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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask if you believe in manifestation?

214 replies

Thewal · 21/10/2023 23:49

I watched ‘The Secret’ today. It seemed to be mostly waffle with some random quotes thrown in, but from what I can gather it suggests that positive thinking and asking for things from the universe is what leads to ‘success’ and essentially getting what you want.

So I’d love to hear if you have ever manifested something into reality? How did you do it and how long did it take? Do you believe in it? And does the banishing of negative thoughts ever stress you out?

I just want to know what day to day life is like for people who practice this and if people have actually had something happen they put down to it?

OP posts:
Thewal · 22/10/2023 09:06

So potentially what people are talking about by here are two different things; those that believe in actual manifestation and those that believe that have a positive outlook and determination will see you more likely to succeed. The second sounds like a good thing, helping to build resilience as you will pick yourself back up when you fall etc, but the first - which is largely what I got from this film with all its historical quotes and riddles - is far fetched and toxic.

OP posts:
LylaLee · 22/10/2023 09:09

Pigeotto · 22/10/2023 08:57

I think we’re all in a computer simulation to be honest so if you can hack the code, go for it. Did use it was back in the day and won £300 on the lottery.

Actually now I’m saying that I watched a video the other day on it and didn’t have any money at the time, I’m talking like £75 in the bank to make it the end of the month type thing with a child and travel so thought I’d give it a bash loosely. Didn’t really think much of it just trusted I’d somehow get through the month any everything would work out. Anyway got a back payment of £700 a couple of days after watching a video and then a few days later an unexpected refund of another £200 so 🤷🏻‍♀️

So why not just do it again but for £10mil?

So you were down to your last £75. And that whole year, the only time you wished for more money was when you got the refund? Or you had been wishing and.manifesting for 363 days and nothing happened on THOSE days.

Flyingthroughtrees · 22/10/2023 09:09

PyongyangKipperbang · 22/10/2023 00:58

So basically its making a list of what you want to achieve and focussing on that every day.

I am not saying that that doesnt work, it really does. The most successful people I know are the most focussed. They will not be derailed from their primary objectives, but that doesnt mean that is some gift from the universe or a god or whatever. Its you giving yourself the gift.

I think that manifestation does work, I absolutely do. But not for the reasons devotees do. I think that it is just a name for you pushing and looking for what you want and seeing or seeking out opportunities that you perhaps would not have seen or sought without that focus.

Absolutely this.

And this is such an obvious explanation for ‘manifestation’ that the real lesson of manifestation and LOA is that:

  1. With the right marketing you can get people to buy anything 2). How poor critical thinking skills are in the population
AllProperTeaIsTheft · 22/10/2023 09:11

Look I can't explain it. But what I said is fact. You can roll your eyes all you like. Infact, my daughter has said since she is 2 that she wants to be a boy and acts like one. I bet you're going to say I've forced that on her to fit my narrative. Sorry to disappoint, but I haven't.

Ummm no. It wouldn't particularly occur to me that you'd forced her to be a tomboy. It's more that it's just not particularly unusual for a girl not to be a 'girly' girl, or for a parent to have a preference for what sex baby they have. So I'm not sure why you'd think it must have been 'manifested' in order to happen. Ridiculous.

Pigeotto · 22/10/2023 09:13

I’m not sure I want £10mil? Back in the day I was quite into it but my memories so bad I can’t remember much more but the other day yeah. A random video came up at the right time. Haven’t done anything else, works too busy and I have a baby 😂 No ones got time for that

Thewal · 22/10/2023 09:14

See, and I might get flamed for this, but is it not just the same as prayer and religion? The idea that if you behave you will get what you want (a ticket to heaven)? But this is just praying for things you want now instead which you will receive if you behave yourself?

OP posts:
Flyingthroughtrees · 22/10/2023 09:15

themothergoose · 22/10/2023 08:44

I am a bit lost. Why would you manifest a tragedy?

My granny had a terror of cancer and got cancer. A LOA wanker told me she had manifested her cancer.

Flyingthroughtrees · 22/10/2023 09:16

Thewal · 22/10/2023 09:14

See, and I might get flamed for this, but is it not just the same as prayer and religion? The idea that if you behave you will get what you want (a ticket to heaven)? But this is just praying for things you want now instead which you will receive if you behave yourself?

It’s basically the same, yes. PP have talked about dream boards. Christians have prayer diaries where they write their prayers and then can see if they come true.

Stroopwaffels · 22/10/2023 09:17

No I don't believe in asking the universe for stuff and it delivering.

But I do believe that people who have a positive mindset, and who are open to new opportunities and possibilities are more successful. You have to be willing to give things a go, move out of your comfort zone, make your own opportunities by researching and having a plan. If you are not proactive and just wait for a new job or a group of new friends to turn up then that's not going to happen. But if you actively research new companies opening in your area, follow them on social media, or join groups and go out of your way to meet people, then you are more likely to get what you want.

Just common sense.

Passepartoute · 22/10/2023 09:19

No, it's obvious nonsense.

Linning · 22/10/2023 09:23

I would say that sometimes (or well often actually) I surprise myself in giving a lot of credit about the good things in my life and my main successes to “the universe” or “manifesting.”

I think it’s for a couple of reasons.

1- Often I genuinely struggle to believe I have got to do all the things I have got to do in the last decade, or have the things or job (well salary more so) I have or reached the most of the goals I have had so far.

and that’s because I come from a very poor abusive background, with lots of violence and grew up with social services overviewing my family, so not much hope was put in me and I felt very pre-destined to a completely different life, so I am shocked at the life I actually live and it seems impossible at times that I have the life I have due to simply to my hard work. So many people have similar or even worse backgrounds and work twice as hard (I work hard & a lot but you know what I mean) and don’t get this “luck”, so somehow it seems better to believe in “luck” both good luck and bad luck, than hard work because so much hard work goes unrewarded.

2- A lot of what has positively happened in my life can be traced back to this one unexplainable event in my young teen years where I was about to commit suicide on my birthday because I had such an horrible life and didn’t see the point of keeping it going and yet that day something (I am not religious at all but it was like an inner voice) told me “just wait, wait 3 years, and your life will change. If it doesn’t kill yourself then.”) I have no idea why or what causes this thinking because 3 years felt like such a long-time then, I would have still been a minor living in an abusive house 3 years from then so what were the odds that my life would get better when I would be in about the same situation? And yet it happened. 3 years later I got an opportunity that people from my background normally don’t get, that allowed me to leave my toxic home for a while and it CHANGED my life. Everything after that stems from that opportunity I got in my teens; or so it feels.

And I have only ever had that inner feeling a few times in my life and every time if I follow it, things work out, even if there is no logical reason for it to work out and everything should logically not work out at all. I will give you 2 examples one of the last few months one that just unfolded and is unfolding as I type:

  • one of my big goals was to buy a flat. I had a good and well-paid job, was finally about to reach my goal, I had saved up the deposit and a bit more and thought I could get a small mortgage, and had just found out the perfect flat (or so I thought.) as I was in the process of asking for a mortgage I and many people got fired (bad luck), obviously I lost the opportunity to get a mortgage and didn’t have the finances to buy. all hoped seemed lost and I accepted that I would have to postpone my goal of buying (not the end of the world). And then something very strange happen someone randomly volunteered to loan me the money (I didn’t ask them and they had no reason to volunteer) , and at the same time an apartment (a lot cheaper and actually better/better located came into the market) and between the small private loan and what I had I could buy it. But I was still stressed and unsure I should go through with it, I was buying alone, and buying cash meant I had to empty all my accounts and live of nothing (I was not entitled to unemployment). That seemed very risky, and so I did what I do when I am unsure of what I should do and I decided to put the question “out there” and listen to the inner feeling and something told me to buy and that I would be fine, so I did and the day I signed on the apartment I got an offer of a job paid twice the amount of my last contract. I am now mortgage-free, and back with decent saving but it seemed impossible to think I could be in this position back then. (And I don’t think I did much in that scenario to change my outcome).
  • The second story is unfolding now. I was looking for a new position, and 2 jobs presented themselves. The first 1 was a well paid one, but horrible schedule and it would mean having no life. I wasn’t necessarily keen on applying but the agency said I could do a 3 months trial contract and so I thought I might as well as at least it would mean a very good salary for 3 months and I thought then maybe I could try and negotiate a better work life balance if they liked my work, but when I interviewed I just didn’t have a necessarily good vibe with the person I interviewed with and so decided to go for the temporary job 2 because it suited what I needed and I had a very good vibe with my employers (and I value work/life balance over money) so I accepted job 2, apologized to Job 1 (they offered me the job in the meantime so I had to refuse it). Anyhow currently working job 2, happily, so no regrets there but I have less than two months left on my contract (and can’t extend it as the position would be moving to the US and I am not eligible to work in the US anymore) and I just got a call from job 1, telling me they truly really like me and would I consider working for them at the end of my contract on a completely revisited contract to the one initially offered (and my dream contract as it’s working half-time but paid full-time kind of contract with lots of time off and still a very high pay). I NEVER mentioned anything about my concerns with the schedule or how I felt be it during the interview or when I rejected the job, as I had the inner feeling that I should accept job 2 and that everything would work itself out exactly as I hoped. So for me it’s absolutely crazy that a job that was looking for someone starting this month with a completely different schedule and that I rejected has now called to offer me the position again, but this time around with the perfect work/life balance and perfect paycheck unmprompted, without negotiating needed on my part and without it even clashing with my current job dates wise.

I don’t know, maybe it’s sheer luck, or a weird fluke and I mean I am not stupid, I do know that nothing is as it seems and that likely of course it’s not the universe, it’s a mix of hard work, being more focused on my objectives, having worked hard on my career, luck and coincidences. But on the other hand when I look back at my life I still cannot make it make sense, and sometimes it helps to think that it’s the universe’s way to make up for all the bad luck I have had (though again I do know it’s a false narrative as way too many people are born, live all of their life and die in traumatic ways). I also think having this belief makes you more daring. I don’t mind taking (considered) risks both in life and my career because I was made to believe things will work itself out. So I am sure a lot of what happens and happen in my life is also based on the mindset and personality and approach I have developed since one good thing worked itself out. But it helps and in my case it works, so in the end I don’t care if it’s manifesting, the universe, God, or me. It’s probably none of those things but just a massive coincidence, but it doesn’t harm me so… I’ll keep believing and I’ll keep listening to that inner feeling whenever it pops up its head because some way somehow I always end up exactly where I am meant to (and even the bad now leads to a lighter path somehow) when I do. I don’t think trusting in something (ideally you)

Flyingthroughtrees · 22/10/2023 09:27

Oh for goodness sake, some girls enjoy the things boys like and in their childish way of trying to understand the world the believe this means they are a boy or they say they want to be a boy. All they have done is identify sexism in the world that means the adult world tells them some things are for boys and some are for girls. Part of being a parent is gradually realizing that you are only one influence on your child of many, and your kids picks up many messages from society whether we as parents agree with those or not.

Your daughter may grow up to be a lesbian. She may grow up to be a straight woman who has not interested in femininity.

but linking this to LOA is a bit daft. I mean what are you actually saying? You manifested, but only did it in a half arsed way, so ended up with a half arsed manifestation?

Thewal · 22/10/2023 09:31

Alright, I’m going to give it a go for a bit of fun 😂

I saw a bunch of dried flowers the other day that were really beautiful but very expensive and I can’t justify buying them. So I’m going to ‘manifest’ some. I’ll write it down and then think positively about how they’re going to be delivered. I’d say I’ll update you all in a month but I will forget about this tomorrow or be really cynical and give up because positive thinking is not my bag!

OP posts:
JellyMops · 22/10/2023 09:34

You could always manifest some dried flowers by buying or picking some fresh flowers and drying them yourself. I know it sounds crazy, but it really works!

Choopa · 22/10/2023 09:37

Of course! You manifest all the time whether you are concious of it or not. Your thoughts shape your reality in one way or another. Your life is a reflection if your inner world.

I do believe a loved one of mine manifested a cancer. Unconciously of course, but the negative self-talk and wish to leave their situation without actually having to make a decision was definitely there. I saw it coming, and it broke my heart.

I manifested a toxic marriage, because i didn't believe i was worth more. I put myself away in a box for a decade, and made my life's purpose to facilitate the lives of others.

So positive manifestation is not really about manifesting money and fancy cars etc. Its more about being true to your own self and allowing those true desires of yours to run free without being controlled by fear, doubt, resentment, judgement, social status etc..
The true desire for most people is not money. I think its more about connection with others, love, peace etc..

I'd say Im now manifesting positive things in my life. I've made some brave decisions to align with my deepest values and things seem to flow very easily. Bad stuff still happens, but i don't dwell on it and just let it go and fill my head and heart with appreciation instead. It works.

Thewal · 22/10/2023 09:38

JellyMops · 22/10/2023 09:34

You could always manifest some dried flowers by buying or picking some fresh flowers and drying them yourself. I know it sounds crazy, but it really works!

😂

But then where would the fun be? Although actually drying flowers does sound fun…

OP posts:
Idratherbepaddleboarding · 22/10/2023 09:42

Nope, everytime I’ve begged and pleaded with God, the universe, anyone that’s out there, nothing has happened, or the opposite happens. Either there’s no God/ manifestation or he/ the universe hates me!

LylaLee · 22/10/2023 09:42

Choopa · 22/10/2023 09:37

Of course! You manifest all the time whether you are concious of it or not. Your thoughts shape your reality in one way or another. Your life is a reflection if your inner world.

I do believe a loved one of mine manifested a cancer. Unconciously of course, but the negative self-talk and wish to leave their situation without actually having to make a decision was definitely there. I saw it coming, and it broke my heart.

I manifested a toxic marriage, because i didn't believe i was worth more. I put myself away in a box for a decade, and made my life's purpose to facilitate the lives of others.

So positive manifestation is not really about manifesting money and fancy cars etc. Its more about being true to your own self and allowing those true desires of yours to run free without being controlled by fear, doubt, resentment, judgement, social status etc..
The true desire for most people is not money. I think its more about connection with others, love, peace etc..

I'd say Im now manifesting positive things in my life. I've made some brave decisions to align with my deepest values and things seem to flow very easily. Bad stuff still happens, but i don't dwell on it and just let it go and fill my head and heart with appreciation instead. It works.

> I believe a loved one manifested cancer

Jesus.

Well fuck, someone call Cancer Research and tell them you've figured it out. I hope you have a nice outfit ready so that you look good on stage when getting the Nobel Prize for figuring out how to stop cancer.

BumpkinChic · 22/10/2023 09:45

Believing in manifestation sends my anxiety/OCD intrusive thoughts into a major downwards spiral.

better to believe it’s cobblers

LoreleiG · 22/10/2023 09:51

No, I don’t believe in this at all! Writing down your goals might be more likely to make them happen and some coincidences happen but there is usually a logical reason.

themothergoose · 22/10/2023 09:51

LylaLee · 22/10/2023 08:51

The philosophy is that you draw things towards yourself like spiritual energy. Everything that happens is because you drew it towards yourself. And if you spend £9.99 on their book (or go on their retreat/online course...) they will teach you how to do it to get good things.

So that means other people have drawn tragedies towards themselves.

Not how I understand it. Manifestation isn't a one-size-fits-all concept or a product sold by a single entity. Instead, it's a deeply personal practice, much like prayer or meditation. Just as you wouldn't pray for misfortune, people don't manifest negativity. The core idea is that our thoughts, beliefs, and intentions have power.

Think of manifestation as a mental and emotional alignment with your desires. When you focus on what you genuinely want and reinforce it with positive affirmations, daily plans, you're essentially setting a clear intention for your life. This practice, in turn, attracts positive energies and opportunities. Positivity breeds positivity in general. People will want to be around you, you will be able to network and make your dreams a success.

For instance, when I was 15, I had a vision board filled with my dreams and aspirations. Today, I've achieved every single one of them. This isn't merely a coincidence; it's the result of consistent focus, positive thinking, and belief in the power of intention. I had no idea that what I was doing then could be perceived as manifestation.

Conversely, surrounding oneself with negativity can have the opposite effect. If you're constantly pessimistic, that energy tends to ripple out, affecting not just your mood but also your interactions, opportunities, and overall life experience. It's like a self-fulfilling prophecy: if you believe and declare failure, you're more likely to encounter it.

While having faith in a higher power or greater being can amplify the practice of manifestation, it's not a prerequisite. The principle is universal. Regardless of one's religious or spiritual beliefs, the idea remains the same: our thoughts and intentions shape our reality. It's a tool available to everyone, and its efficacy largely depends on the individual's belief and commitment to the process.

LadyEloise1 · 22/10/2023 09:52

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 22/10/2023 09:42

Nope, everytime I’ve begged and pleaded with God, the universe, anyone that’s out there, nothing has happened, or the opposite happens. Either there’s no God/ manifestation or he/ the universe hates me!

I've been there.
You're not alone.

Gidrich · 22/10/2023 09:55

yogasaurus · 22/10/2023 00:20

Nope. Manifesting is the mantra of instahun bossbabe MLM’s. It’s not real.

This.

It’s a very useful form of gaslighting for a capitalist society- especially for mlm companies.

On a large scale It is a way of side stepping structural inequality and specifically for mlms and the like, a way to manipulate people into blaming themselves for exploitative business practices.

Essenceofpetunia · 22/10/2023 09:56

@Choopa, do you believe that everyone who gets cancer manifested it or just your loved one?

Pigeotto · 22/10/2023 09:58

Good luck! Let us know what happens

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