Manifestation is a concept rooted in the belief that thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can shape our reality. It is based on the idea that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can bring about positive or negative experiences in their life. The process involves visualizing a desired outcome, setting intentions, and cultivating a mindset that aligns with those goals.
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What is Manifestation?
The concept of manifestation is often associated with the Law of Attraction, a principle suggesting that like attracts like. According to this belief, focusing on positive thoughts and feelings attracts more positive experiences, while dwelling on negative thoughts attracts more negative experiences.
Manifestation practices can involve various techniques, such as affirmations, vision boards, meditation, and journaling, to help individuals clarify their goals, focus on their desires, and develop a positive mindset supporting their manifestation.
The ultimate aim of manifestation is to empower individuals to take control of their lives and create the reality they desire.
Manifestation In Practice
We’ve all seen movies and stories of a person who wants something so badly they seem to will it into being. People like Oprah, Eckhart Tolle, and Deepak Chopra have all jumped on the bandwagon touting the power of the mind.
Manifestation is a practice by which a person focuses on a desired outcome. This is often associated with positive thinking and perhaps even asking “the universe” for said results.
It’s an idea in the wellness and self-care ethos since Rhonda Byrnes released a book called The Secret in 2007.
It’s not backed by any kind of science and may strike you as full of new-agey optimism that is more of an argument for looking on the bright side of things than a route to accomplishing anything useful. However, when so many things seem out of control, the idea of manifesting has taken off.
For some, it’s important to write down the goal repeatedly. The story of how Jim Carrey wrote himself a check for $10 million before getting his first big check from Dumb and Dumber.
For others, it’s all in their head. Simple visualizations where they see themselves accepting the promotion they’ve been working towards. Or accepting an award for their writing.
Positive thinking and visualization are only part of the process when practicing manifestation techniques. Seeing it play out in their minds makes it easier to believe it can happen in real life.
From that point of belief, they begin the hard work of taking steps toward the goal.
In other words, picturing and understanding what you want your life to look like can help you think through the process of getting there.
You’ll be able to recognize opportunities and be more confident in your choices with the knowledge that they are helping you accomplish something important to you. The key is to get your thoughts, emotions, and actions in line.
In fact, the idea of your mind, your body, and the universe being united in some way is an idea that comes from Hinduism.
Does Manifestation Work?
In many ways, manifestation can act as a way to figure out what your goals are. Self-exploration is necessary to decide what you want to set your intentions on.
That alone can be incredibly helpful to someone who has never considered what matters to them outside of what society, family, and traditions tell them. Goal-setting holds a lot of value if you want to accomplish things.
Positive thinking also has some positive side effects. Seeing the sunny side of things can be great for your mental health.
It’s been linked with lower instances of depression and the development of better coping skills for the more difficult periods of your life.
A study in The Encyclopedia of Mental Health suggests that how you approach a situation, with positive or negative thoughts, can affect the outcome.
For example, if you start that new job thinking you’ll be able to learn everything you need to vs. I’m-a-fast-learner, you’re less likely to give yourself the time and patience to grow before getting frustrated and perhaps giving up.
Are There Drawbacks To Manifestation?
Manifestation doesn’t consider the systemic barriers that may prevent you from reaching your goal.
It’s important to recognize these issues and not blame yourself for not manifesting correctly if you don’t quite reach your goal. You may need to deal with past traumas or issues before moving forward.
For example, if you’re manifesting being in a healthy, long-term relationship, you might need to acknowledge or work through some things that have been holding you back in the past.
Mental health issues can also be obstacles. Someone who is depressed or bipolar will struggle with the positive thinking aspect of this exercise. In that case, stick with what your mental health professional recommends regarding goal-setting.
In general, it’s also important to know that while you have control over your actions, you don’t always have control over every life outcome.
So while there are benefits to manifestation practices, take a close look at the steps you’re taking toward your goal and the things you have control over.
How Do I Start Practicing Manifestation?
Manifesting can look different for everyone, but experts recommend a few suggestions. First, make sure you’re in the right mindset.
Manifesting isn’t simply making a wish. It’s becoming aware of what you want and intending to drive your actions. Taking action is of equal importance.
Next, say it out loud. Wake up and tell yourself what you want to happen. Sometimes, when we say something out loud, we realize that what we want no longer serves us.
On the flip side, physically hearing it can also reaffirm your goal.
Be sure to keep yourself accountable. Set milestones, and write them down on your calendar. For example, if you want to live near mountains, research locations.
Then figure out how much money you must save by a certain date. If you need to get a job there first, set a date for when you would like to start.
When will you begin searching for a house or apartment? Small steps lead to big goals and make the day-to-day more manageable.
And finally, if you enjoy meditation, find a way to incorporate your visualizations into your daily practice. Light a candle with your goal written on it.
Or simply take deep breaths and imagine how you will feel after accomplishing your goal.
Get Started!
Now get out there and manifest your dreams! With focus and hard work, you’re well on your way to getting the life you want.
Follow these simple steps to get started in the right direction, and check back for more articles on building your skills!
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