpretation and ideas for accessing flow. He makes a passionate case that acknowledging synchronicity, as well as other forms of transcendent experience, plays an important role in positive psychology - the science of wellbeing - enabling us to thrive and find fulfilment in life.



Chris Mackey is a clinical psychologist with 40 years' experience.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2019

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sections of this book on synchronicity are utterly fascinating. Connections between psychology, spirituality, and quantum physics will be of interest to anyone who has ever wondered how all these uncanny "coincidences" take place. The first part of the book is highly recommended.

The book also includes a memoir by the author. While it is well worth reading, it seems to be a different book (and maybe should have been a second book). I think those simply interested in Synchronicity would probably have wanted to cut to the chase and read the author's conclusions about that topic. It's almost like the author had the material for two books, instead of one lengthy one.

Recommended.

[Zoe Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great, but dragged on a bit.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received The Positive Psychology of Synchronicity by Christopher Mackey from NetGalley in expectation of an honest review. The book is a wonderful combination of research, stories, science and psuedoscience. I particularly enjoy the flow of Mackey's writing about personal stories into the historical record. It has an intertwining of past and present I feel is important when discussing psychology, especially the trans-personal. the evidence of synchronicity provided in this writing makes it difficult to argue wit. The only downside to this book is that I feel it is a lengthier read than necessary. Christopher Mackey uses wordy stories to describe simple ideas. I encourage this read from anyone with interest in the psi part of psychology.

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Synchronicity is serendipity that is meaningful to the observer. That is, finding links and meaning in every coincidence.

Extra Sensory Perception, numerology, telepathy, seeing and talking to ghosts, tarot cards, precognition are all deemed to be scientific. That is because of the quantum phenomenon of entanglement. So everything is linked and we are all one...

But of course you know all these already through my telepathy, no?

[Anna Loisel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an unconventional psychology book. I respect what Mackey tried to do, and I have had a lot of these same thoughts about synchronistic/coincidental situations happening in my life and pondering what they could mean. He shed some light into them using anecdotal evidence from his clients.

[TwoDrinks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Topic is fascinating for a few reasons:
1. Discussion on the medicalisation of variation in the way the mind works leaves little room for people who are different to receive a positive clinical intervention
2. Recovery after psychosis is possible (but honestly, not generally expected?)
3. A positive, outward-looking frame of mind can broaden your mind and help you remain well and recover from periods of mental illness
4. Some great examples of personal stories
5. How I don’t feel uncomfortable with the idea of spirituality or the energy of the universe, but feel deeply uncomfortable with the idea of god /religion.

That said, the bill is too long for me and could be neatly summarised in a pamphlet. Not to say I didn’t get anything out of it, it just went on a bit. So after about 2/3 of it I skipped to the end. 🤷‍♀️

[Isabella · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

After teaching psychology for 25 years ago where rational thinking and empirical evidence are the gold standard I was keen to listen to how positive psychology and spirituality can help in a therapeutic setting. On the plus side there were a few nice stories about coincidences, the importance of trusting your intuition and the devil that are pharmaceutical companies. Also nice to hear about the positive side to mania.

However, it was just too much waffle. I may have a short attention span but I kept wondering what is the point of this. Just seemed to drag on. By the time I got to the end of listening to the book I thought I am not sure if it was some kind of torture. Even my husband said - doesn’t he just go on. So the little gems were often hidden in too much of his passion. I will be reading more on the subject but sorry can’t listen to this author again.

[Riley Tesman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Embrace coincidence for the betterment of your life. Liked the discussion on likening synchronicity and coincidence to quantum physics. There is a lot of personal recollection in this book, which can be repetitive after a while, but this is certainly in line with the message being shared.

[Paola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting case studies and links to synchronicity

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but I feel it could have been more succinct. The subject matter is quite fascinating.

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part memoir part information on synchronicity. I enjoyed how the author shows us the universe is showing us signs and synchronicities along the way. It is a great book for anyone wanting to see the power of synchronicity.

I would like to thank netgalleyand the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book, but sometimes it was a little bit too hard to believe, even if I tried. Interesting if not totally empiric...

Mi é piaciuto questo libro, ma a volte era un po' troppo difficile credergli anche se ci ho provato. Interessante anche se non esattamente empirico.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is pretty well written. It is essentially 300 pages of stories/examples of synchronicity (mostly about the author) with a few pointers for readers. While very interesting at times, I didn't find it very useful. I think it will be inspiring for some readers.

I really appreciate the advanced copy for review!!

[Alexandrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Positive Psychology of Synchronicity is a well written book depicting the link between Psychology, synchronicity, and other spiritual aspects not normally considered by academia to be linked. But the author dispels these common beliefs, and with first hand accounts of himself or his patients, how science and spirituality can mix.

[Jill Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a big believer in synchronicity, this book was an anticipated read for me. Christopher Mackey does a fabulous job writing a book that explains this phenomenon. His attention to details, research and personal story made this a very interesting read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

[Linda Drawater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an updated and revised edition of “Synchronicity: Empower Your Life with the Gifts of Coincidence”