Manifestation. Maybe you’ve heard folks online talking about its benefits, or giving tips on how to manifest more effectively. Are you interested in manifestation, but still not exactly sure what it is? No worries! We’ve got you covered. Read on to learn everything there is to know about manifestation, from its origins to best practices.
Origins of Manifestation
While manifestation is largely recognized as having been established during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries through the work of western occultists like William Walker Atkinson, the truth of the matter is that the practices we associate with manifestation actually come from ancient Hinduism. The basic principles of manifestation can be traced back to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, which center around the belief that reality is formed through our focused desires. In recent decades, however, manifestation has gradually gained traction in popular culture, with people from many different cultures and backgrounds practicing variations of it to this day.
What is Manifestation?
Manifestation, otherwise known as the Law of Attraction, is the practice of willing one’s desires into reality through extensive focus, meditation, and visualization. When learning to manifest, you’ll want to consider its three major components: asking, believing, and receiving. Visualize what exactly it is you’re looking to manifest, ask the universe to make it a reality, and align your emotions, thoughts, actions, and beliefs to complement your manifestation goals.
How do I Practice Manifestation?
Think about what you want to manifest.
You have the power to manifest anything that you put your mind to, whether it be love, financial abundance, or an inner sense of tranquility. Before you begin the manifestation process, take some time to think about what exactly your desires are and what role you want them to play in your life. Use this time to reflect on who you are as a person and what you are willing to change about your life, and begin to think about the person you wish to become.
Clearly define and visualize your manifestation goals.
It’s important to be as specific as possible in the early stages of manifestation. At this point in the process, be clear with what you want and focus your energy on it. You can do this by creating vision boards that detail your desired future, as well as taking time to meditate on the specifics of what you’re manifesting. Be honest with yourself about who you are and what you want to get out of manifestation.
Ask the universe to help you achieve your manifestation goals.
Once you clearly define what you want to manifest, ask the universe to help make your goals a reality. After all, the universe can’t help you if it doesn’t know what you want! Asking for the universe’s help can look different for everyone. While some people use affirmations and vision boards at this stage, for others it may be as simple as just verbally expressing what it is that they want.
Speak your desires into reality.
Speaking your desires into reality is one of the most important parts of manifestation. Many people choose to do so by repeatedly writing and reciting mantras and affirmations. Popular affirmations include:
- “Abundance and prosperity come naturally to me.”
- “The universe has wonderful things in store for me.”
- “I attract positivity and love.”
- “The future I want is manifesting right now.”
These affirmations can be repeated as many times as you want. One popular method, known as the 369 Method, is performed by repeating your affirmations three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon, and nine times at night for either 33 or 45 days. Vocalizing your desires isn’t limited to reciting affirmations. Keeping a manifestation journal or a “future box” full of photos that convey your desired future works great, too! It’s also important to keep in mind that in order for manifestation to work, you need to take active strides on your end to realistically achieve your goals. If you’re manifesting your dream job, you need to apply for it first! The same applies to love. If you’re manifesting a new relationship, you need to take steps on your own to meet new people!
Align your energy with your goals.
A key component of manifestation is the energy that you bring to the table. Essentially, whatever energy you put out into the universe will be brought back to you. If you put out negativity and self-doubt, those feels will ultimately manifest themselves into reality. Ask yourself: how would my ideal self feel here? What does their energy look like?
With this in mind, it’s a good idea to try out some self-care while you begin manifesting. Yoga, meditation, chakra balancing, and journaling are all great activities that will have you feeling your best.
Trust in the universe.
As previously mentioned, the actions, thoughts, and beliefs that you incorporate into your day-to-day life make a world of difference when practicing manifestation. If you manifest without trusting that the universe is going to come through for you, then you are counteracting all of your hard work. Take a step back. Breathe. At this point, you’ve done everything you can to manifest your desires into reality. Now, it’s time to let go and trust the universe to follow through.
Maintain a sense of gratitude.
Your goals may become manifested in ways that you may not have initially expected. For example, you might try to manifest more love into your life but then experience a break-up afterward, only to learn that the break-up was necessary for you to achieve the healthy, unconditional love you deserve. In cases like these, the results of your manifestation may not be as straightforward as anticipated, which is why it is important to maintain a sense of gratitude throughout the process.
Practicing gratitude can even help move the manifestation process along, since it provides you with the positive energy that the universe ultimately brings back to you. You can practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal, or incorporating mindfulness and thankfulness into your everyday activities.
So, what’re you waiting for? Go make those dreams a reality! For more healing and holistic information, check out the Inspo Spot for must-read content on chakra balancing, horoscopes, tarot, and more!
