Confirmation Bias, Synchronicity and Kangaroos

Teri DluznieskiThe discussion between synchronicity versus “confirmation bias” has come up a lot on the discussion threads, so I opted to put together a post that was more specifically geared to discuss them.

My comment was that.. we are essentially ALL immersed in and surrounded by patterns.. EVERYTHING is part of patterns and/ or pattern. It is the nature of the universe. Even chaos has a bizarre pattern of randomness. Go figure. ..

As we become aware of ourselves, our interests, motivations, and fundamental essence- we begin to develop synchronicity.  The universe lines things up for us and around us. Strange serendipitous things begin to occur. People you think about, but haven’t seen in years- suddenly bump into you in unexpected locations. Job offers present themselves the day before you hear your office is downsizing… The universe becomes an active and often humorous partner in moving you forward.

Some people consider this a confirmation bias.  A term in psychology that essentially means, we see something after the fact that confirms what we were expecting.  Sort of. My background is not psychology, and so someone may correct me on this.  But that is the general sense I got based on discussions.

The distinction I *think* I see between confirmation bias and synchronicity.. is whether events around us are passive or active.  Are we just noticing.. or does something actually change? I suspect it is a combination of the two factors, but that there is, or can be, something beyond.. more than.. just confirmation bias.  And I think some people who experience a high degree of synchronicity and serendipity in their lives, would agree.

I think as a healer. I would term it a little differently, but– with a caveat. Using your own example, say of having been a conservative republican. That would create a specific resonance.. and while yes.. you are going to notice elephants more often.. which would be a confirmation bias.. There are also physical and energetic aspects involved, which I am not sure are entirely grounded in the concept of confirmation bias. First, I would guess, in this instance say.. if there were 2 offerings- coffee shop, news channel, etc.. you would gravitate toward “elephant.” I am guessing here, but this probably isn’t confirmation bias so much as association? I am an elephant, I want to talk about elephant things. I feel more comfortable, re-assured and confirmed as an elephant, around other elephants. So YES, one is going to notice more elephants! lol 🙂 There ARE more elephants, in your current universe/ paradigm.

Secondly, on an energetic level, you are strengthening your own .. inner elephant(? :)). SO, more elephants are likely to start crossing your path. A co-worker from work, who resonates with the kinds of comments and perspectives you hold, as an elephant-premise- is more likely to feel a connection and invest (?) more time/energy/attention into fostering that relationship/ friendship..

NOW- say if you get rid of your elephant-seed/ inner elephant.. that may well begin to shift into contentious relationships with elephant-grounded relationships.

On the other hand.. if you have replaced your elephant with say a kangaroo.. you will tend to become aware of kangaroos, ABSOLUTELY. But- that awareness is also going to shift your patterns.. and you will begin to hop to the beat of a different drummer, so to speak. You may well re-align with kangaroo energy, your patterns will change, your choices will change.. YOU will change. different relationships, maybe different coffee shop.. etc.

On top of this, think of the Universe at a (okay, very large)… as one more of those relationships.  It has a certain underlying sentience, awareness or resonance.  a new friend, who will bring things to your attention.. or like a parent, ever so subtly.. put things in your path for you to magically “find.”.. Maybe it wants to share the pleasure of your own “discovery” rather than handing something to you/ us.   Maybe it is practicing free-will, rather than delivering something into our keeping.. Who knows how the universe thinks or works.. It shares and gives up its secrets.. like candies.. sweet and rewarding, but not all at once 🙂

And yes, choosing wisely is always a good thing.. But I think the real key underlying this, is conscious choice- awareness and integrity… self awareness- who am I, what do I believe (not inherited, but choice)… why do I believe /agree with these things.. and what do I want to do with this information?

Thoughts? What are your experiences? Share below, in comments 🙂

 

 

I am an Education Specialist, Health Coach and Author. I work with aspects of the teachings I have learned from Andean shamanic and cosmology, to health, nutrition and education.  Everything is energy. Energy must flow. Like water, when it does not flow, it stagnates and is not healthy. These techniques help your life to flow. I have been initiated into many of the ancient lineages and learned ceremonies, rites of passage and healing techniques.  I have worked as a healer and done workshops and taught some of these aspects – passing the teachings on.

Author of:
Dancing in Your Bubble : ancient teaching, modern healing
Natural Support for Alzheimer’s
Getting a Handle on Happy : find and fix causes of stress and depression
The Naturally Smarter Kid : a parent’s guide to helping kids succeed in school and life
Cafe of the Hungry Ghosts : behind the veil of ordinary – a paranormal-ish fiction book

http://BeingHerd.com
http://repairalz.com

 

 

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