Saturday, January 8, 2011

Misconceptions About Manifesting

January 9, 2011

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson is this one:

“The moment you make a decision,
the whole universe conspires to make it happen.”

If that is true—and, for the most part, I believe it is—you can see what tremendous power you have when it comes to manifesting whatever it is you want to have, do, or be in life. You have the whole universe working on your behalf to help you realize your dreams!

In a few popular books and videos, our helpful universe is portrayed as a “genie” that magically delivers to you whatever it is you specifically ask for . . . as long as you stay focused on what you want. But is that true? Is the universe like a giant genie?

My experience of life suggests that we do, indeed, have celestial assistance when it comes to accomplishing our goals and fulfilling our desires. But to me, the portrayal of the universe as a genie is overly simplistic. And I believe it leaves people with quite a few misconceptions about how the manifestation process really works.

This week, I would like to briefly address four of those misconceptions.

MISCONCEPTION #1:
You must be very specific about what you want,
because you only get exactly what you ask for.

There is nothing wrong with being specific about what you want to get out of life. In fact, I recommend it. But after that, it is best to let go of any rigid attachment you might have to one specific outcome. My experience has shown me that the universe is willing to help me manifest something that is even better than what I think I want—something that is greater, grander, and more fulfilling . . . and something that is always in the best interests of all. When I confine myself to my own, limited, pre-conceived ideas about what I think is best for me, I risk missing a much greater miracle.

MISCONCEPTION #2
You literally attract what you want to you.

Is it possible to ask the universe for something and have it literally show up on your doorstep the very next morning? Yes, actually, it is. I have done that very thing. But that kind of experience is rare. What you are always attracting to you are the people and circumstances that lead you to what you want. Through synchronistic events and happy coincidences, the universe will open doors for you and create opportunities for you in direct response to your desire. But you have to go through those doors and take advantage of those opportunities! In short, you have to act! If you are just sitting around waiting for something to literally fall in your lap, you may be waiting quite a while . . . perhaps forever.

MISCONCEPTION #3:
It takes a lot of concentrated thought and energy
to manifest what you want.

Really? Time and time again I have manifested something in my life without giving it a second thought—often within 24 hours! The key is not telling the universe what you want over and over again. The universe hears you the first time! The key is being totally open to receiving what you want, and paying attention to what immediately appears in your life—no matter what that might look like. It’s okay to spend a little time visualizing what you want, and getting in touch with what brings you joy. Just remember to keep most of your focus in the here and now, because that’s where your miracle is going to manifest.

MISCONCEPTION #4
You must be consciously aware of what you want,
and ask for it.

On more than one occasion, the universe has demonstrated to me that it knows exactly what I need, even when I am not consciously aware of it myself! When I cooperate with the universe by doing what I feel divinely guided to do at any given moment, I consistently end up manifesting things I greatly need, but never thought to ask for. If you want to have a similar experience, then listen to your intuition, heed the divine signs and synchronicities that are all around you, and move in the direction that seems indicated—even if you have no idea where you are being guided.

So, my friends, I ask the question again: Is our universe like a genie that can only respond to our stated desires in a very automatic, robotic-like fashion? Based on my own experience, I say no. This wonderfully beneficent universe is far more intelligent than many people are giving it credit for these days.

Whether we call it “The Universe,” “Source,” “Divine Mind,” or “God,” experience after experience suggests to me that there is, indeed, a Higher Intelligence that is at work in this world. It knows what is in our hearts, as well as what is in our heads. It knows what we need, as well as want we want. And it is already working on our behalf to fulfill our dreams, goals, and desires . . . whether we have specifically asked for something or not.

Let’s not get so caught up in our power to manifest, that we forget to be grateful for the Higher Power that is behind it all . . . a Power that always has our best interests in mind, and is continually orchestrating the highest good for each and every one of us.

Steven

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© 2011 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow

www.rowrowrow.com

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