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Manifestation and the Law of Attraction. If you’re reading this, chances are good you’ve heard of these concepts. But you may still be wondering, “Is manifesting real?”, “Does manifestation really work?”
Very valid questions. The effectiveness of manifestation is questioned often, and for good reason. Many people hear that they just have to tell the universe what they want and they will receive it, no problem.
That’s a bit hard for anyone to believe.
But let’s take some time to unpack manifestation, learn about the Law of Attraction, and finally answer the big question…
Is Manifesting REAL?
This question seems simple and straightforward but, in reality, there is a lot to unpack. Firstly, the effectiveness of manifestation is dependent on personal factors, the timeframe of manifestation is personal, and, as a whole, the manifestation process is personal… we will cover all this later.
Additionally, the cold, hard, scientific evidence to support or deny that manifesting works is limited at this point. But don’t let that make you click away. There is still much to learn about the effectiveness, validity, and efficacy of manifestation.
Before we dive too deep into uncovering if manifestation works, let’s start with some basic, foundational information…
What Is the Law of Attraction?
My first introduction to the Law of Attraction was the book The Secret. This is the book that basically introduced this idea. From that point on, the Law of Attraction, manifestation, mindset coaching, etc. have all boomed.
(The Secret has been made into a Netflix documentary too if you want a compressed version of the book’s information!)
To summarize some key points about the Law of Attraction, it is part of the creative power of the universe. The Law of Attraction states that you can control your lived experience and reality based on your thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
It is reliant on the belief that like attracts like. For example, if you only think about angry, hostile, and miserable things, the Law of Attraction says that you will receive more negative things in your life.
That said, the Law of Attraction can also be a powerful tool when utilized correctly, bringing in more positivity, wealth, happiness, etc.
The power is yours – that’s the beauty of the Law of Attraction.
What is Manifestation?
Oftentimes the Law of Attraction and Manifestation get grouped together under the belief that they are the same thing.
Manifestation and the Law of Attraction are not the same.
They are not the same, but they are related. Manifestation relies on the Law of Attraction.
The Law of Attraction is not a choice you make. It just happens. Like attracts like into your life whether you are conscious of it or not.
However, manifestation is the act of utilizing that power to control your life.
Manifestation is purposeful and intentional.
In a way, manifestation is creative as it allows you to create your reality by utilizing the Law of Attraction.
See the distinction there?
How Do You Manifest?
If you want to find out if manifesting works, you have to truly commit and be dedicated to the practice. Let’s find out how.
1. Understand the Law of Attraction
Since they are so closely related, to begin manifesting, you must understand the Law of Attraction’s key principles.
- Like attracts like
- Nature abhors a vacuum
- The present is always perfect
Since we are trying to answer the question “is manifesting real”, I will not dive too deeply into the Law of Attraction here. But you can (and should) read more in-depth on those principles here.
(There are also 7 laws that make up the Law of Attraction that you can read about here)
There is a ton of free information online but, if I’m honest, I began my manifestation practice with only the information from The Secret. I highly recommend you start there.
2. Set Clear Intentions
If you want to know if manifesting works, you have to be willing to give it a fair and conscious chance. That involves setting specific intentions for your manifestation practice.
Whether you want to manifest your dream career, your soulmate, or a new home, you need to set specific, concise intentions. This is most effective when you put it down on paper. I use a manifestation journal personally and I have seen great results with written manifestations.
To sum up, set clear intentions and write them down. This is important.
3. Focus and Emote
To manifest, you have to get into it. Like, actually into it. The universe does not fall for any faked emotions or beliefs.
You must put all your focus and emotion into your manifestation. Visualization can be a powerful tool here. If you can picture yourself with the thing you are trying to manifest, that can do wonders for believing it, feeling it, and, thus, fostering it.
4. Release Resistance
There are many things that can stand in your way when trying to manifest. Limiting beliefs, doubts, negative energy, fear, negative self-talk, and a hostile environment are some of the most common hold-ups with manifestation.
When these roadblocks occur, they may leave you feeling defeated and asking “is manifesting even real?“.
Don’t worry.
These are natural obstacles and it is possible to overcome them. This FREE limiting belief worksheet can be a great tool to start unpacking these issues.
The bottom line is if there is any resistance, doubt, or push-back against the things you are working to manifest, your practice will simply not be effective.
5. Raise Your Vibration
Vibrational frequencies play a big part in your work with the universe. Raising your vibration is necessary. Here’s why.
Everything in the universe has a vibration… (yes, even you.)
As humans, we all vibrate at different frequencies. Some have a high vibration, while others have a low vibration. When trying to manifest things of a higher vibration (positive things), the Law of Attraction states that you have to match that vibration.
Something helpful to do this is to act as though you already have the thing you want.
You want to feel confident? Carry yourself as a woman with confidence. You want to get a new job? Allow yourself to feel the excitement and passion as if you have that job.
There are some other ways to raise your vibration too. Gratitude journaling is my personal favorite.
6. Be Open to Recieving
Now that you’ve taken the proper steps to manifest, you need to be open to receiving the reward. This means keeping your vibration high, practicing consistent and genuine gratitude, and recognizing the positive things coming your way.
If you’re anything like me, you might have a pinch-me moment of, “OMG. Did my manifesting work?!”
Yes, it did. But you can’t stop there. You have to continue to work WITH the universe to receive and maintain the wonderful things you have manifested.
When Does Manifesting Not Work?
If you’ve found yourself doubting if the manifestation is real or asking yourself “why does manifesting not work for me?”, there are a few common mistakes that may be the cause of your mistrust in the process.
You’re focusing on the negative.
This can be sneaky too! You may genuinely think you are manifesting positivity… but you might be doing it in the wrong way.
For example, say you are trying to manifest your soulmate. When you focus on this manifestation, you may be getting really specific (specificity is good) about what you don’t want (this is not so good).
Maybe you’re saying “I don’t want someone like my ex”, “I don’t want someone that is shallow”, “I don’t want someone that will cheat”. Flip those statements. Instead, say “I have found someone who loves me”, “I have found someone who communicates well”, “I have found someone who is faithful, honest, and loyal”.
(Notice how we speak in the present tense as though it’s already happened? That’s a manifestation/affirmation trick!)
When you focus on what you don’t want, you are focusing on the negatives (your ex, being cheated on, etc.). This does nothing to raise your vibration and attract what you are hoping to manifest.
You are not allowing time.
Manifestations rarely happen overnight.
If they do, they were most likely in the making already (whether you were aware of it or not!).
As humans, we are typically impatient. Speaking for myself, I know that I struggle a lot with waiting for something to happen. Once I set my mind to something, I want it right then and there!
This can be really harmful with manifesting. If you want manifestation to work, patience is not optional… it’s essential.
Too often people give up on their manifestation because they’re not SEEING the progress every day. After a week or so, many people lose faith. I would be willing to bet that if you’re asking yourself “is manifesting real?”, you might have experienced something similar.
Give it time. Keep at your manifestation practice. It will pay off when you focus and do it right.
You are not working WITH the universe.
Manifestation is NOT MAGIC.
It’s science if you think of it in terms of the Law of Attraction and the Laws of the Universe.
If you go into manifestation expecting to say a few sentences and then magically be handed your dream life, you are in for a rude awakening.
The truth is, manifestation does require work on your part. If you are trying to manifest a big raise but aren’t acting accordingly (slacking off, missing work, etc.), the manifestation will not magically come true.
Instead, you have to embody the feeling of the big raise you want. Show up to work and work like you have already gotten the raise and are feeling like a valuable asset to your company. Couple this with your manifestations and you might just walk through the door at work to a smiling boss and some great news.
The bottom line here is that if you want your manifestations to work, you have to act accordingly. Act as though you are already the person you want to become. This raises your vibrations and, thus, attracts similar vibrations to you.
So… Is Manifesting Real?
Now that we’ve covered all the basics and know the ins and outs of manifestation, it’s time to answer the big questions you came here for.
Is Manifesting Real?
Does Manifestation Actually Work?
Short answer, absolutely. Manifestation is incredibly real in the way it has worked for so many.
I have seen manifestation work in my own life and in the lives of those around me. I witnessed manifestation success just yesterday.
My sister kept a manifestation journal for months, writing “I will be a 1st-grade teacher at ‘X elementary school”. She embodied this feeling and, just a few days ago, was offered a mid-year position that opened up at her dream school. Amazing.
Manifestation Tools
If you are questioning if manifestation works, I would highly recommend checking into your process. Do some more research, try some new tactics, and really dedicate yourself to your manifestations.
Here are some of the best tools for a manifestation that works:
Keep at it. Your manifestation is working and it is coming to you!
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