Most of what makes an experience so magical is that we are experiencing it at just the right moment.
Running Soundtrack
For the past several days I’ve had the melody to a song I’ve only heard once or twice repeating over and over in the back of my mind. I didn’t even know the lyrics, but my mind kept spinning the tune anyway. This morning I finally got around to looking up the lyrics, which in turn made me smile from ear to ear. Because the song is perfectly suited to be the soundtrack to the past few wild weeks of my life.
And I think that’s one of the most extraordinary functions of the human brain—it thinks for us even when we’re not consciously thinking. How is this possible? Well, the scientific answer—which I’m always curious about—is that our brain is a sophisticated parallel processing system capable of intuitively assessing and reacting to data that our conscious mind is never even aware of. Tuning in and playing the running soundtrack of our lives is only a small example of our unconscious mind’s true potential.
But despite my love for science, I don’t always want or need a scientific explanation for every little thing that happens in life. When just the right thing happens at just the right moment, I simply want to believe that it was meant to be. And even when complications arise, I want to believe that these complications are necessary evils—necessary because they force us to learn, adapt, and overcome. Which is, I’ve learned, a big part of why we’re here in the first place.
Distracted
This afternoon I walked to a local park with my laptop to get some work done in the fresh air. But after a short time, I was distracted by a young boy entertaining himself with nothing more than a wooden stick and his imagination. And it brought me back to a simpler time. You know… that time during our youth when we weren’t scared to dream without reason. Just watching him was a soothing experience—a reminder that we, as adults, occasionally need to overcome the precincts of maturity and just let our imaginations run free. It was a healthy distraction to say the least.
Anyway, once I became conscious of the fact that I was getting no work done, I walked back home and sat down at my desk. And I suddenly realized the melody that had been spinning in my head like a broken record had finally ceased. Satisfied by this newfound mental silence, I got to work. But before long, the absent melody was replaced by an overbearing, mouthwatering craving for chocolate cake. And the weird thing is, I usually don’t eat sweets.
After a few moments of contemplation, I decided that going to the grocery store to get a chocolate cake was a silly idea. “You can eat chocolate cake later,” I thought to myself. “But right now, you need to finish your work.” So I did just that. I got back to work.
Tuned In
And I had almost completely forgotten about the chocolate cake, until Angel came home a couple hours later with a to-go box from a restaurant. She placed it on my desk and said, “Hey sweetie, Janet and I went out to lunch this afternoon and my eyes were bigger than my stomach. So I figured I’d bring the leftovers home for you to snack on.” I opened the lid of the to-go box to find a quarter of a chicken wrap and a small slice of chocolate cake.
I chuckled out loud. Certainly there are plenty of valid explanations for this kind of synchronicity. The most basic being that when we are tuned in to our feelings (a craving for example) and truly aware of our environment (actually opening the to-go box), these synchronous coincidences will seem to occur more often. But as you know, even though I am fascinated by the science, I sometimes prefer to live in a more magical, philosophical world.
So my explanation, which needs no substantiation from any source other than my own life experience, is that when we are tuned in to our lives—I mean truly tuned in both emotionally and intellectually to the circumstances and people around us—the melody to a common soundtrack is always playing. And when we choose to listen to the music, and dance, every move we make happens in sync, and with…
Divine Timing
Think about the timing of your life for a moment.
What if instead of pushing so hard to make things happen every second, you decided to let go a little? What if instead of trying to always be in control, you sometimes surrendered control to something bigger than yourself? What if instead of working so hard to figure out every last answer, you allowed yourself to be guided to solutions in perfect timing?
Truly, the right things will often enter your life when you’re not even looking for them.
They will enter your life at just the right time. When you can function just fine without them for awhile. When you have stopped needing to control everything. When you are confident in yourself and your surroundings. When you don’t need anything more to make you happy because you are at peace with where you are.
The right things will enter your life when you are done running and hiding. When you have taken a deep breath and made yourself available and open to the realities unfolding in front of you.
The right things will enter your life when you stop rushing. When you simply do your best, without trying to force what’s not yet supposed to happen. When you allow your efforts and outcomes to unfold and evolve naturally.
The right things will enter your life when you clear your mind and focus on the present. When you let go of the baggage from yesterday that’s been clouding your vision of today’s blessings.
Truth be told, when you are ready—truly ready—to experience the full breath of the moment you’re in, to taste that slice of chocolate cake when it arrives, that’s precisely when you’ll notice it sitting there in front of you.
That’s the divine magic of life.
Have faith in it.
(Note: Angel and I take a deeper dive into the process of letting go and embracing life’s divine timing in our New York Times bestseller, Getting Back to Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality, and Turn Your Trials into Triumphs.)
Now, it’s your turn…
Please leave a comment below and let me know about something in your life that happened at just the right time.
What is YOUR story of divine timing?
And finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Mario says
My story of divine timing is a long one, but it involves meeting my wife and love of my life at just the right time. It truly was against the odds.
Anyway, nice observations – my sweetheart & I both read this and shared a knowing smile (and then a big hug) yes synchronicity has puzzled and pleased many over the ages. I contend in RE your comments that science, magic and philosophy do not have exclude each other… science is a wonderful way to quantify and report on reproducible phenomena but magic is what gives life that special “zing” does it not? – Dwell in possibility! Look around, something miraculous is undoubtedly happening quite near you right this moment. *There it goes again! Just say Wow!
And I can’t wait for your conference in San Diego next week! Think Better Live Better 2019 here we come! 😉
Mwikali says
Mario,
This is so spot on.
I was getting some groceries and got to talking to the grocery lady and long story short…. I remember quipping that ‘ ..we are so often looking out for some BIG,MONUMENTAL miracle that we continually miss the ‘little’ ones happening right under our noses…like meeting a lady yesterday who is such a motorcycle enthusiast that got me an exhilarating ride through the winding trails of the foothills of Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro and the beginning of what I believe is a soulful sisterhood…
Gena Keller says
What a great essay, I now also want cake.
Carol Dean says
I believe this wholeheartedly, without a doubt 100%! And I was meant to read this at this time… Y’all are so awesome! I’ve been telling family members about y’all!
Carly Evans says
A truly well-written and thoughtful essay. I enjoyed the sentiment. I feel that way with my husband all the time. Just this morning he called me right as I was getting ready to text him…we are on the same page even when apart.
I also enjoy being open to connections in our environment. Very often, I hear a message on the radio or in a book that completely addresses a problem or issue I’ve been pondering. I always try to wait a day or two before solving a problem, publishing a theory, etc., to make sure all the connections are thought through.
PS. Your book has been a true inspiration and positive force in my life over the past couple months. I reference it often and it keeps me on track.
Kaitlyn says
Your emails always arrive on right on time. 😉 No pun.
“What if?” I love the way you conveyed this topic in story form without forcefulness. The “Distracted” section, especially the first paragraph, is a tour-de-force anecdote – watching the boy which brings back a “simpler time of youth unafraid to dream without reason”. You allow me to draw a lesson from this without forcing it.
I also really appreciate the contrast between scientific explanations and just plain old fashioned heightened awareness which honors the influence of the subconscious. I feel welcomed into your film to see how you are making meaning from your life experience. “Yes”, I thought to myself, “ that makes sense to me. The complications in my life are necessary evils also, from which I can learn , adapt and overcome.”
Thank you as always. And I look forward to finishing the rest of your course in the coming weeks, too.
GCP says
I found this blog at just the right time!
Geraldine Brown says
I love reading your words. They are so often in tune with my life. My husband and I are thinking about moving home and are keeping an eye on the local property market. We were discussing our options today and how the right property would become available at exactly the right time for us. Life has turned up and supported us time and again in the right way. Just surrender and let life flow. Thank you as always for your work.
Mygirl says
?????? Super love this article! ? Thank you for posting it. ??
+-Life. says
You brought up an interesting point in this article.
As much as we can plan out every single detail in our lives, we need to accept the fact that not everything will go as planned.
We need to embrace uncertainty instead of panicking or being stressed out about it!
Ann C says
One of my all time favorite quotes is “if you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans for the day”.
+-Life. says
Probably because God has other plans in store for you than what you expected right?
Patricia Shark says
I been homeless and trying to find a job and keeping a roof pover my head, I let go of everything I owned, including my pet, but I kept trying and now I have two part time jobs and I will be moving into a beautiful apartment at the end of this month. This week is my birthday and as I get older I realize what life can be like and who your support can come from.
Fran says
Patricia, you are very strong and courageous. I’ll be remembering for some time to come. I wish you the very best.
Tracy says
I have been struggling with this very issue for about a year now. I feel like this article is God talking to me through you. I’ve had so many people lately tell me this very thing, and I’ve bewn praying so hard for answers and patience and to stop trying so hard and just be satisfied where I’m at, and then boom, here was this particular article in my inbox this morning; exactly what I needed. Thank you…
Peg says
This arriving in this morning’s email is a perfect example! I have been the glue in so many relationships, and then wonder why I’m stressed all the time. This, plus some hurtful comments my siblings have been saying about me (recently shared by my mom), has me rethinking my entire life. I will re-read this article frequently.
Ruth Roberts says
I am in a desperate search to find a new oncologist with a financial assistance plan I can afford. I’ve called everyplace in the area. I surrendered a few days ago. There is nothing more I can do except wait for Divine Timing.
LuzH says
The answers are coming to your way and will be there when you needed…this is part of Wayne Dyer meditation. Just believe and let it go. Divine timing is on your way. Blessings
Ann C says
I stopped scrolling and said a prayer for you. Praying that He will direct you to the right oncologist who not only accepts payments but will help you get healthy and strong again. ?
Cathy ROSS says
If you’re not eligible for Medicaid, call the hospital where you receive treatment and ask if they offer a financial assistance program. Also ask them if they know of a similar program for professional (doctors) fees. I hope you are well soon and I will pray you get the help you need and strength to get through this. Many blessings to you sweetie.
Shirley says
Thanks for the thoughts. This is exactly the right moment for me to hear this message.
Robin Hewitt says
You are so tuned into your wife that you knew when she was having chocolate cake! We are all Source energy and we are all connected (some more than others :), and this is the true science of who we are. Have you ever worked with divining rods? Try it, it may provide you with the physical proof that you enjoy. I love your blog, I love your messages, you are so aligned and on your path that it is inspiring . You are magical people and I send you deep bows for sharing your knowledge, thoughts, experiences here. What a wonderful platform you have created for us all to connect and share our reflections on this physical plane.
Bahati Walker Icons says
Marc &Angel
changed my life. In fact i was not good at reading long stories but every day now i read those stories. They motivate me, guide me and because i’m also a blogger, have gained much skills. Thanks Marc, however how can i obtain permission to redistribute your posts?
Paul jackson says
In fact, I’ve developed a “mantra” that encompasses this concept:
Trust*patience*acceptance
I meditate on it every night when I go to bed. Trust that there is a plan for my life; patience while it unfolds on its own schedule; accept that there will be surprises.
It keeps me confident even in the face of relative distress.
Dee says
I’d just finished reading and contemplating the words of your blog today, thinking how true it was. And as I checked my email one last time…I’d just received a coupon for a free bundles cake! Lol. Talk about timely…;)
Dee says
*bundlet
Dee says
*bundtlet (sorry spellcheck isn’t as timely as my coupon)
Melanie says
“My life unfolds in Divine timing. Delays are beneficial. I’m always at the right place at the right time”.
My new mantra.
I kept waiting for you to tell the name of the song!
Melissa says
This post is perfect timing! Words cannot express how much I needed to hear these words. Slowing down and taking life as it comes is something I’ve been struggling with for YEARS. I’m in a particularly damning situation now and am terrified to death because my demise is closing in. Yet, I have sensed that stressing, and rushing and demanding help or relief won’t speed up a solution, it’s a strange sensation to be quiet and observant, against the natural inclination to panic and try to frantically troubleshoot, in this Category 5 hurricane. My very foundation is being ripped from beneath my feet, and here I am, considering the eternal nature of the spirit, and the fleeting nature of the physical realms and all its trappings. God bless.
Julie Chauvin says
The book “Mind to Matter” by Dawson Church talks about this very thing…………….. that I have felt/experienced my entire life. Thanks for a great story reminding me 🙂
Linda Birmingham says
Haaaa … i am observing my usual grief period … i’ve been doing quite well this year until recent loss (i was informed yesterday) has triggered it all.
I started sounding …. and i recognised the tune I was sounding …. it was “I don’t want to go to the party with you” from the 60s.
“i just want to stay here and love you”
Yep …that is how i am feeling today. The timing of everything right now has me thinking that I want to stay in and nurse my grief a while longer.
Joanne in Jupiter says
I too, am very keenly aware that your e mails always seem to arrive when I am in need of a ‘nudge’ in a certain direction, sometimes regarding things I am not even aware I was needing that ‘nudge’. I realize that sounds a little convoluted, but I also am so aware of this connection and that you all also know the connection and you know EXACTLY what I mean and so it’s not convoluted at all! It’s like some universal telepathic message that comes to me and I have no control over receiving and therefore responding. And THAT is where I still struggle. Do you think we are given the right ‘nudge’ at the right time and THAT is a reliable and trustworthy sign as to how we should respond OR does the ‘nudge’ come simply as a manifestation of conscious and subconscious thoughts and we are still required to make an intelligent decision about how we will react OR is the fact that we are getting the ‘nudge’ a clear indication of what we need to do? Does that make sense? I struggle with this all the time and second guess what I should ‘do’ and wonder if I am doubting my ability to make an informed decision and therefore rely too much on ‘signs’ from the universe. All comments will be graciously contemplated!
BECKY says
I CANT REALLY EXPRESS HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOUR POST BUT AM DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR IT. THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING, I WILL ALWAYS HAVE FAITH. THANKS ONCE AGAIN.
Chris says
Your articles have always resonated with me but not this one.. 12 weeks ago my husband and I bought a small house to downsize and retire to. We had 100% bridging finance as the property market was so boyant and we were sure our lovely home would sell quickly. Then 7 weeks ago my husband died suddenly, followed 5 weeks later by my beloved dog. My husband had a small business that I’ve been unable to sell, our home hasn’t sold, I’ve had to put our new small home up for sale as I can’t renovate it on my own. I work 8 hours a day for a local company , then try to keep my husbands company operating when I get home. My weekly payment to the bank is $20 more than my after tax salary. I have to keep 2 homes and properties in pristine condition for open homes, I’m managing on around 5 to 6 hours sleep a day. I’m drowning in grief and despair – divine timing???
Fran says
Chris, I don’t believe in divine timing either. Only in The US do we believe things like this — try telling someone who lives in Syria or The Congo that their spouse and/or children died due to “divine timing”. If there is a God, I don’t believe God favors US citizens over everyone else in the world — many, many of whom are suffering terribly. With that said — your grief is new and compounded by events you have no real control over. I know you are very, very busy — but, please, before you become physically ill — please get some professional help. If you can’t afford individual counseling, there are grief groups (almost all free) that are great (a lot of crying *and* a lot of laughter). Your local hospital and/or your local place of worship will know of some that are nearby. Even if you don’t go to church, find a big church and just call — they’ll be glad to help you with information. I am so very sorry for your losses — I’ve had many in my life — I do know how you feel. Truly. Just know that you’ll get through this. I promise you — you will.
Ann C says
Chris, I am so sorry for your losses. Plus the stress of two homes, and two jobs AND going thru the grief process is a lot for any one person to deal with. I am praying for some support to come your way, not specifying what because I believe He knows what you need. I too am a widow and all I can tell you is hang in there. You will get thru this and be stronger in many ways. ?
LuzH says
This article came to my attention just a few minutes before I setting up for my meditation. I had to many Divine Timing moments in my life, as you mentioned a song lyrics that I have in my mind for days until the moment of truth,can I said that? comes to me.
Thank you.
Siya says
I remember my divine timing vividly. While i was in high school, I spent my exam fee. During it’s deadline, I was kicked out of school and when i got home, very ashamed and afraid. I thought of calling my Sister to help me out as i opened my phone i received a text message telling me that my uncle has deposited R2000 into my bank account. My eyes became wide immediately i thought they were deceiving me. I instantly went in my room, I looked up and said, ” You are amazing Lord! You answer our prayers without praying .” our thoughts, wishes and words are so powerful, hence we should always think positively, wish for the best and say kind things about ourselves and others. As one great man once said, ” whatever you think about, you bring about.” So be carefully of what you think about, because it may manifest at anytime. Once again thank you Marc and Angel, you guys are amazing, if the world had a lot of people like you, it would be a better place for everyone.
Catherine Yeomans says
Just a quick one… Yesterday I began rereading one of my favourites, ‘The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire’, (Deepak Chopra) in a section on synchronicity. Today in my email…what do MarcandAngel have for me?! Divine Timing, that’s what!
lisa says
Hiya, I’m new on here and took time to read this, your words are incredible. I can relate to everyone else saying on here that this post has come at the right time for me. so thankful for you, for taking the time to write this post.
Also, can i ask what song it was?
Ann C says
Squire D Rushnell has written a series of books titled God Winks. That is the term he puts to what you call Divine Timing. Someone once said a coincidence is when God wants to remain anonymous.
I am so grateful I found you when I did. You reaffirm everything I’m trying to live. Thank you.
Mindy says
I’ve had many of these experiences. I’ve heard these moments called God winks. I do think God cares about the little things, and yes, He may just wink.
Lynn Fabia says
I can’t explain my feelings right now, only that I feel a joy and others around me have commented on it. Its affecting every area of my life. I teach Aikido and the creativity flows from me. No matter what I’m doing that feeling of joy is there. Yes, there are goals I am working toward, but I’m not being controlled by it or restlessly waiting. I can feel as long as I am in this state of mind I can allow it to divinely come to me. You are both natural, gifted writers. Thank you.
Linda says
Just what I needed to hear this morning. I have become so dissatisfied with life and my circumstances recently and I now know it is because I am always pushing for what I think is something better. It is not easy to let go and let God….
Priyanka says
This is a great article. I agree that everything has its time. I also believe in the power of our thoughts. Similar thing happened to me when I was craving for a fruit cake on the occasion of Christmas. Out of nowhere, it came to me in the temple I was visiting that day in the form of offertory distributed among the disciples. Such is the power of mind.
Cliff says
Marc and Angel, you’ve been my divine timing and always my background Music to my life ??
Anna says
I wonder about Divine Timing. Is it that things come to us in just right time? Or is it that when we notice and appreciate, we come to see that so much of what we need is right there for us? Life has a lot of ups and downs. For me, it’s much more about taking the time to notice and appreciate.