August 12, 2022
Manifest, manifest, manifest. It seems like manifestation lately has taken on a life of its own in the popular lexicon. While manifestation is a good thing and occupies more of the conversation in various realms, I would like to use this blog to address some common misconceptions and discuss some less talked about uses of the practice. This blog will dig into the definition of manifestation and illuminate how it can be used in healing.
What does it mean to manifest?
Manifestation refers to the powerful activity of thinking about the things you want and desire in a way that brings them to fruition. While this can sound a bit “woo-woo” for lack of a better term, positive thinking is one of the pillars of manifestation. Positive thinking, however, is not “woo-woo” in the slightest, and its psychological benefits are (scientifically) well documented. This is a base definition of manifestation, but it is important to dig deeper. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for a vision board (or Pinterest collection). Still, manifestation can and should come from a deeper place than trying to think your way into owning a range rover or becoming famous. Meaningful work is undertaken with manifestation. Dedication of time to journaling is an effort. Concentration on thinking, not only positively, but in a way that recognizes the abundance offered by the universe and the attractive power of oneself, can be a downright spiritual experience with transformative effects. While manifestation can be used for various things and is often touted as a way to attract love and financial abundance, it can also be used for healing.
How can healing be aided by manifestation?
First things first, in any conversation about the blend of spiritual and physical health, it is vital to address that spiritual solutions do not heal all. You absolutely cannot manifest your way out of a cancer diagnosis and need to be in regular contact with your doctor and oncology team. However, manifesting reductions in pain, following up with other care, and participating in your own healing can have powerful effects. It can be especially powerful for emotional or psychological conditions as well. Some programs dedicated to dealing with addiction, stress the importance of visualizing recovery and the physical wellness associated with it to build capacity in people. So much of our healing relates to feeling like we are in control, and manifestation is a brilliant tool for this. Manifestation is being intentional with our thoughts and, therefore, our energy. Manifestation techniques such as affirmations and visualizations not only counter negative thoughts that can block healing but also work deeply on our subconscious--where so many hidden thoughts can lie that we do not even realize our blocking or preventing healing.
So the next time you catch yourself thinking pessimistically, perhaps draw your attention back to yourself and be conscious of your own thoughts. The real challenge comes from being able to do this even with thoughts that are not so active. I talk about the importance of listening to our bodies; manifestation can work in tandem with this. Just like somatization, sometimes we can feel distress in a quickened heart rate or sadness in our bones (quite literally) when we get up in the morning. While these can feel negative, they can be positive reminders to set time aside to visualize a life where this does not happen. In turn, this helps to make this a reality rather than just a vision by actively thinking about healing the root issues that often fuel these experiences.
Suppose you are interested in manifestation and healing or think this could be a pillar in your recovery. In that case, holistic medicine may be a perfect fit for your healing journey!
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