Manifestation: The Double-Edged Sword
At this point, many of us are familiar with the basic principles behind manifestation – the notion/practice that our thoughts and convictions may determine whether we experience good or bad realities. Though it is quite appealing to believe or assume that we do get whatever we desire, if we manifest hard enough, there’s a need to examine both the positives and the negatives associated with such an assumption.
As a certified life coach, I have witnessed the power of positive thinking and gratitude, but I have equally, and perhaps more so, experienced the negative effects manifestation practices have had on my clients.
Empowerment Through Positive Thinking
The practice of manifestation encourages the power of positive thinking, motivating us to visualize our desires and boosting motivation and self-confidence. This positive mindset can lead to more proactive actions and a greater sense of power and participation in our lives.
Cultivating Gratitude: Manifestation prompts us to be grateful for the good aspects of our lives, fostering contentment and happiness by shifting our focus from what we lack to what we do have and the blessings we have experienced.
Goal Setting and Achievement: Manifestation can be a valuable tool for setting and achieving goals. When we mindfully visualize/speak aloud/or write down our aspirations and work diligently toward them, we are more likely to make measurable progress and ultimately achieve our dreams.
Disempowerment Through Negative Thinking
It’s All My Fault: A sad downside of the manifestation model is the potential to blame oneself for negative events. Believing that we are responsible for every negative outcome can lead to stress and anxiety, overlooking the complexity of life's external factors, leading to personal self-esteem as well as mental health issues.
Fear of Negative Thoughts: Many of my clients come to me anxious about having negative thoughts, fearing that they will manifest negatively. This fear can create constant stress and pressure, hindering a healthy mindset. The social media bombardment of so many new age practices has left us feeling that others are living their best lives with never a negative idea.
The Party of Thoughts: Thoughts like to have a party, as my therapist friend wisely put it. Our minds are naturally active, and negative thoughts are a part of being human. Fearing and suppressing these thoughts can create a mental battle that works against us.
Unrealistic expectations: Accepting that manifestation will somehow magically satisfy unreasonable or unworkable wants might end up in disappointment and aggravation.
Overemphasis on materialism: The obsession with the manifestation of material possessions or wealth as the ultimate objective could overshadow other key aspects of life such as relationships, personal development, and well-being.
Ignoring necessary action: Inaction due to believing that manifestation alone will result in success without taking necessary steps, failing to utilize available chances.
Stress and anxiety: The increased pressure is a result of constant worrying about the outcome of the manifestations, which may cause stress and elevate anxiety levels.
Disconnection from reality: Living in a fantasy land, daydreaming constantly, and hence getting detached from the real world. This could compromise efficiency and commitment to perform.
Tunnel vision: Achieving happiness and fulfillment by focusing selectively on certain goals and outcomes, without accounting for the wider picture or other potential ways of achieving wellbeing.
Compare and despair: Getting jealous of the manifesting abilities and results of others as showcased constantly on social media and comparing them to ourselves will always lead to bad feelings and a sense of failure and inadequacy. Comparing ourselves to others will never have a positive impact on our lives.
Taking Positive Responsibility For Our Actions
It's essential to strike a balance between taking responsibility for our actions and recognizing the influence of external forces in our lives. Constantly shifting blame to external factors can lead to a disempowering mindset, where we feel helpless in the face of circumstances. On the other hand, constantly blaming ourselves can erode self-esteem and hinder our capacity for transformation.
The human condition is defined by the ability to change, evolve, and grow, often requiring mindful baby steps. Manifestation, while a popular trend, can sometimes undermine the complexity of the human experience by suggesting that our thoughts alone determine our reality.
Manifestation is a powerful concept, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Embracing a balanced approach to manifesting, coupled with self-compassion and a realistic view of life's complexities, can help us harness its benefits without succumbing to its potential pitfalls. While we can influence our lives positively, it's crucial to acknowledge the role of external factors and find a middle ground between self-blame and externalization of responsibility.
I am not against the practice of manifestation. I have taken classes on it and have practiced it myself on several occasions. My problem with it from a professional perspective lies with the pressure it places on the individual.
Manifestation practices often convince the user that they have more power over their life than they do and may convince them that nothing is impossible if you will it hard enough. This can result in giving a false sense of power and, in some cases, create unrealistic expectations.
While a positive mindset and goal setting are important, it's equally crucial to maintain a realistic understanding of the limitations of personal control and the need for a balanced approach to achieving one's desires.
“Work hard and stay focused to achieve your goals and dreams in life. That is the path to true happiness!”