How powerful is positive thinking, really?
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Manifestation meditation is a self-help approach to achieving goals through visualization and intentional thought.
During manifestation meditation, you utilize meditative techniques to focus on visualizing goals and outcomes.
Verywell Mind / Getty Images
A quick scroll through TikTok or Instagram will reveal hundreds of posts devoted to this idea.
It’s not exactly a new idea.
Even therapeutic approaches likecognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) emphasize the powerful impact of thinking on mood and behavior.
But can thinking about your aspirations really bring them to fruition?
Manifestation vs.
Traditional Meditation
So how is manifestation meditation different from traditional meditative practices?
“Traditional meditation often emphasizes mindfulness, presence, and detachment from specific outcomes.
It encourages practitioners to observe thoughts and sensations without attachment,” Metro-Midkiff says.
Manifestation meditation will utilize more visualization techniques and positive affirmations.
Feeling less anxious and worried can also give you the fearlessness to go after your hopes and dreams.
Increased Mental Clarity
Meditation can be a helpful tool for improving mental focus.
An important part of meditation is observing and learning to focus your thoughts.
This can be a great way to improve your ability to control and direct your thought processes.
Meditation also has a wide range of other positive benefits, ranging from decreased stress to increased self-awareness.
The brain’s slower, relaxedalphaand theta waves are more prominent during these times.
“Take a slow walk.
Be intentional on your speed,” Levine explains.
“Pay attention to every sensation in the body, look at nature, breathe it in.
Let yourself go into another state of being while walking.”
Mindful Moment
Need a breather?
Visualization techniques can also be powerful tools.
“Manifestation meditation, as Ive practiced and taught, is not merely an exercise of the mind.
The integration of sacred art and symbols into this practice significantly amplifies its effectiveness.”
Self-doubt can hold you back from visualizing what you hope to achieve.
Systemic issues and structural barriers can affect a person’s ability to pursue and achieve goals.
Disparities in access, resources, privilege, and community support also create challenges.
However, its important to remember that thinking alone isnt enough to bring your hopes and dreams into reality.
Sometimes, you may need to adapt your plans or find new ways to cope with challenges.
By being open to trying new things, youll be more resilient in the face of setbacks.
In many cases, you may start to notice greater feelings of positivity and motivation fairly quickly.
Manifestation meditation does have limitations.
Set realistic goals and use manifestation as a tool to help you develop a positive outlook on achieving them.
According to Levine, the limitations of manifestation and meditation are your own.
“We block our manifestations from coming through.
We limit ourselves by not believing, by not being open.
A lot of people have trouble with quieting their mind,” she explains.
She recommends visualization and breathwork to help overcome such problems.
Combining manifestation and meditation can be a useful tool for building greater self-awareness and focusing on your goals.
It’s important to remember, however, that thinking alone cannot replace action.
Keep in Mind
Manifestation is a compelling practice that offers a way to explore your deepest aspirations.
Dixon LJ, Hornsey MJ, Hartley N.“The secret” to success?
The psychology of belief in manifestation.Pers Soc Psychol Bull.
2019;356:208-220. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2018.08.023
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Meditation: In Depth.
