What do you think when someone explains a coincidence or an unusual occurrence by saying, “I took it as a sign?”
I’ve got to confess that I’ve become one of those people. I like the idea of the Universe smiling upon me, bestowing signs.
At the same time, I hold open the possibility that I am making it all up.
Here is what I mean:
I can’t remember how it started, but when I see a feather in my path, I take it as a little gift from Spirit. (And I am in good company—apparently many cultures attributed feathers to the Spirit world—Native Americans and Druids among them.)
Sometimes, the appearance of a feather seems absolutely providential.
Like the time I was sitting on the patio of a restaurant having lunch with a friend. She asked me how my work was going. I said I loved it. “I feel like I am exactly the right path.”
And at that moment, a little tiny white feather floated down from the clear blue sky and landed in my open palm. Seriously.
How cool is that?!?
My friend, who knows these things, thought that it was a hummingbird feather. Somehow, that made me love the moment even more.
So here is the thing: Do I know for sure that Universe floated that feather into my hand as a way to say, “We are with you! We think that you are totally on the right path too!”
Of course not.
Do I know for sure that it was just a weird random occurrence?
Nope, I don’t know that either.
So then I ask myself, which scenario helps me live a joyful, expansive, connected life?
That’s easy—the one where I feel like I am somehow a part of a larger Whole. The one where I get a little floaty present from the Universe.
So why not hold open the possibility?
If you want to try it, here is what I suggest:
1. Open to the possibility that Spirit gives signs.
2. Watch for something that feels like a gift from the Universe. Is it a red leaf that floats to your feet? A hawk that circles above you? A song on the radio that seems just right for you at that moment?
3. When you see it, decide to take it as a gift, a reminder that you are connected to the Greater Whole.
4. Let that feeling of connection make you happy. Smile. You just got a sign!