Aligned Energy
Self care is not simply an internet buzzword, but a rejuvenating articulation of gratitude and inspiration; essential for aligning us with our highest selves. Manifesting - an ancient self-care practice through positive talk and visualisation - is a highly effective wellbeing endeavour that encourages us to take action to meet our desires, whilst remaining grateful for what we already have. By subsuming energy-charging routines into our self care regimen, we can inspire ourselves to welcome newfound abundance and confidence.
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Manifesting has gained a lot of traction on social media in the last few years, gaining the rightful title of ‘Word of the Year’ by Cambridge Dictionary in 2024. But it is a technique of fondness that has an extensive history, dating back centuries. It involves welcoming the life we desire into our reality through positive thought and visualisation, genuine trust in the universe, and mirroring our actions with our dream reality. Whether a new job/relationship/trip or anything else that reads deeply as the ultimate goal destination to us, through manifestation we become closer to what we want in life, as it seamlessly melds into what we have in the present, which we remain effervescently grateful for.
History of Manifestation
Though TikTok has helped spread the fruitful outcomes of stepping into our power through manifestation, the act itself is not a new one. Manifestation is believed to have deep history in Hinduism, going back thousands of years. Manifestation relates to karma, as both use positive energy and movements to attract positive results. It relates, as well, to the New Thought movement: a philosophical development that highlighted how thoughts can influence reality, even relating to illness.
Phineas Parkhurst Quimby is said to be one of the founders of the movement, and believed that illness was caused by negative thinking, and positive thought (being optimistic about outcomes, believing one is healing) could heal disease. Over time, ideas such as this have evolved, and continue to become more mainstream through social media, influencers and experts, spreading knowledge and celebration of manifestation.
In the modern day, manifestation can be used for almost any desired outcome. A promotion, a specific person or interaction, financial abundance…we can rewrite our stories.
But, it’s important to be grateful for the blessings we already have in life, and recognise that whilst the universe can reward us with the prosperity we dream of, we already have so much privilege and serenity around us, and the desperation for control is not serving us.
Manifestation is all about energy and intention. Energy attracts energy, so by assuming a highly optimistic vision and boundless gratitude, positivity and abundance is welcomed wholeheartedly. This is explained in Roxie nafousi’s book ‘Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life’, which is a heartwarming read of education and motivation. Through books like this we are able to learn more about manifestation and how this can help us if we choose to add it to our self care routine.
How to Manifest?
Manifestation works by a deep visualisation of our desired outcome, firstly (thinking about it as if it already exists - for example if a new job is on our mind we could visualise what we would wear, the type of colleagues we desire, the financial benefits, how a normal work day looks, what the office looks like, how it makes us feel, what we could learn from this.). Then, follows the actions that will get us there. We need to truly believe that our desired outcome is here and possible, and to trust in the universe that our reward is coming for it to be fully present. Just relax and trust in our own expertise.
Visualisation can mean a different thing to everyone. Social media often depicts manifestation as writing out the desire (“I am grateful for my new role” etc.) repeatedly or every day, and whilst this is a tried and true way to visualise clearly exactly what we desire out of life, it is not the only tool in a manifestor’s skillset.
Affirmations are another method of manifestation that are probably one of the most useful. Reminding ourselves “I am worthy of my goals”, “I am grateful for everything in life”, “I am confident”, “I am aligned with my goals” and other powerful mantras can help us shift to a more positive outlook. This is the mindset that attracts abundance, and over time we can naturally start seeing the good in every situation and assume that the universe allows everything to work out perfectly for us in the end. This, overall, can be super beneficial for mental health, and combined with setting a clear intention of a specific thing we want out of life, our goals are closer than we think. Using affirmations, visualising our goals and presenting as the person we want to become consistently throughout the day will shift the energy to become more positive. Naturally, we will feel more confident and secure in day to day life, allowing us to get the most out of every day!
Then, taking steps towards our goals and aligning actions with manifestations is what solidifies our intention and brings our desire to reality. If our manifestation is for a new, higher-paying job, perhaps enhancing our skills, perfecting our portfolio and actively applying and network (paired with visualisation, affirmations and/or meditation) will bring this to us. Being grateful is essential and enchanting, but goals are a privilege that should not be excluded from the luscious adventures of our daily lives.
How could manifesting fit into daily life?
After setting a clear goal in mind (a new job for example), we could take time to visualise precisely what our goals are, leaving no room for uncertainty. Perhaps writing it down in a journal to start a slow morning in a tranquil and focused space sans any distractions could allow us to fully immerse ourselves in the goal.
It could be helpful to set a regular time each day to write out or visualise manifestations to set up our day for productivity and gratitude with the abundant goal in mind. Maybe at the start of the day accompany this with meditation, yoga or other self care rituals.
That being said, it’s believed to be important to not forget about our manifestations throughout the day. Finding a balance between letting go and allowing the universe to take control whilst taking action to get there can attract that notion we so deeply desire.
Remind ourselves of purpose.
Have fun! Listening to the fun-loving side of ourselves simultaneously allows creativity and appreciation to flourish, affirming the blossoming of zealousness forevermore.
End the day on a positive note - perhaps reread the journal submission of the morning, or add to it, ultimately visualising exactly what we desire, and ending the day acting like it already exists.
The Impact of Manifesting
Incorporating self care habits like manifesting into our daily lives ultimately brings about positive change. An amelioration from wariness to trust and gratitude, taking care of our mental health is always bountiful. Mindfulness is gaining traction online for its benefits to mental and physical health, through boosting motivation, promoting a more uplifting outlook on life, and even contributing to lowered physical signs of stress on the body. And, taking time to learn something new, like manifesting, has more rewards that go far beyond the limits we imagine.
