M.Phil. / All of us have experienced some kind of synchronicity before. An example of this phenomenon would be thinking of a friend and receiving a phone call from that friend at that time. The people you meet or simply run into on the street; the shirt that someone you walk by is wearing; the license plate or bumper sticker of the car in front of you — all could be examples of synchronicity. It can range from minor incidents to those that have a profound impact on our lives. The problem is that many of us do not understand the concept of synchronicity and how to utilize it in our journey to personal leadership. Not everybody is comfortable with the idea that the universe is giving us guidance. Often people have misconceptions regarding the synchronicity phenomenon and therefore dismiss it as mere chance while other believes that it is dark and evil. The general aim of the study was to get a better understanding of the concept of synchronicity and the importance thereof the people's lives. Ways of enhancing people's awareness of synchronicity was to be explored to assist them in their journey to purpose and meaning. Specific aims were set in order to achieve the general aim, namely to answer the following questions: "What is synchronicity?" and " What is the contribution of synchronicity towards personal leadership?" as well as "How can people enhance their awareness of synchronicity?" The research strategy of this study is characterized as explorative, descriptive and hermeneutic. The research methods used included word and concept analysis and literature study. On the question of "What is synchronicity?" it was found in chapter two that synchronicities are forces that come together in time and space, providing just what is needed. The occurrence strikes the participants as special, unexpected, or unexplainable by normal cause-and-effect rationales. The effect of synchronicity on the psyche is to trigger awareness that maybe a greater — or even divine — purpose is at work. It was discovered that the theory on synchronicity was the brainchild of C.G. Jung and that different types of synchronicity can be identified. The explanation of the background of the theory as well as the different types was found to enhance awareness and understanding of the concept of synchronicity. The question of "what is the contribution of synchronicity towards personal leadership?" was answered in chapter three. It was found that personal leadership is a value-based, principle-centered, inside-out approach to gaining control of one's life and living a happy and fulfilled life. It is based on the knowledge of who one is, where one currently is, and where one is going. A personal leader needs to develop in a balanced and holistic manner. Therefore all the individual's dimensions such as the spiritual, physical, mental and social/emotional dimensions should be improved. It was discovered that synchronicity has a definite contribution towards personal leadership, specifically towards the spiritual, physical, social/emotional and mental dimensions. Synchronicity can assist people in their search for meaning, with accepting the responsibility of taking good care of the physical body, it can help one make better choices and heighten awareness of one's own feelings and emotions as well as that of other people. The last question of "how can people enhance their awareness of synchronicity?" was also answered in chapter three. It was found that certain practical guidelines could be given on how people can enhance their awareness and use of synchronicity in their personal lives. These guidelines include mainly the cultivation of an open, receptive and nonjudgmental attitude as well as an active interest in synchronicities. In doing this, one would be able to tap into the vast knowledge of the universe. This study proves that every individual in his quest to become a personal leader should become aware of the various possibilities for moving forward in their lives. By being open to the possibility of guidance from the universe, we can experience synchronicities that enhance our self-awareness and the decisions we make in life. In this way, body and consciousness, ndividual and society, mind and matter may come to achieve their unlimited potential.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:9102 |
| Date | 13 August 2012 |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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