The journey continues. All the inspiration and synchronicity I experienced on the path to getting into Columbia was nothing short of miraculous. Letting go of everything, getting out of the way, and following the path the Universe was laying out seemed effortless. I’d never done it at this level before. I simply flowed with what intuition (God/Spirit source) moved me to do. I trusted and relied on it without resistance or contemplation.
When it moved, I moved.
The acceptance letter contained an invitation to connect with a student ambassador who would answer any questions I had and show me around campus. YAY!!!! I signed up immediately. Noof was her name!
“What a cool name” I thought.
We chatted through text several times. She was wonderful, engaging, kind, and helpful. I signed up for the graduate student reception and made plans to meet her before.
Frightened as I was to take the train from Pleasantivlle, NY where I work, to 125th street in Harlem and walk the 1.2 miles to campus, I prayed for strength (and a sense of direction since I had little natural talent in this area 😊 ) and forged through it. I had my printed maps and downloaded the google maps to the phone. I left in plenty of time, asked for help along the way, and met Noof in front of the Zankel building! We were both early.
Double YAY!!!
We connected immediately. We headed to the ID center so I could pick up my student id. Afterward we sat down just to chat for a moment. She asked me what motivated me to apply to Columbia and the SMBI program. I shared my experience with the 12 steps and how I wanted to share this life changing healing process with the world. Her eyes widened and she grinned. I shared about all the synchronicity I experienced on this journey and the miracles of the last 3 years and how in awe of it all I am. She grinned even more.
“I can’t believe you’re saying this” she said.
“Really?” I replied, “Why?”
“I’m on a couple of research teams…”
“Oooo, that sounds fun” I interrupted! Noof continued.
“The research teams I’m on are studying synchronicity and the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous!”
I was stunned. My eyes filled with tears.
“Oh my gosh” I thought. I paused and bathed in the joy of the moment.
Then I thought “But of course, why am I even surprised?”
But surprised I was. Surprised, elated, joyous, humbled, grateful, and profoundly moved.
This experience of synchronicity has been happening to me over and over and over again. It’s becoming a ‘normal’ part of my daily living. I am beginning to understand that this IS HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE. This is available to everyone. This IS a naturally occurring phenomenon when my heart is open. It IS ALWAYS HAPPENING but with a closed heart, I couldn’t see it! I didn’t notice it and I certainly didn’t choose it. Self-will has been my culprit.
We both laughed. She gave me the research coordinators’ email’s a day later and I immediately sent out my request. I received the following response (on a weekend):
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Hi Brenda! Welcome to SMBI. 🙂
I have cc’d Tom and Josh, who will be TAing the research apprenticeship course in the Fall – which is the way all interested students enter Dr. Miller’s lab. They can give you more information about the structure of the practicum and how to sign up so that you can begin in the lab as a research assistant in the fall.
I’ve also cc’d Ryan, who is the doctoral project team lead of the synchronicity and history of AA research team, so that he is aware of your interest and in case you’d both like to connect ahead.
Sending good vibes for the summer intensive and the beginning of your SMBI journey!!
Warm regards,
Elisabeth
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Wait, what? Dr. Miller’s Lab! I had no idea. Her book The Awakened Brain led me here to study her work through the SMBI program she founded! Neuroscience, psychology, and synchronicity! The whole package! The thought of being able to participate in any way on research teams centered around subjects I am so deeply passionate about is unbelievable.
All of this, happening before I’ve even taken my first class.
This experience of watching life unfold before me is humbling to say the least. Being in cooperation with this energy is life changing. I can see now how resisting it (most of my life) has been the primary cause of my pain and suffering.
I am so excited to enjoy every second of this journey. Oh my gosh!
-Brenda H
