By Devon McCorrey
Manifestation is the process by which one can transmogrify ideas into reality. Many believe that through belief and focusing the will on a single intention, the Universe will respond by manipulating coincidence so you can create the things you desire. Like magic, manifestation will grant wishes in ways that are effortless and defy logic.
I don’t believe in that, to be honest.
The term “manifestation” was popularized by the film “The Secret”. The film taught that intention is a force that drives creation. In other words, what you intend (desire) will create situations and opportunities that will help you make your dreams come true.
Now, although I do believe in many forms of spiritual energy involving itself in our daily affairs to guide us and protect us, I also believe those forces do not remove the burden of action from humans. We need to take action to build dreams into reality. Our intentions are not the business of the Universe. Let’s be real. The vast and incomprehensible Universe has so much energetic activity that our whims are of minimal importance.
Unless-
The Universe is a vessel for creation. Therefore the Universe loves creators. If you start the work of making the life you want and struggle through the process of creation, the Universe and God and the ancestors will empower you. Just wishing (which is the core tenant of manifestation) won’t do anything. As the good book says “Faith without works is DEAD”.
So here is how I manifest.
First, create a clear vision of what you want. Most people fail to manifest because they don’t know what they want in a clearly defined way. Sure, they may have some vague idea about what they want, but without details, deadlines and plans manifestation is just wishing. Throwing coins in a well and hoping we get what we want never did anything for anyone. Particularly Black people. It is impossible to wish a new reality into existence. We must be realistic on this one. Develop a clear intention, then plan. Or prepare for disappointment.
Second, ask yourself why you don’t already have what you want. Self-examination is very important. Quite often, the theory of manifestation fails to promote self-examination as an essential part of the process. The reality is there is something that needs to be developed or exorcised to bring our desires into 3D space. Change must take place within us in order to create change in the outside world. Self-doubt must be eradicated; procrastination, eliminated. Manifestation is work. Strenuous and meticulous work, requiring inner discovery. We need to remove the blockages to our success and evolve. Manifestation does not happen for people who are not ready. You have to do the inner work to get what you want.
Another important part of the process is renunciation. We need to give up something to make room for manifestation. Some need to give up our pride in order to achieve our dreams. Some of us need to acknowledge when we are wrong and give up the need to always be right. Or perhaps we have grown too used to comfort and need to sacrifice. Remember, manifestation isn’t about magic. It’s about math. SUBTRACT THE THINGS IN YOU THAT ARE HINDERING YOU SO YOU CAN ADD THE ELEMENTS OF THE LIFE YOU DESIRE.
Last, the most important part: Remember, your life is your responsibility and your fault. You can’t blame your way to manifestation. Blaming others for the outcomes in your life gives them the power. By giving them power, you give yours away. Manifestation requires complete control of all of our faculties. The will must be unshakable, absolutely focused. Giving away our power by blaming others for the outcomes in our lives dilutes the will, weakens the faculties. You take your power by taking responsibility for the results. Accountability is a marvelous tool for manifestation.
Of course I’m not saying that we should ignore what others have done to us. Some people have hurt us, lied to us. They should be held accountable. And we have to hold ourselves accountable for allowing ourselves to be in situations where we were undervalued and abused. Or for letting our thoughts linger on the past. We may not be responsible for yesterday. But we are responsible for today and tomorrow.
The worst thing that has occurred with the idea of manifestation is the fact that the way it has been interpreted has taken away our power. Manifestation will not occur if we mumble a few magic words, or wish hard enough. We have to work to manifest our desires. The real miracle of manifestation is how much we can accomplish when the work is sincere and fueled by faith.
