Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines serendipity as “luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things”.

Based on my experience, I would define serendipity as a universal gift in a moment in time when nature communicates through form to help one awaken to a path of higher purpose and greater good.

Isn’t it curious to hear one say “It’s my calling”, or he or she was “called to do this work”, speaking with an admission of a higher sense of self.  I understand this phrase completely, as I feel reflexology called to me in many serendipitous ways.  Stones call to me too, and I gladly carry their weight until they are be-lovedly displayed in and out-side of my home.

The photo above shows two stones very dear to my heart.  I found the nautilus fossil, a symbol of expansion and renewal, during a hike through the Gap of Dunlow in Ireland while I was contemplating a huge geographical move.  The stone beneath was given to me by my husband who found this on the beach during our visit to family on Peaks Island in Maine.  Both are serendipitous relics… the nautilus lead me to relocate from Seattle to Vermont, where I met my husband, and the other, a fossil in the perfect size and shape of my own foot–reminding me of my deep ancestry with feet and of course, dare I say… the tale of the glass slipper.

I see serendipity demonstrated with plants too, as shown in the following photos of plants in my garden that grew by their own volition:

This bouquet of marigolds adorn the corner of my herb garden in front of a rock my husband found in a nearby river.  Though not seen very clearly, the marigold is investigating a hole near the center of the stone.  Their symbolic meaning is “herb of the sun.”

A train of squash grew within the flowers of my oak barrel this year which is accentuated by an emerging pink petunia growing through the gravel driveway (seen in the lower left corner of the photo). The squash carries the energy of vitality, creative power, and rapid growth.  The petunia holds the  symbolic meaning of the desire to share in the company of peace.

My favorite volunteer plant, forget-me-nots, grow around this heart stone every spring season since it was placed here years ago. This heart stone holds a very special and beautiful story – which goes along with the symbolic meaning of the forget-me-not flower– “True Love.” A story for another day.

What are your serendipity stories?