Desire, Delusion and the Maze of Mystified Manifestation

 

"If you really desire something from the heart… then the whole universe will work towards getting you that.” This iconic dialogue from a Bollywood blockbuster portrays the actual gist and power of intentions. Deep desires along with unwavering belief and intention, reflect the reality lying at the heart of the concept of manifestation.

Google searches and memes like "Shut up, I'm manifesting" perfectly capture the zeitgeist. This trend builds on the growing interest in wellness and self-care, which has been evident since around 2017. The core concept, based on Rhonda Byrne's 2006 book and film The Secret, is the "law of attraction": By strongly believing in something, you attract it into your life.

You must have heard the whispers: "Manifest your dreams!" "The universe will deliver!" But is manifestation a mystical lottery ticket, or a practical tool for crafting a fulfilling life? The allure of manifestation lies in its promise of effortless abundance. Imagine simply thinking your way to wealth, love, and happiness: no sweat, no struggle, just pure, effortless joy.

At its core, a life of wealth and leisure is the first thing that springs to mind to manifest, but how manageable is that? “Manifestation can be a slippery fish to work with,” says the psychotherapist Dr Denise Fournier. “In pragmatic terms, it is the practice of translating something from thought and idea into a tangible reality. It is a nuanced way of using intention to create an image of a goal you want to achieve and then cultivating discipline and actions that keep you oriented towards that goal.”

But doesn’t constantly focus on your own gain breed a materialistic worldview or even narcissism? Dr Caroline Hexdall, a psychologist who specializes in mindfulness, agrees. “Manifestation is attractive because it feels like something you can do to bring about happiness and success, but it’s when we accept the struggle that things change,” she says. But the idea that if you wish for something hard enough it will happen isn't new. It grew out of the self-help movement.

If you keenly study your life, you’ll understand that everything that you have now in your life is the end product of what your past thoughts and actions were. So it clearly means that you’re able to get what you want by changing your thoughts and focusing on one desire. You start feeding something and it manifests like that. You also need to do other stuff alongside manifestation to get what you want. But, manifesting helps to achieve those goals quicker. It seems manifestation can mean anything to anyone – a euphemistic term for the daunting process of self-awareness and accountability.

Manifestation is often misunderstood as a mystical process, but it can be better understood through the lens of neuroscience. At its core, manifestation involves intending and planning, which can be as simple as making a to-do list. This act of planning signifies a desire to achieve specific goals, and it is essentially a form of manifestation. The key components of manifestation include belief, intention, motivation, and the intensity with which these elements are applied. While manifestation involves the power of thought, it is not merely about wishing for success. The necessity of discipline and hard work in conjunction with positive thinking is the secret sauce of getting close to your desired goals. An essential element of that is the idea of self-motivation. while external support is beneficial, true motivation must come from within.

Belief is also considered foundational to the manifestation process. our beliefs shape our reality. Negative beliefs, particularly regarding money or self-worth, can hinder progress. For instance, if an individual views money as inherently bad, this perception can limit financial opportunities. By identifying and altering limiting beliefs, individuals can reshape their experiences. The transformation begins with recognizing negative beliefs rooted in upbringing and reframing them into positive affirmations, such as “I love money” or “I am successful.” This shift is crucial, as beliefs significantly influence daily decisions and actions.

One of the primary effects of manifestation is the reduction of uncertainty levels. When individuals manifest their desires, they create an illusion of certainty, which can significantly calm the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for processing fear and uncertainty. For instance, studies show that individuals facing imminent death often experience a profound sense of calm, as they no longer grapple with uncertainty about their future. By convincing the amygdala that a desired outcome is likely, manifestation can alleviate anxiety and improve focus, allowing individuals to concentrate on their tasks without the constant interruption of doubt

Manifestation also provides a framework for the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that governs planning and decision-making. This part of the brain becomes fatigued when faced with too many choices, leading to a phenomenon known as the paradox of choice. By manifesting outcomes, individuals can simplify their decision-making processes, reducing the cognitive load associated with making too many choices. For example, dining experiences with fewer menu options can be more enjoyable and less stressful, illustrating how manifesting a clear plan can create a calm environment conducive to productivity.

Another significant aspect of manifestation is the accountability it fosters. Declaring your intentions—whether publicly or privately—creates a sense of responsibility to follow through. This commitment can motivate you to take actionable steps toward your goals. The combination of reduced uncertainty, simplified decision-making, and increased accountability can make manifestation a powerful tool for your personal development.

But when a hoped-for outcome does not occur, you might find yourself accounting for it in positive or fatalistic terms: the universe has something better planned. The negative outcome becomes additional evidence that you should still think positively, and so you won't change your approach.

While it may seem initially appealing, manifesting may also encourage victim blaming: that if someone had thought more positively, an outcome would have been different. It also fails to encourage people to make backup plans, leaving them vulnerable to luck and circumstance. If you rely solely on mental power to achieve your desires, you will not succeed. Try to consider the various factors that support and resist your goals.

Finally, it’s necessary for all the individuals out there to understand that manifestation does not require special teachings or expensive courses. It is a practice accessible to everyone, akin to exercise. When you are truly manifesting with intent and a promise to do so you can surely reap its rewards. Instead of training your AI to do the work for you, train your brain with tricks rather than some esoteric rituals to effectively harness the benefits.

So, next time when you’re standing in a store, not knowing whether to splurge or save, take a moment to manifest a clear path forward. With focused intention and a commitment to action, you’ll find yourself navigating life’s dilemmas with greater clarity and confidence. Manifestation isn’t magic—it’s a tool for transforming aspirations into reality.

 
Mahdia Binte Zaman writes
on socioeconomic issues.
 She can be reached at [email protected]