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Years ago my girlfriend heard a radio interview with Bärbel Mohr about cosmic ordering, which - as I understood it - is the idea that you can order things you want from the cosmos (universe). The clever twist is that, unlike wishes or prayers, orders are usually fulfilled (think amazon.com). This is probably also the secret behind "the secret", a multi-level money making scheme in the US.

The problem I have with cosmic ordering is that it's usually about individualism and entitlement. When you order a parking spot right in front of a popular restaurant, this does not magically increase the number of available parking spaces. Likewise, ordering a table for dinner on Valentine's day despite not having made a reservation would mean that other people have to be turned away.

As I looked at their disappointed faces, I suddenly felt suspicious of my luck. I turned to my girlfriend and asked, "Did you use cosmic ordering to get us this table? And the parking spot?" She looked surprised for a moment, probably thinking this would have been a good idea, then said, "No, did you?".

No, I didn't. Trust me, it feels much better if you leave these things up to chance (though next year I'll make a reservation).