The universal algorithm

Thanks to Kevin Derman for the photo, which he called ‘An Offering’

I’ve been trawling the internet lately, researching online platforms that offer tuition on running e-courses and webinars. And now my social media feeds are inundated with enthusiastic adverts exhorting me to ‘Create Your Own E-course’ and ‘Build Your Online Business’.

It’s reminded me that our excursions into the online world are scrutinised and analysed so as to tailor the information that is fed back to us. The algorithms have been listening to my requests and ‘feeding’ me based on what I’ve been searching for.

As irritating (and worrying) as this is, one of these service providers has actually turned out to be very useful. Subscribing to their offering has led me on a whole new learning curve. (And now that I’ve found what I was looking for, I’ve pressed the ‘Hide ad’ button to mute the rest.)

In my life, someone I love is struggling. They’ve said they feel like they’re constantly sending out a heartfelt request for a sense of some kind of support. And, on the days when they are able to clear their eyes of tears and lift their heads a little, they are noticing more and more signs: a kind word from a friend, cloud formations that speak to their heart, messages received in dreams.

I quipped that it’s like a Universal Algorithm that takes note of the requests we put out and offers us more of what we are asking for.

I’ve experienced this universal algorithm in my life countless times. When I put out a heartfelt request into the universe, some time later I receive answers, support and guidance.

As a solo entrepreneur, this year has been about growing various aspects of my business and working on attracting more clients who need (and love!) what I do.

The one aspect I have chosen to grow is my role as facilitator. Working with a group of people on a common goal is energising and inspiring for me.

So I’ve spent time clarifying who I want to work with and who I don’t. Although I’m a qualified high school teacher, I am clear that, at this stage in my life, teaching English to teenagers feels terrifying rather than energising.

So, for several weeks, I researched various adult education opportunities but those I approached didn’t need anyone. Nothing was flowing.

And then, one morning, I woke up with a dream still fresh in my mind of a work associate I had decades ago, who now works in the adult education field.

I made contact and now, much to my delight, have some training booked. I had a draft email to another connection that I was working on, but before I had a chance to send it, they approached me with some exciting online opportunities.

This feeling of being in the flow, as though my wheels currently fit smoothly into the tracks of life, is a blessing. Life doesn’t always feel like that. (And I’m still figuring out whether that’s because we become less attuned to the support that surrounds us, or whether sometimes life’s just plain sticky.)

But for now, while I’m in this reciprocal call-and-response with the universe, I’m going to savour and respect it.