The internet has created an obsession with manifestation. What it is, how to do it, and why you should do it. Does the reality of our future really lie within the power of our thoughts?
What is Manifestation?
The buzzword “manifestation” has captivated Gen Z into adopting a more intention-focused mindset.
Manifesting is believing in the power of your thoughts. It’s known as the process of focusing your thoughts on a desired outcome – until it happens.
Manifestation is derived from the belief that “actions and intentions influence future outcomes.”
Many Millennials remember the start of the “manifestation trend” back in 2006 when Rhonda Byrne released The Secret: a self help book on the law of attraction.
But Gen Z is just now discovering this process and are just now grabbing it with both hands, and taking it to social media.
The Presence of Social Media
The hashtag manifestation currently has 7.3 million posts on TikTok, promising viewers they hold the secret to changing your life.
The manifestation mindset has taken social media over by storm, enticing Gen Z into using trending manifestation sounds and techniques to get what they want.
TikTok’s “For You Page” has quickly morphed into creators seeking to spread this gospel of wealth, that these affirmation do hold the promise that you can bring to fruition anything you desire.
Maybe the TikTok algorithm has brought a random psychic medium across your screen reading Tarot cards, vowing that the love of your life will contact you soon.
Or popular influencers mouthing to trending audio sounds for good luck — so you should also interact with the sound.
This not so niche corner on TikTok can sometimes feel laughably delusional at first glance. And maybe it’s just me, but being bombarded by these videos left a superstitious feeling that maybe I should embrace these techniques.
Pseudoscience of Manifestation
But is there really some truth to what these influencers are preaching?
It can almost seem unconvincing to believe that your thoughts hold that much power in creating your reality, almost like you’re believing in magic.
Tanya J. Peterson, a licensed therapist, revealed to Parade the truth that lies behind manifesting. As a practice, it can improve your self-consciousness, which puts you on the path to creating more proactive steps in your future.
“When you can accept and acknowledge that life has negatives and setbacks, identify your own strengths and positive character traits … to take steps toward your goals,” she told Parade.
Although there is no real scientific evidence to back up the practice of manifestation, it’s no secret that it has worked for people to bring their dreams to life.
The 2006 self-help book The Secret sparked the modern phenomenon of manifestation through The Law of Attraction.
Its website, thesecret.tv, allows anyone to submit their own manifestation stories to share with others the power that lies within manifestation and the power you hold when it comes to making change.
A recent story shared by a nurse involved her looking for a new job. She began journaling and meditating, seeking a new opportunity with better pay.
That same day, an old co-worker had reached out, offering her a position.
Coincidence or not, her actions led to her attaining her desires.
Professionals on Manifestation
There are a ton of professionals who have made it their career to teach the power of manifestation and how to do it correctly.
Dear Gabby, a weekly podcast hosted by Gabby Bernstein, a New York Times best-selling author and spiritual leader, talks all about the power of manifesting, leaving you wanting to start today.
Her platform seeks to educate, inspire and support personal journeys in finding inner peace through these practices.
“Manifesting is cultivating the experience of what it is that you want to feel.”
Gabby Bernstein
Mel Robbins, most known for her podcast, The Mel Robbins Podcast, recently interviewed Dr. Jim Doty, a Stanford neurosurgeon and an expert on manifestation and visualization.
In this episode, “Science Meets Manifestation,” Dr. Doty proves the power of visualization. If you were a skeptic of the power in manifestation, you won’t be after this episode.
The age-old idea of manifestation has certainly become more modernized and mainstream today, but that doesn’t denote the power and logistics behind it.
Start Now
While the practice of manifestation isn’t new, it is trending. But when the internet picks up something else to obsess over, don’t throw away this practice.
Start small. If you’re still wary of this area, try embracing the power of affirmations.
Whether it be an abundance of money, a text back from a boy, or landing your dream job — manifesting is real.
