Recently I had something occur that made me claim my manifesting skills were back online. Have you ever felt like that? Like you desired something to happen or some thing to appear in your life, and it did?
Once I regained my rationality – mind over feelings – I asked myself if it had really been mere contemplation of the matter that had brought it about or whether I had actually worked for it.
It led me to ask what I meant by manifesting skills. And what does it mean to manifest, anyway?
The relevant dictionary definitions for the use of the word manifest in this sense are:
1. To make clear or evident; show plainly. 2. To attempt to attain (something desired) by thinking or focusing intensely on it, especially as a spiritual or self-help practice.
Okay, so did I will something into being by exercising my mental powers and by the force of my belief alone? I don’t think so.
But… I had been thinking about it. I had been talking about it. I had been believing it would come. And when it appeared, I did recognise it.
So, maybe to manifest something we need to go through a process that’s part rational mind-power (self-help) and part heart-felt mysticism (spiritual practice).
It’s obvious that we need to know what we want in the first place; to be clear about it, to visualise it, talk or write about it, research it, imagine it as ours. We need to know what we’re aiming for, have a goal and an image of where we want to be. Dream big, reach for the heights, push past comfort zones, but don’t just wish for the moon and expect to land there. Pick a dream that’s possible, and actionable.
Actions make the dream grow. To start with, letting the idea germinate in a fertile heart and mind is good, but then we need to consciously feed it, prune it, shape it and take whatever steps are necessary to help it bloom. Manifesting can feel like magic, but I bet nothing is brought about without some effort.
This sounds like I’m all for the pragmatic, rational pursuit of goals. I am, but I also have faith in the inexplicable. Energy attracts energy. Positivity attracts positivity. I have an optimism that that comes from trusting in the Universe (or God, divine spirit, Atman) and my own energy. I believe my manifesting skills are a combination of both practical actions and heart-felt faith.
To manifest successfully we need to know what we want, be eager, be alert and be ready to seize opportunities as they arise. Think like an insect; focus on what you desire, use your antennae, be patient and then pounce. Go ahead; dream, act and claim your prize.
This month I’ll be doing my best to manifest a publisher for my novel. What will you be doing with your manifesting skills?
Carla Simmons Writer 