Mystique of Manifestation: Sculpting Reality
To understand manifestation, we must journey back to ancient philosophies and spiritual teachings. In Eastern philosophies, particularly within Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept of ‘Sankalpa’ or intention is paramount. It suggests that focused intention with a clear vision and a pure heart, has the power to shape one’s reality. This aligns closely with the Buddhist teaching of ‘Pratītyasamutpāda’ or dependent origination, which posits that all phenomena arise in interdependence and not in isolation. In Western thought, traces of manifestation can be found in the works of philosophers like Aristotle, who emphasized the power of potentiality and actuality – the transformation of what ‘could be’ into what ‘is’. This idea was further nuanced in the Hermetic traditions, particularly in the principle of ‘As above, so below’, suggesting a mirror-like relationship between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual). In psychology, manifestation finds resonance with the theory of self-fulfilling prophecy and the placebo effect. The former, proposed by sociologist Robert K. Merton, argues that believing in a certain outcome can indeed cause it to occur, primarily through the lens of expectation influencing behavior. The placebo effect, a well-documented phenomenon in medical science, further illustrates how belief can result in tangible changes in the physical body.
Is manifestation empirical or imaginary? The answer is nuanced. While certain aspects, like the placebo effect, have empirical evidence, other elements tread into the subjective and personal realms of belief and faith, which evade empirical scrutiny.
When individuals set an intention, their subconscious mind begins aligning thoughts and actions towards the desired outcome. This alignment can often result in heightened awareness of opportunities and a greater propensity to take actions that lead towards the goal. Manifestation often emphasizes the importance of ‘feeling’ the reality of the desired outcome. This emotional resonance might act as a catalyst for more profound engagement with one’s goals, thereby increasing the likelihood of their realization. Manifestation is not a magic wand. The constraints of physical reality, combined with personal limitations (skills, resources, timing), play a significant role. Moreover, a misunderstanding of manifestation as merely ‘wishing’ without corresponding action leads to its ineffectiveness. The universe is not entirely predictable. Random events and external factors beyond one’s control can influence outcomes, irrespective of one’s intentions or actions.
Manifestation often works more effectively at the level of basic needs because these needs are more deeply connected to our survival instincts and thus, may be more intensely focused upon. Desires, especially those that are more whimsical or less aligned with our core values and needs, might not hold the same power in our psyche, leading to lesser focus and energy directed towards them.
Psychologically, when we set an intention to manifest something, it often creates a state of cognitive dissonance – a psychological tension between our current reality and our desired state. Leon Festinger’s theory suggests that we are intrinsically motivated to reduce this dissonance. This motivation can lead to a change in attitude or behavior, aligning more closely with the desired outcome. When we are focused on manifesting a particular outcome, we tend to notice and give importance to events and information that support our beliefs or desires. This selective attention can sometimes make the process of manifestation seem more effective than it might objectively be. A common misconception is that manifestation is solely about attracting what you desire through thought. This overlooks the necessity of action and the multifaceted nature of human experiences where external factors and chance also play significant roles. While the idea of manifesting one’s destiny is empowering, it can oversimplify the complexities of life’s challenges. Issues like systemic inequality, health problems, and other factors often cannot be resolved merely through positive thinking or intention setting.
The subconscious mind is a powerful aspect of our psyche, operating below the level of conscious awareness. It plays a critical role in manifestation. Our deep-seated beliefs, often formed in childhood and shaped by our experiences, reside here. These beliefs can either propel us towards our goals or hold us back. The process of manifestation often involves reprogramming the subconscious to align with our conscious desires. Visualization, a key technique in manifestation practices, leverages the brain’s neuroplasticity. By repeatedly visualizing a desired outcome, we can potentially rewire our brain to be more attuned to opportunities and actions that can make the visualization a reality. This practice can create mental and emotional readiness, aligning our internal state with our external actions. The power of manifestation comes with responsibility. It raises questions about ethics and intentions. For instance, manifesting at the expense of others or for purely selfish gains goes against many spiritual teachings’ emphasis on compassion and interconnectedness.
Carl Jung’s concept of the Shadow Self is pivotal in understanding manifestation. The Shadow encompasses the parts of ourselves we reject or ignore. When these aspects are unacknowledged, they can sabotage our manifesting efforts. For instance, if someone desires success but subconsciously harbors a fear of failure or unworthiness, these shadow elements can hinder manifestation. The nature of desire itself is complex. Desires are not always straightforward or conscious. They can be influenced by societal expectations, past traumas, or unmet childhood needs. Understanding and untangling these desires is crucial in manifestation, as conflicting or unconscious desires can lead to mixed results or unfulfilled outcomes.
Many spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism, advocate for non-attachment to outcomes. This presents a paradox in manifestation: How does one intensely desire and visualize an outcome while simultaneously practicing detachment from it? Balancing intense desire with a state of inner peace and acceptance is a nuanced aspect of manifestation. At the heart of this complexity is the human psyche itself, an intricate and layered entity. The conscious mind, where intentions and desires are actively formed, is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath this lies the vast expanse of the subconscious, a realm filled with deeply ingrained beliefs, past experiences, and emotional patterns. Often, these subconscious elements are not in complete harmony with our conscious desires. This discord can subtly undermine our efforts at manifestation, creating an internal resistance that might not be immediately apparent. This inner landscape is often a repository of contradictory desires, fears, and conditioning from past experiences. For instance, a person might consciously desire success but subconsciously fear it due to past experiences of failure or a deep-seated belief that they are unworthy of success. These subconscious elements create a complex inner dialogue, often leading to a manifestation process that is less straightforward and more convoluted than initially assumed.
A central paradox in the art of manifestation is the balance between control and surrender. On one hand, manifestation requires a clear vision and proactive effort towards achieving our goals. On the other hand, there is a need for surrender – an acceptance of the unknown and an acknowledgment that not everything is within our control.
This balance is not a static state but a dynamic equilibrium, constantly shifting as we navigate through life. It involves recognizing our co-creative role in the universe while also understanding that the universe has its own wisdom and timing. In many spiritual traditions, this surrender is not seen as a weakness but as a strength – a deep trust in the larger cosmic order.
Manifestation is also intimately tied to the concepts of timing and synchronicity. The universe operates on its own rhythms and cycles, which do not always align with our personal timelines. Sometimes, what we wish for does not manifest not because the intention is flawed, but because the timing is not right. Synchronicity, a term coined by Carl Jung, refers to meaningful coincidences that seem to defy conventional explanations. In the context of manifestation, synchronicity can be seen as the universe’s way of aligning our intentions with the right opportunities and connections. These synchronicities are often markers that we are in harmony with the larger flow of life, guiding us towards our goals in ways that our rational minds may not immediately comprehend.
If we’re not tired of reading, let’s delve deeper into it to understand the finer nuances of “Manifesting in the Now”!
When we manifest in the now, our focus is not on a future goal but on the quality and richness of our present experience. This form of manifestation is about aligning with the current moment, fully engaging with it, and allowing it to unfold naturally. It’s a state of being deeply rooted in the present, where every action and thought is an expression of our intention to be fully alive and aware in the here and now. In this state, the power of manifestation is not directed toward changing or obtaining something in the future, but in transforming the present moment. It’s about bringing a quality of awareness, gratitude, and intentionality to whatever we are experiencing. This approach often involves a heightened sense of awareness and mindfulness, where each action and thought is infused with a conscious presence.
Manifesting in the now aligns closely with the concept of non-attachment found in various spiritual traditions. Non-attachment doesn’t mean not caring about outcomes; rather, it’s about not being controlled by the desire for specific outcomes. This approach allows for a more fluid interaction with life, where one is open to the myriad possibilities that each moment presents, free from the constraints of rigid expectations. The ‘now’ is often viewed as the only true reality. Past and future are seen as constructs of the mind, illusions that distract from the full experience of life. In this context, manifesting in the now becomes a practice of deep spiritual significance. It’s about aligning with the eternal present, where all of life’s potentialities exist in a state of pure possibility.
Here Time is realised as an illusion, a linear construct that confines the boundless nature of consciousness. By focusing on manifesting in the now, one steps out of the confines of chronological time and into a more fluid, timeless state of being. This state is often described as experiencing the eternal ‘now’, where every moment holds infinite potential and is complete in itself. The concept of desire is paradoxical. While desires are seen as natural, there’s an emphasis on non-attachment to them. Manifesting in the now, therefore, involves a balance between honoring one’s desires and simultaneously releasing attachment to their outcomes. It’s about fully engaging with life as it is, without being ensnared by the relentless pursuit of specific goals.
Intention is more than just a goal or a desire. It’s a powerful force that shapes the energy and direction of our lives. By focusing on the present, intentions are set not for future outcomes but for the quality and experience of the present moment. Manifesting in the now is seen as a tool for the transformation of consciousness. It shifts the focus from external achievements to internal growth and understanding, fostering a deeper connection with the self and the universe. This practice aligns with the belief that the universe operates in a state of perfect harmony and balance. By focusing on the now, one aligns with this cosmic rhythm, experiencing life as a seamless flow rather than a series of disjointed events.
Let’s touch little bit on the illusion of separation as well – the false belief that we are distinct and isolated from the rest of existence. This illusion is perpetuated by our adherence to linear time. In the practice of manifesting in the now, this illusion begins to fade. The present moment is understood not as a fleeting point between past and future, but as the eternal ‘now’ – a timeless space where all of existence converges.
Consciousness is not static but fluid and ever-changing. It’s like a river flowing through the landscape of reality, constantly reshaped by its interactions with the external world and internal states. Manifesting in the now becomes an act of navigating this fluidity, understanding the transient nature of thoughts and emotions, and aligning with the deeper currents of consciousness.
The deepest aspect of manifesting in the now is self-realization – the understanding of one’s true nature beyond the ego and individual identity. In this state, manifestation is not about bringing desires into reality but realizing that one’s essential nature is already whole and complete. In this space, manifestation is experienced as an alignment with the cosmic dance of creation, where the distinction between the manifestor and the manifested blurs with the ultimate realisation “Manifestor is manifested”.
The Fluidity of Stillness: Understanding Stagnation Amidst Movement
“Movement in Stagnation” captures the tension between seemingly opposite states—feeling spiritually stuck or stagnant while simultaneously experiencing inner changes or shifts. This suggests that even within periods of seeming inertia, movement is happening, whether you recognize it or not.
The experience of feeling both movement and stagnation simultaneously—or alternately—can be influenced by various factors, including your emotional state, external circumstances, and perspective. On a day-to-day basis, there are changes, interactions, and new experiences, which might seem like movement. However, these might not register on the long-term scale, where overarching goals and life trajectories are considered.
ertain philosophies and spiritual perspectives propose that time is not linear but cyclical. Thus, the repetition or perceived stagnation may actually be a part of natural cycles. However, Emotions are incredibly transient; they can change from moment to moment. This emotional flux might be what you’re identifying as “movement” within the stagnation. Emotional highs feel even higher when coming out of a low and vice versa. This contrast might contribute to the sensation of significant movement even when your situation hasn’t drastically changed.
Humans are wired to identify patterns. When you start noticing recurring themes or experiences, your brain flags these as patterns, which can feel like you’re stuck in a loop. Once you recognize a pattern or feel stuck, you’re more likely to notice information that confirms this belief, thereby reinforcing the feeling of being stuck.
Some spiritual teachings suggest that life inherently consists of repetitive cycles—birth, growth, decay, death, and rebirth—and that recognizing this can free you from the illusion of stagnation. Certain philosophies like Buddhism focus on the present moment as the only “real” moment, suggesting that both the past (stagnation) and the future (movement) are constructs of the mind.
When you look at your life on a daily basis, you can see a lot of activities, interactions, and events that unfold. The sun rises and sets, you go to work, eat, sleep, talk to people, perhaps engage in some hobbies. This flurry of activity can give you the impression that things are constantly moving and changing. However, if you were to zoom out and look at a larger slice of your life, say a year or a decade, the feeling is often quite different. Major life circumstances—your job, where you live, your relationship status—may not change as frequently. Even if they do, the underlying patterns of behavior, the kinds of relationships you engage in, and your day-to-day experiences might not undergo a significant transformation. This is where the feeling of “stagnation” often comes in. Despite the constant activity and interactions, there may be an underlying sense that nothing much has really changed—or is going to change.
Emotions, by their very nature, are transient and fluid. Even within a single day, you might experience a range of emotions—joy, frustration, excitement, boredom, love, irritation—and these emotions have a way of coloring your perception. When you’re joyful, the world seems vibrant, full of possibilities; you feel like you’re “moving.” When you’re frustrated or bored, the world can seem dull, repetitive; hence the feeling of “stagnation.”
The mind has certain tendencies that influence this dual experience of movement and stillness. One of these is the brain’s knack for pattern recognition. We make sense of the world by recognizing patterns; it’s how we learn and navigate complex realities. However, this strength can turn into a trap when the patterns you recognize lead to a sense of helplessness or stagnation. For instance, if you’ve had several failed relationships, you may start to believe that all relationships are doomed to fail, leading to a feeling of being “stuck.”
Finally from a more spiritual or existential standpoint, the very idea of movement and stagnation can be questioned. Certain spiritual teachings suggest that the material world is an illusion, and that true “movement” is a journey inward, toward understanding one’s own nature and the nature of reality. In this context, both the feeling of “moving” and “being stuck” can be seen as distractions from the true journey, which is neither about moving nor staying but about understanding and being.
Understanding the fleeting nature of “Happiness”
Realising you’re happy and consequently puncturing that happiness—is a manifestation of the self-reflexive quality of human consciousness. It reflects our ability not only to experience emotions but also to have thoughts about those experiences, including the experience of happiness. At the most immediate level, we have sensory experiences and emotional reactions. These are our raw, unfiltered engagements with the world around us. But atop this immediate experience, we have a secondary layer of experience: our thoughts about our experiences. This secondary layer is where we interpret, judge, anticipate, and reflect.
The paradox here is that this second layer of experience can intrude upon and alter the first. By realizing we’re happy, we move the experience of happiness from the immediate realm into the realm of reflection and analysis. This can have a distancing effect, making the happiness less vivid and more abstract. The “self” that is experiencing happiness is no longer fully integrated with the experience; part of it has stepped aside to observe.
The awareness of happiness can also bring about a sense of sadness or melancholy. This is because our reflective consciousness is not only evaluative but also temporal; it exists in time. When we realize we’re happy, we also realize that the moment is fleeting, that it will pass. This injects a sense of loss or nostalgia into the current experience, dampening the happiness with a layer of sadness. There’s also the pressure that once identified, the feeling of happiness must be maintained, which turns it into an object of concern.
In some Eastern philosophies, for example, the ultimate state of happiness or enlightenment is one that transcends both happiness and sadness, existing in a state of pure “beingness” that is beyond dualities. Western philosophies often engage deeply with the notion of existential angst, the idea that human freedom and awareness are both a gift and a curse, capable of both elevating and diminishing our experiences. Humans are narrative creatures. We don’t just experience things; we also construct stories around our experiences, which become a part of the experience itself. Realizing you’re happy can sometimes feel like a narrative high point, a climax. But climaxes are, by their nature, transitional; they mark the point where a story begins to move toward its conclusion. This can create a sense of impending descent, which can tinge even the most joyous moments with a shade of melancholy. There’s a compelling argument to be made for the richness added to our lives by our ability to reflect on our experiences. This meta-experience, the experience of experiencing, adds depth and texture to our lives. It’s the thing that allows us to appreciate art, to fall in love, to engage in complex moral reasoning. But it comes at a cost: the cost of immediacy. The more we reflect on our experiences, the less we’re able to engage with them directly. It’s like being the actor and the audience at the same time. This dual nature of consciousness is both a blessing and a curse. While it allows us the richness of introspection and self-awareness, it also sets up a scenario where the observer can interfere with the experience.
When you realize you’re happy, you’re essentially stepping out of the experience to label it. The moment you do that, you bring in the concept of time. Emotions, when lived, are timeless. They’re states of being. But when you observe them, you also acknowledge their temporality—they become moments that have started and will eventually end. This implicit understanding of the fleeting nature of happiness casts a shadow on the experience, thereby altering its composition and introducing elements of sadness or anxiety.
The awareness of happiness can trigger broader questions about the nature of existence, purpose, and meaning. Happiness is often viewed as an ‘end,’ a goal in life. Once achieved, its realization can create a form of existential vacuum, a questioning of ‘what next?’ This moves you out of the emotional experience and into a cognitive one, involving existential questions that can often be more unsettling than comforting.
Your realization also exemplifies the duality inherent in life experiences. There’s a push and pull between opposing forces: happiness and sadness, awareness and ignorance, temporality and timelessness. Some philosophical traditions, particularly those from Eastern philosophies like Buddhism, suggest that the ultimate state of enlightenment is one that transcends this duality to experience a state of ‘oneness.’ In that state, the act of observing happiness and the experience of happiness itself become one unified experience, without a division that could puncture the emotion. When we experience happiness, it often fits into a story we have about what makes us happy and why. This narrative self can be in constant tension with the experiencing self. The act of realizing you’re happy is a narrative act—it fits this moment of joy into your broader life story. But life stories are complex and filled with ups and downs. Fitting a moment into a narrative can mean subjecting it to all the complexities and contradictions of that narrative, which can dilute the purity of the experience.
On the one hand, mindfulness and self-awareness teach us to observe our feelings, thoughts, and experiences. On the other hand, the very act of observing can sometimes alter or even negate the experience, particularly with transient states like happiness. In quantum physics, the observer effect refers to changes that the act of observation makes on the phenomenon being observed. In psychology, too, observing one’s thoughts and feelings can change them. This is the basis of therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), where the act of observing and questioning one’s thoughts can lead to emotional regulation.
When you realize you’re happy and become acutely aware of that happiness, you might also become aware of the fleeting nature of emotions. This could potentially lead to a decrease in the intensity of your happiness, making it a self-limiting state. The joy is punctured by the awareness of its temporary nature or by the anxiety of losing it. It’s crucial to distinguish between mindfulness and hyper-awareness. Mindfulness means accepting each moment as it is, including your happiness, without clinging to it or fearing its loss. Hyper-awareness, on the other hand, involves scrutinizing the experience so closely that you can’t simply be in it. You’re essentially stepping out of the experience to examine it.
Some of the ways to deal with it:
1. The first step in navigating this paradox is to accept the transient nature of all emotional states. Once we make peace with the ebb and flow of life, the realization that our happiness is temporary becomes less threatening.
2. Aim for a detached form of observation. Observe your happiness without clinging to it, just as you would observe your breath during meditation.
3. Shifting the focus from “Being Happy” to “Being”. When your focus is simply on ‘being,’ without labeling the state you are in, you eliminate the self-imposed pressure to sustain any emotional state, be it happiness or otherwise.
4. Often the anxiety of losing happiness arises from either past experiences or future uncertainties. Dwelling in the present can alleviate that concern.
Abhishek Fanse 