Have you ever wondered if anything is truly random? From chance encounters to visiting spirits, I’m diving into the idea that nothing in life is random, and perhaps it’s all part of a larger design. Let’s explore the whispers of the universe together!
I began my contemplation by diving into a word we use so freely: random. What if “random” isn’t what we think it is? What if randomness is just a placeholder for something we don’t yet understand—a word we use when we’re brushing against the edges of a deeper pattern, something too intricate to grasp in its entirety?
The spark for this thought came from a student who asked me about visiting spirits. I explained to her:
“Some are always there.
Some come and go.
Some we know in this lifetime.
Some we don’t.
They can come through vision, emotion, a voice in your head, and yes, even through the words of another.
Some want you to do something, while others are just passing by.
And there is so much more.”
After listening, she paused and said, “Oh, that is deep. So it’s not related to anyone, just random?”
Her question stopped me in my tracks: it reminded me how often we, as humans, turn to “random” to explain what feels inexplicable. But from a yogic perspective, nothing is random.
What Is Random, Really?
When we call something random, what we’re really saying is:
“I don’t see the pattern yet.”
We’re recognizing the mind’s natural tendency to seek patterns, a process deeply rooted in human cognition. As neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran explains, “The human brain is a pattern-seeking machine, filtering chaos to find meaning.” What seems random may simply be a pattern we have yet to perceive. In the vast, interconnected web of existence, what seems random may simply be part of a greater design—one that operates on a scale or frequency beyond our current perception.
Think about it: the wind blows, seemingly aimless, but it’s responding to pressure systems, the pull of the earth’s spin, and the warmth of the sun. A moment of déjà vu might feel like a glitch in the system, but is it not a momentary alignment between timelines of memory and experience? Could it be that what we call random is simply the subtle language of the universe, a whisper we haven’t yet learned to translate?
The Yogic Perspective: Nothing Is Truly Random
In yogic philosophy, randomness is perceived as an illusion. The ancient texts, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, teach us that the universe operates with a profound order, guided by karma (the law of cause and effect), rita (cosmic harmony), and the interplay of energy and consciousness.
From this perspective, here’s what we know:
Everything is Interconnected
Every thought, action, and interaction creates ripples in the fabric of existence. What we encounter—whether it’s a spirit, a synchronicity, or a sudden insight—is part of this web. It may seem random, but it’s all connected through threads we cannot always see.
“In yoga, we understand that all experiences, no matter how fleeting or strange, are part of the cosmic dance. They are woven into the greater tapestry of existence—nothing is ever truly without purpose.” ~ Lecture: CR. Narayanan, PhD, LIY.org
Karma and Samskaras
Encounters with spirits or energies may be tied to your karma (actions and consequences from this or past lives) or samskaras (subtle mental impressions left in your subconscious consciousness). These karmic threads may bring you into contact with beings or energies that resonate with your journey: whether to guide, teach, or simply reflect something within you.
“Some spirits or energies may be connected to you through karmic bonds, while others may be drawn to the vibrations you emit. Even if you don’t recognize them, their presence holds meaning—it’s part of your soul’s greater unfolding.” ~ S. Kumar, PYS Teacher
Vibrations and Resonance
The universe is a dance of energy and vibration. Your thoughts, emotions, and spiritual state emit frequencies that align with certain energies. In this way, spirits or experiences that seem “random” are actually resonating with your current energetic state.
“Think of it like tuning a radio. What you encounter reflects the frequency you’re emitting; energies align when there’s resonance. This is not random; it’s the universe responding to your vibration.” ~ Dr. Bruce Lipton
The Subtle Realms: Spirits and Their Visits
In yogic thought, the physical world is just one layer of reality. Beyond it lie countless planes of existence, each teeming with different forms of consciousness and egregores. Spirits or energies may move between these realms, and our encounters with them are not accidents; they are crossings of vibrational paths.
Some spirits may be familiar to us because of karmic ties or soul connections. Others may feel unfamiliar because they belong to different lifetimes, dimensions, or purposes. And yet, none of them are truly random.
Spirits as Messengers
In my experience, spirits often appear as messengers or mirrors. They may be here to:
Guide you toward a deeper understanding of yourself.
Help you release something you’ve been holding onto.
Reflect on an aspect of your inner world that needs attention.
Even those who seem to “just pass by” are part of the greater flow of existence. Their presence reminds us of the dance between the seen and unseen, the physical and the subtle.
Trusting the Flow
Yoga teaches us the practice of Ishvarapranidhana (EESH-vuh-ruh-prah-nee-DHAH-nuh), surrendering to the divine flow of life. When we release the need to label things as either random or purposeful, we open ourselves to the wisdom of the universe. Everything we encounter becomes part of our growth, whether it’s clear to us in the moment or not.
My Response to the Student now?
“In yoga, we don’t believe in randomness. Every encounter, whether with a spirit, a thought, or a moment of intuition, has a purpose, even if it’s not immediately clear. Some spirits may be tied to your karma, some may come to guide you, and others may simply pass through as part of the cosmic flow.
Trust that each experience is part of the greater harmony of existence. If you feel something significant in their presence, take time to reflect. Ask yourself: What might this encounter be teaching me? What within me is resonating with this energy?
The universe is always communicating with us, often in subtleties. What we call ‘random’ is just the divine speaking in a language we’re still learning to understand.”
A Closing Reflection
Perhaps randomness is not the absence of order, but the presence of a deeper, subtler order, one that moves in whispers, not shouts. When we stop trying to explain everything away, we open ourselves to the infinite wisdom of the universe, trusting that every experience, every encounter, every spirit is exactly as it should be.
And so, I invite you: The next time something feels random, pause. Listen. Reflect.
What if it’s not random at all? What if it’s simply the universe speaking… softly?
[End]
An Invitation to Reflect
Take a moment to pause. Breathe. Let yourself settle into the present.
Life is always speaking to us: through the subtle moments, the unexpected delays, the synchronicities, and even the challenges. The universe offers guidance and lessons in ways that are often quiet, yet profoundly meaningful.
I invite you to reflect on your own journey, and as you contemplate the reflections in the next section:
What moments in your life have felt “random,” yet left you with a sense of deeper meaning?
How often do you pause to ask what the universe might be teaching you in this very moment?
What energies or experiences are showing up for you right now, and what might they be inviting you to see, feel, or shift?
This is your chance to tune in, to listen to the whispers of life, and to discover the profound connections that shape your path. Let these questions guide you into a deeper awareness of the magic woven into your everyday experience.
Take your time. The answers are already within you, waiting to be uncovered.
1. Pause and Ask: What Is This Moment Teaching Me?
The next time life slows you down—whether you’re stuck at a red light, waiting in line, or facing an unexpected delay—pause and ask:
“Why am I experiencing this pause? What is the universe asking me to notice right now?”
“Am I being called to breathe, slow down, and realign myself?”
These moments often reveal hidden opportunities to reconnect with the present, reflect on our intentions, or simply observe life unfolding. What feels like an obstacle might actually be a doorway to awareness.
2. Reflect on How You’re Showing Up
When faced with frustration or resistance, consider:
“Am I fully present in this moment, or am I rushing ahead to the next?”
“How can I shift from reacting to embracing what’s unfolding?”
“Am I creating space in my life for flow, or am I overloading myself with unnecessary urgency?”
The universe often mirrors our inner state. When we feel blocked, it’s an invitation to examine whether we’re aligned with the energy we wish to create.
3. Trust the Timing of the Universe
Ask yourself in moments of delay or uncertainty:
“Could this seemingly inconvenient moment be protecting me from something I can’t yet see?”
“What if this pause is perfectly aligned with the timing I truly need?”
“What lesson might be hidden in this experience?”
Trust that even the red lights, detours, and pauses are part of a larger, divine rhythm guiding you toward growth and balance.
4. Tune In to the Vibrations Around You
The energies of the universe are always communicating. Ask yourself:
“What is the energy of this moment inviting me to notice?”
“Am I attuned to the frequency of calm, clarity, and intention—or am I vibrating at a frequency of stress and impatience?”
“How can I shift my vibration to create more harmony, even in this seemingly mundane moment?”
By aligning with higher frequencies—such as gratitude, presence, and trust—you can transform frustration into flow.
5. Take Responsibility for Your Energy and Actions
When you feel stuck or overwhelmed, reflect:
“Am I organizing my life in a way that honors my intentions and priorities?”
“Am I creating time and space to be present, so I can fulfill my goals with ease and alignment?”
“How can I balance my doing with simply being?”
The universe responds to how we show up. By grounding yourself in awareness and setting the tone with intention, you create a ripple effect that aligns your outer world with your inner clarity.
6. Reframe the Moment
Instead of seeing delays or obstacles as problems, consider them invitations. Ask:
“What shift in perspective could transform this moment?”
“How can I use this time to breathe, reflect, or simply enjoy being alive?”
“What would I tell my future self about this moment if I saw it as a gift instead of a frustration?”
The universe often speaks in subtleties, and every pause is an opportunity to listen.
Closing Thought
When we pause to reflect, we step into the flow of life rather than fighting against it. The red light isn’t random; it’s a whisper from the universe saying, “Slow down. Look around. Be here.”
By creating space to be present and aligning with the vibrational frequency of trust, we open ourselves to greater clarity, harmony, and the effortless fulfillment of our intentions. So, the next time life asks you to pause, lean in and ask: “What is this moment inviting me to see?”
The answers are always there, waiting to be discovered.
A lovely read. Gave me a lot to think about and reflect on. Thanks for this 🙏🙏
Yes, yes. “Randomness” is just divine coincidence by another name. Super interesting read.