Synchronicity and the Myth of Sisyphus

Do you ever feel like the universe is trying to tell you something? Like there’s a message you just can’t ignore?

There are times when I feel more in-tune with the universe than others. Whatever or whomever you believe in, I think we've all felt moments of deja vu - the eerie feeling like we've done or seen the same thing before. Or maybe there was someone you were just thinking about and they suddenly appear in your life again. It could be a sign or symbol that you repeatedly see in a way that can't be explained by cognitive processes like selective attention or bias. For some synchronicity is a mere coincidence, I tend to interpret it as confirmation from the universe that I'm asking the "right questions" or that there's something in life, I need to pay more attention to.

This last week I've been coming across references to Sisyphus from Greek Mythology. It's obscure. I'd never heard of that particular myth. I've not been reading about him, or studying mythology, or talking to anyone about it. And yet, its shown up in my life 3 times this week. Sisyphus was referenced on a medical show I was watching. His story was referenced in a fiction novel I was reading, and the Myth of Sisyphus was brought up by a friend in a casual conversation.

Sisyphus in Greek Mythology

"Zeus, fed up with Sisyphus' tricks and cunning as well as his hubris - believing he was more cunning than Zeus - punished him to eternally push a boulder uphill. However, as soon as he would reach the top of the hill, the boulder, like a rolling stone, would roll off and Sisyphus had to push it back again. This daunting task, symbolizing the endless rolling of stones, represents the futile yet persistent endeavors that define the human spirit."
Source: https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Mortals/Sisyphus/sisyphus.html

Sisyphus' story is one of struggle, persistence and the weight of burdens that never seem to end. When I really stop to think about it, it makes sense that this is coming up for me. The questions I've been asking lately are: Why are things so dark for everyone around me? Why is the world so heavy with fear?

There's so much suffering. People are struggling financially, emotionally, and trying to stay afloat. Maybe the story of Sisyphus is showing up as a reflection of the weight of the world - or as a reminder that meaning can be found despite it.

As I reflect on current events and my own questions, I can’t help but think of Albert Camus' perspective on Sisyphus. Albert Camus was inspired by the myth and wrote an essay "The Myth of Sisyphus" in 1942, and its one of his most famous works.

In it, he explores the idea of the "absurd"- the conflict between our desire for meaning and the seeming meaninglessness of the universe. He uses Sisyphus as a metaphor for the human condition. Sisyphus' punishment is eternal and pointless labour, but Camus argues that Sisyphus is not truly defeated. Instead he suggests that if Sisyphus can acknowledge the absurdity of his fate and still embrace his existence, he is in a way- free. The idea is "One must imagine Sisyphus happy."

Camus suggests that, rather than despairing over life's struggles, we can try to find a defiant joy in continuing to push the boulder, knowing that we create our own meaning. It's not about escaping the absurd but accepting it and still choosing to live with purpose, love and rebellion against despair. His perspective of resilience could easily be taken in a toxic positivity way. I'm not saying "pretend it's fine" (I don't think he is either). He's saying yes.. life is hard, it can be shitty and its often absurd, but within that we still have the power to choose how to engage with it. Absolutely easier said than done, and I think the ability to do that will be one I'll always need to work on.

I try by searching for joy in the absurd. In the moments of reprieve between life's pain, I look for the smallest moment of happy. The first sip of coffee in the morning, the sunset. The first time I get to wear a sweater in the fall, and the first time I get to wear short sleeves in the spring. It's my cat purring, the kiss of summer rain, its starry skies, and laughing so hard I pee. Finding beauty and meaning in the little moments, in art, in love and even in rebellion against the status quo.

Maybe that's the message the universe is bringing to my attention- reminding me how to keep going even when the world feels heavy, how to find meaning even when things seem endless or uncertain. Struggle doesn't mean defeat and happiness isn't something you can wait for, it's something you carve out in the midst of it all.

Why are things so dark and sad, and heavy? Because life is absolutely absurd, unfair and unjust. There will always be pain, so the question I'll ask myself is- where will I look for joy?

Camus, A. (2013). The Modern Classics Myth of Sisyphus. National Geographic Books.