The spiritually inclined often find signs in their daily lives that seem to indicate the existence of a higher power at work. These signs may range from subtle occurrences or thoughts to more pronounced events that are harder to ignore. While you cannot force the universe to repeat its messages, here are six ways it might be trying to notify you about something important, according to spiritual teachers like Teal Swan.

1) When you feel like you’re being watched

Ever feel like someone is watching your every move, even when you’re alone? Spiritual teachers believe that could be a sign from the universe letting us know we have unseen companions. The fact is we are never truly alone because we carry the energy of those who surround us in our hearts and minds and vice versa.

2) When you notice synchronicity on a regular basis

Synchronicity is another indicator that the universe may be reaching out to us with signs and signals of its own. Synchronous events occur when two or more connected people experience something simultaneously, even if they’re thousands of miles apart. The universe knows we’re connected and often uses these connections to deliver messages meant for multiple perspectives.

3) When you receive inner guidance via intuition or gut feelings

Intuition is the ability to “know” something without having all the facts – it’s a sense beyond what we can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. While some dismiss their intuition as coincidence or wishful thinking, there are many who believe it’s the universe lending us a hand by giving us signs or urges to pay attention.

4) When you get strong urges to take certain actions

Many spiritual teachers agree that when the universe wants something, it sends out very clear signals in the form of urges and even compulsions. This might be anything from wanting to drive two hours away to see something specific to knowing someone is about call, and you should pick up instead of letting it go to voicemail. If you feel an urge and act upon it, you just might find your world is much more synchronistic than before.

5) When life begins repeating itself in cycles

Thoughts often come in cycles, just like our breath and heartbeats. When our thoughts or experiences begin to repeat themselves, it may be the universe trying to tell us there’s a lesson we need to learn. We often repetitively create the same lessons until we learn whichever one we’re meant to, so if something keeps happening over and over even when you think you’ve learned your lesson already, it just might indicate the universe wants you to pay attention and remember what you need to know.

6) When other people seem to read your mind

Have friends or family members who seem able to guess your thoughts? That could be another sign from the universe letting you know they can see more than meets the eye. It’s not that they magically figured out what was going on in your head; it’s more likely that you both picked up on signals your bodies were giving off without realizing it.