From the mind’s eye

THOUGHTS AND ENERGY CAN CREATE REALITY.

By Jessica Katz, Assistant Lifestyle Editor Illustrated by Kate Madigan

Whatever you focus on is what you are bringing into your reality — that is the idea behind manifestation.

Manifestation entered the public sphere during the 19th century, as part of the New Thought movement. Some of the most influential authors of the time were Helena Potrovna Blavatsky and Thomas Troward. Blavatsky believed that your thoughts about yourself defined your capability, emphasizing the power to move past what you believed were your limitations. Many of her ideas about spirituality overlapped with the law of attraction, or the idea that where you place your focus can have an intense impact on your life. Similarly, Troward believed in the impact of spiritual traditions. To him, belief in limitation causes limitation, and that how you think shapes the course of your life.1 These authors were at the forefront of the manifestation movement which empowers us to use our thoughts and energy to create our reality. Manifestation transforms thoughts into motivation, then motivation into action.

The practice of manifestation can occur through numerous techniques. You can create a vision board with words and images that convey the energies and values you wish to experience. Using intention journals, belief assessments or gratitude journals can help keep track of these thoughts and values. Or you can try writing a letter to your future self, reflecting on what you want your life to look like going forward.

1 Hurst, Katherine. “Law Of Attraction History: The Origins Of The Law Of Attraction Uncovered.” The Law Of Attraction, September 3, 2020. Start by choosing what you’d like to manifest, whether that is a job, true love, or a situation unique to your life. Think about this goal; Do you really want this? Does it feel right? How will it be good for you and others? Once you have a clear idea of what you want, get rid of the things that stand in your way. When you are working towards a dream make sure no one is holding you back, including your own mindset. There may be people in your life who may not believe in you, blocking you from doing your best by making you doubt yourself. You must also assess your own beliefs about your capabilities and get into a positive and patient mindset to be successful. Visualization plays a crucial role in practice. You should pour all your energy into looking at your goal with your mind’s eye. Imagine seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and even tasting what you aspire to create — how does it feel to accomplish your goal? Yet, you cannot sit and wait for the results of manifestation to come to you. The first step to action is committing to including your goal-driven attitude intp your daily mindset. It’s normal to question if manifestation truly works — can a change in mindset truly lead to achieving goals? Manifestation works if you believe in yourself and take that daily dose of inspiration into the everyday practice of goal-oriented thinking. ■