Life can seem random. We go through the day, bouncing from one event to another seemingly unconnected event. And yet other times, there seems to be such purpose to the direction of our lives. It can feel like we are being led in a certain direction or that the universe is trying to tell us something. Are things truly random, or is there meaning in coincidence?
The wisdom of Kabbalah teaches that there is a cause for all occurrences in our lives, whether we see it or not. Every moment has a purpose, and everything that comes in is purposeful. We are the ones in charge of looking for meaning or lack thereof. How do we open ourselves to the messages we are meant to receive?
Here are 3 tips to find meaning in the messages:
1. Think of everything in your life (both challenges and blessings) as perfectly designed to further your growth.
Our spiritual journey is not a straight line. It is full of ups and downs, learnings and failings, challenges and blessings. The hard times can seem like chaos or darkness, but really they are necessary opportunities for us to transform ourselves in powerful ways. The universe conspires to help us, but help doesn't always come in the forms we'd like. Sometimes it appears as an obstacle or hardship, but it is always meant as a springboard for us to grow.
Try thinking of everything you experience in your day as purposeful. Everything that enters your life, including the people and struggles that challenge you, is exactly what you need. Living with this understanding will help you pick up on the messages the universe is sending you.
2. Pay attention to coincidences – the universe is talking to us all the time.
Most of us do not pay enough attention to what we call coincidences. When things seem random, especially when painful or difficult, we can still find meaning in them.
The universe is talking to us all the time. Pause in the moments that are unexpected and seem random. Don't write them off, but stop and ask, "What could this mean for me?" Be open to messages from the universe. The more you are, the easier it will be to know what is meaningful and what is random.
3. Approach life with humility. We aren't meant to understand everything.
While all things have meaning, some things are not meant for deep exploration. Sometimes we make too big of a deal out of things that aren't that important or find patterns that aren't really there. How do you know what to take seriously and what not to? How do you know if you're interpreting the messages from the universe correctly? How do you know when it's random or when it's not?
Approach all of this with humility. Be open to receiving messages but know that you aren't meant to have all the answers. There is a beautiful force that is desiring to help and support you. The more in tune you are with yourself and what you believe, the more you can interpret what is something to act on and what is something to just be aware of.
We have the power to choose to believe the universe is chaotic, random, punishing, or even against us - or we can believe that there is some governing force working in our best interest, attempting to teach us and guide us towards greatness in every moment. It is our belief about the nature of the universe that ultimately determines which answers are revealed to us – answers that invoke a sense of helplessness or propel us towards powerful change and growth.