The notion of self-manifestation is an intriguing one. The Law of Attraction, The Secret, and the power of positive thinking all emphasize the belief that we can manifest our dreams by aligning our thoughts with the universe.
What we think and feel, we eventually act upon—we will into existence a thought, aspiration, or desire, it takes root in the heart, gains momentum in the mind, and shapes our reality. The pull of the heart becomes so strong that the body and mind enact the belief, whether consciously or unconsciously.
This power of manifestation works in both positive and negative ways. If we hold a subconscious narrative that we are not “good enough” for a job or a relationship, we will unconsciously shrink in ways that confirm that belief. Conversely, when we rewrite old stories with new ones—consciously shifting thoughts, feelings, and will—we create a new script that manifests into reality. For this to happen transformation has to occur deep within the psyche, beyond the surface of conscious awareness. When we stop feeding a narrative that has held us captive for decades, we begin to access possibilities we previously could not see.
In this way, we become the change we seek
However, even this method of manifestation remains bound to the karmic field—the realm of action and reaction. When I observe this karmic playground, I can’t help but laugh at the merry-go-round of happiness and distress. The process of self-manifestation, no matter how “positive,” still operates within the duality of karma. We may prefer good karma over bad, but both keep us tethered to the cycle. No matter how high we soar by our own manifestations, there will always be a descent. Every action, whether we label it good or bad, inevitably carries a reaction.
For the law of attraction to work one is required to let go of the old attachments, concepts and ideals, because behind the attachment, hidden is an opposite belief about oneself that is preventing one manifesting their desires. Our minds oscillate between attachment and aversion. The same narrative has two sides of the coin.
We can create and attract what we desire yet there is always a reaction. Newton’s law of what goes up must come down occurs. Let’s not label it good or bad. But understand there is always a beginning, middle and end to all that is woven into the interplay of action.
Often a reaction manifests towards the end, it probes us to re-question the original desire. The desire for happiness and fulfillment may have been wrapped up in achieving one’s objective, now one is left with the same quest, What is happiness? When we achieve what we thought we wanted, are we truly satisfied? Or does the craving evolve, revealing yet another longing?
For me, the Law of Attraction is simply a refined version of positive thinking. Yes, it works—but it does not address the deeper dissatisfaction that fuels desire in the first place. Do we even know what we truly want? We often assume we do. And even then, a greater question arises: How can we know what we want if we don’t truly know who we are?
We tend to define ourselves by the mind, emotions, body, and thoughts. But beyond this container of form and feeling, the fundamental inquiry remains—Who are you? What is your purpose? If we cannot answer these essential questions, how can we be certain of what we truly desire?
When our inner alignment extends beyond mind and body, when we surrender to the greater intelligence at work, then manifestation shifts into something far greater than personal desires. The universe, God, grace—whatever name we give it—moves through us. It orchestrates the internal and external landscapes to reveal the true self, a revelation far more profound than simply attracting what we think we need.
I prefer to let go of desire rather than manifest it—because manifestation only generates more karma. Instead, I listen. I listen to destiny, to the grace woven into all things. When we witness the dance of attraction and aversion without getting caught in it, we align with a force that transcends duality. Imagine surrendering to the rhythm of life, attuning to the undercurrent of grace that permeates everything. That listening brings alignment with something far greater. It shifts our perception so profoundly that we no longer need manifestation—because we begin to see what we seek has already arrived. We simply didn’t recognize it.
People often think happiness lies in manifesting the perfect partner, the ideal career, or the desired outcome. But even when those things materialize, happiness is fleeting. If what we manifest serves as a catalyst for deeper awakening—if we can use it as a vehicle toward pure consciousness and truth—then it has served its purpose. But if it binds us further into the cycle of karma, attraction, and aversion, we remain entangled in duality, caught between the pendulum swings of happiness and distress.
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