Some people seem to think that manifesting is difficult. Do you actively try to manifest your desire, or do you just let go and let the Universe do its thing? Do you visualize daily, or ask once and don’t bring it up again? Do you have confidence that it is coming, or do you foster detachment in the result?
I understand there’s a bit of confusion. And I think it really stems from two basic different types of manifesting: the passive and the active.
Okay, not very original. I’ll give niftier names later on.
But, which is “better”? Which should you use? Which gives the best results?
A Seeming Contradiction
When I first started this blog, I focused mainly on the importance of surrender and radical acceptance.
Meanwhile, lately I’ve been focusing on the importance of confidence, persistence, and specific goals. Keep in mind that even the third step of my original Effortless Manifestation Process was “Deliberately Envisioning Your New Reality”, which was all about being very deliberate about using the law of attraction.
So, what the heck? Which one is it? Accept everything that comes, or confidently choose and pursue your goal to the end?
The answer, of course, is both. Or, well, either.
These two approaches outline two methods of manifesting, which I’ve already mentioned are the passive and the active.
I’m also calling them the Zen approach to manifesting, vs. the magical approach to manifesting. A lot more interesting, right?
The truth is, they don’t contradict at all. They both serve their purpose quite well, and it just depends on your own preferences, and where you are on the path.
The Zen Approach to Manifesting
Let’s start with the Zen path, or passive manifesting.
The Zen path is characterized by surrender and radical acceptance. It is all about detachment and allowing.
To the Hermit, everything is okay as it is. It is okay to have a preference for something you’d like to happen, but you can’t be attached to that outcome, or else you are resisting what is.
Want a new car? That’s perfectly fine. But, first make your current car, or your present state of carlessness (just coined that word), be okay as it is. Make it be more than okay.
The idea is that when you fully and completely accept what is right now, you release your resistance, since resistance is really just the desire to escape the present moment.
And so as you release that resistance, your vibration rises, and you naturally start to attract better things into your life. You feel appreciation for your current car, and so more things like appreciation start coming into your life.
The Hermit might not even focus on wanting the new car. It’s too resistant at the moment, and the best thing to do is to appreciate the current car, or not think about cars at all.
The difficult thing about this path is that you need to get to a place where you honestly couldn’t care less if you get that car or not. It’d be cool, but you don’t need it.
So, it is a lot of letting go. If there’s still that attachment to having the new car, you have to release that, using some resistance release method.
Pretty soon, you realize that you wanted the car because of what it represents to you, which you can choose to experience right now, with or without the car.
And then, of course, the car comes.
This approach definitely works. I’ve used it successfully myself on many occasions.
The strengths of the Zen approach to manifesting are that, well, you certainly release a lot of resistance. Detachment really is a helpful thing, as is radical acceptance.
The weakness of this approach is that you are focusing a lot on resistance, unless you are careful. You bring up the desire, and check if there’s resistance. If there is, you apply some technique to release that and feel less attached.
Of course, there’s resistance just about every time you bring up the desire, so your subconscious mind starts to associate resistance with that desire. Pretty soon you’ve trained it that when you think of the desire, it should go and look for some piece of resistance, and manufacture something if it can’t find any.
In other words, what you look for, you will often find. Look for resistance, and you’ll often find it.
If instead you choose to ignore your desire, well, it’s still going to be coming up somewhere, or it wouldn’t really be a desire. You can lessen your attachment to a desire, but you can never lessen the desire itself.
If you really want a new car, it’s not going to be so easy to forget all about it and focus on other positive things going on in your life. If you want it, you want it.
The Magical Approach to Manifesting
On the other hand, we have the magical approach to manifesting.
This is the yang to the yin of the Zen, or Hermit approach. This is active, bold, and courageous.
It can also rip you apart if you’re not ready for it. 😛
To one on the magical path, the Zen path looks boring. It’s just passively releasing resistance and not really experiencing the fun of focusing on one’s goal.
The magical path is all about specificity. If you don’t know what you want, then you can’t possibly wield the power of creation. And if you do know what you want, then you must be bold enough to shape your reality in conformity to your will.
Let’s take the same car example as above. The Magus will not try to stop thinking about the new car. He will likely think about it daily, either through specific manifestation techniques, or even using particular rituals to make his intentions more powerful.
He will have confidence that he will get the new car. No other possibility will cross his mind, and for that reason, the new car will come quickly.
He will keep his eyes on the future, to the coming reality of the new car, and not on the present, to what is right now. He will be excited about what he knows is coming. This excitement isn’t falsified in an attempt to fool the Universe, but is real, authentic enjoyment of the process of creation.
If that confidence isn’t present at first, then he’ll do what is necessary to build that confidence. That might include rituals to communicate the importance of this goal to the subconscious mind, or simply immersing himself in the feeling of the goal being achieved.
The Magus will not entertain resistant thoughts. If they arise, he will have the presence of mind to not react to them. He knows how to control his mind and what he chooses to focus on.
Because of the Magus’ confidence and focus on the specific, the energy will be moved much more quickly. The strength of this approach is that the goal will likely come sooner, and it will be a heck of a lot more fun.
The weakness of this approach is that if he’s not ready for that level of momentum, it’ll really, really hurt. Imagine being in a river, and getting caught up in whitewater rapids. If you know what you’re doing, you might be able to navigate it. If you don’t… things aren’t going to end well.
Reconciling These Two Approaches
So, these are two very different approaches. The Hermit is all about releasing resistance and going within, while the Magus is all about shaping reality, and doing it now.
The answer comes down to two things: where you are in your manifestation, and how fast you prefer your momentum to be.
Prefer faster momentum? Then the magical approach is probably the one for you. Would you rather let things come as they will? Then the Zen approach is best.
I will say that since adopting the magical approach myself, I’ve gotten much bigger, faster manifestations. But, it’s not easy, either. It’ll trigger you, and you have to have the competence to deal with that resistance and not let it pull you under, much as the whitewater rapids I discussed above.
Do you like the thrill and danger of the rapids? Or, would you rather leisurely float down the river, allowing life to come to you? That’s your choice.
However, there is another difference, which may sway your decision to use one or the other approach.
The Zen path is best when you have a lot of resistance. Forcing the momentum to go too fast at this point will only do more harm than good. Taking some time to just let go and allow can really help to prepare you for the next step. It allows you to stabilize in the zero state, which is essential for successful manifesting.
Going back to the car example, if you have a lot of resistance about getting that new car, then focusing on it is just going to hurt you more. Instead, it helps to practice letting go every time your thoughts veer to your resistance on the subject.
Pretty soon, you’ll be less and less anxious on the subject, and will begin to accept where you are now.
But eventually, that may get boring, especially if you prefer a faster-paced approach.
Yes, your own inner happiness is all you need, but you are also a physical being. If you release the physical for too long, you’ll simply stagnate.
The Magus knows that he has all he needs, but it doesn’t matter. He wants what he wants for the sole reason that he wants it. It is not a needy want, nor an attachment, but simply a desire that he will bring into reality.
To simply sit by and let go is unthinkable to the Magus. It is boring and unproductive. He’d rather focus on the future and his desired reality.
Putting It All Together
Both paths are equal. You simply have to ask yourself three things:
- “How much resistance do I have to my goal?”
- “Would I like the momentum towards my goal to be faster?”
- “Am I willing to deal with the consequences?”
This will help you to decide which approach is best for you. There is no right or wrong answer with this: it is just what you prefer for yourself and your own path.
If you take the Hermit path, then start by letting go, accepting what is, and releasing your attachment to your goals.
If you take the Magus path, then start by visualizing or affirming your goal daily, and watching your thoughts to ensure you are focusing on the wanted. The more you visualize and affirm, the faster that momentum gets, and the faster results will be apparent, either as resistance, or as your goal manifesting.
How About You?
Now it’s your turn. What path do you feel is right for you? do you prefer the slower, less resistant path, or the faster, more deliberate path? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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Hi B,
I still don’t see how it’s possible to desire a new car without judging against your current car. Desire implies preference, and preference implies judgment, and judgment is what the ego-mind does.
It’s fine to say “but everything is ok”, but if it TRULY was, then the desire for a new car wouldn’t arise. See what I mean?
CJ
Hi CJ,
As I have said before, it is difficult to understand the reality of a non-ego desire until you have experienced it. It is a desire not rooted in lack, not rooted in need. It’s a desire of fun, enjoyment, and freedom.
Thanks. If it’s not the ego desiring, is it Life/Totality/God desiring the new car?
Let’s say it’s your higher self. it’s a soul-level desire. God / the Universe desires everything, because nothing is apart from it.
Oh yes!! You are the first ever LOA teacher for me with this approach, and I like this approach a lot! I know I hit very low vibration now and then, but still there’s so much energy inside of me that wants to burst out and energize me to express myself, so it’s unthinkable to me to use the Zen path. I know from my past the excitement when I firmly decide on something and know I’m gonna make it happen (well now I can rely on the Universe, so let it happen), and the fulfillment when it gets realized. This deliberate creation attitude is something that resonates with me a lot. There are some leader qualities inside of me, and I’ve seen them expressed from time to time.
I am also eager to see how things are gonna be changing, especially for the most delicate parts of my life. I wanna feel my power and experience this life breathing with full lungs. I like the Magus card, it’s mesmerizing.
Also, it inspires me how people like the Wright brothers, Einstein and Tesla were bold enough to follow their dreams and ideas, while opposing the “reality” of what’s possible and what’s not. I love the thrill of closing a big cap of the current reality and the wanted reality, even if I do get hit by a big resistance again. I’m getting better at handling those lowest times, so yeah why not!
Hey Z,
That’s great! I’m glad that this approach inspires you. Each person has their own preference. 🙂
I also am inspired by those who had a vision for the future, and stuck to it until it became reality. I think that’s awesome. 🙂
And yeah, the Magus is one of my favorites. It’s all about power, and the knowledge to use that power.
Hmm did Lester Levenson take the approach of a Hermit then? To me it seems like he didn’t pursue any goal during his releasing, but he was releasing like crazy. You said that he probably released all resistance like that, and was free from it until the day he died.
I think Lester took the Hermit path for the first three months. After that, he took the Magus path. He chose specific goals he wanted just for the fun of it, and went after them. Because of his Hermit work, it was a lot easier than it would have been otherwise.
I see. I guess in the end, which path we choose depends on several factors, including intuition. Before, I wondered why you wouldn’t just do what Lester did, and then you could have a great kick forward, especially since you’re really good at LOA. However, now I understand, it’s more more challenging and joyous like this. It’s also been really fun watching how you upgrade your teaching nimbly, and how you explore soooo many areas.
These days I got triggered regarding my big goals, health and fearless expression of myself. When I realize that in the same day I got triggered twice by 2 different means, but that felt the same, then it’s so easy to see the pattern and remember that it’s just the energy of resistance. It can be so easy to forget what’s really going on while being triggered lol, but these patterns have made it easier for me, and I “wake up” faster. Also, I love the idea of handing the emotions and the energy to the Universe.
Thanks, Z. I think his path worked for him because he had literally nowhere else to turn. He hit absolutely rock bottom, and had to do some serious releasing before anything else could be done.
But for me, I enjoy the thrill of the path, as you said. It’s a lot more fun that way. 🙂
Thanks for your words.
Hi B,
I still don’t see how it’s possible to desire a new car without judging against your current car. Desire implies preference, and preference implies judgment, and judgment is what the ego-mind does.
It’s fine to say “but everything is ok”, but if it TRULY was, then the desire for a new car wouldn’t arise. See what I mean?
CJ
Hi CJ,
As I have said before, it is difficult to understand the reality of a non-ego desire until you have experienced it. It is a desire not rooted in lack, not rooted in need. It’s a desire of fun, enjoyment, and freedom.
Thanks. If it’s not the ego desiring, is it Life/Totality/God desiring the new car?
Let’s say it’s your higher self. it’s a soul-level desire. God / the Universe desires everything, because nothing is apart from it.
Oh yes!! You are the first ever LOA teacher for me with this approach, and I like this approach a lot! I know I hit very low vibration now and then, but still there’s so much energy inside of me that wants to burst out and energize me to express myself, so it’s unthinkable to me to use the Zen path. I know from my past the excitement when I firmly decide on something and know I’m gonna make it happen (well now I can rely on the Universe, so let it happen), and the fulfillment when it gets realized. This deliberate creation attitude is something that resonates with me a lot. There are some leader qualities inside of me, and I’ve seen them expressed from time to time.
I am also eager to see how things are gonna be changing, especially for the most delicate parts of my life. I wanna feel my power and experience this life breathing with full lungs. I like the Magus card, it’s mesmerizing.
Also, it inspires me how people like the Wright brothers, Einstein and Tesla were bold enough to follow their dreams and ideas, while opposing the “reality” of what’s possible and what’s not. I love the thrill of closing a big cap of the current reality and the wanted reality, even if I do get hit by a big resistance again. I’m getting better at handling those lowest times, so yeah why not!
Hey Z,
That’s great! I’m glad that this approach inspires you. Each person has their own preference. 🙂
I also am inspired by those who had a vision for the future, and stuck to it until it became reality. I think that’s awesome. 🙂
And yeah, the Magus is one of my favorites. It’s all about power, and the knowledge to use that power.
Hmm did Lester Levenson take the approach of a Hermit then? To me it seems like he didn’t pursue any goal during his releasing, but he was releasing like crazy. You said that he probably released all resistance like that, and was free from it until the day he died.
I think Lester took the Hermit path for the first three months. After that, he took the Magus path. He chose specific goals he wanted just for the fun of it, and went after them. Because of his Hermit work, it was a lot easier than it would have been otherwise.
I see. I guess in the end, which path we choose depends on several factors, including intuition. Before, I wondered why you wouldn’t just do what Lester did, and then you could have a great kick forward, especially since you’re really good at LOA. However, now I understand, it’s more more challenging and joyous like this. It’s also been really fun watching how you upgrade your teaching nimbly, and how you explore soooo many areas.
These days I got triggered regarding my big goals, health and fearless expression of myself. When I realize that in the same day I got triggered twice by 2 different means, but that felt the same, then it’s so easy to see the pattern and remember that it’s just the energy of resistance. It can be so easy to forget what’s really going on while being triggered lol, but these patterns have made it easier for me, and I “wake up” faster. Also, I love the idea of handing the emotions and the energy to the Universe.
Thanks, Z. I think his path worked for him because he had literally nowhere else to turn. He hit absolutely rock bottom, and had to do some serious releasing before anything else could be done.
But for me, I enjoy the thrill of the path, as you said. It’s a lot more fun that way. 🙂
Thanks for your words.
This post really clarified and crystallized a lot of LOA ideas for me. The distinction Brandon has made does seem to sum things up in a workable way. I suppose some people will be drawn more to one approach than the other in general, and some people will choose different methods based on different desires (e.g. wanting to be active in finding a romantic partner while wanting to passively manifest more money).
A post on how to build confidence would be helpful. I’ve heard some ideas from various magical sources, but they seemed to create a “fake” confidence rather than something real and stable, for me, at least. I’d like to do more active manifesting but I’m not sure yet how to generate that level of confidence.
I’d also be interested in a post about working with energy directly–a “how-to” if that is possible, or just general tips and ideas if it’s a subject too difficult to put into words.
Hey Lisa,
Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂
What methods have you tried that seem to generate fake confidence? Just curious so I know where to focus when I do discuss it.
Also, I’d love to do a post about energy. What specifically would you like to know or learn about it?
I definitely enjoy the active method more, myself. It’s hard, as I said, but also much more enjoyable.
So here are some methods that have generated fake confidence for me: magical rituals (circles, spells, drawing symbols), affirmations, acting as if, writing down synchronicities or other signs that seem to show it’s on its way that I notice throughout the day, telling people it’s already manifested or on its way, using Tarot or other oracles and getting a “it’s coming soon” sort of answer. I think all of these methods can work for other people, so maybe I am doing them wrong or are approaching them in the wrong way or at the wrong time. I wonder if it matters that some methods are more physical, some more mental, and others more emotional.
About energy: I feel like I have an intuitive grasp of energy–what it’s doing, how to touch it or help it evolve, etc., but I don’t know how to check and see what is “for real” and what is just imagination. I think Sanaya Roman says something like, “If I tell you, ‘Connect with the Light,’ you do it instantly; you already know how. It might be different for different people but it doesn’t require effort or training.” That seems to be true, in my experience. But of course, I don’t know how to verify that. I don’t know how to check against anything to see if I am doing it right, so directing energy winds up being sort of an internal intuitive exercise that may feel right but may not actually be accurate in any objective way. Since things don’t seem to radically change in the material world over time, I suppose I must not be doing it that well. So I guess my questions would be, “If you’re doing something energetically that intuitively feels right, but you don’t see any change externally (even after a long time), how do you figure out what you did wrong? Also, is there anything wrong with cleaning up the energies in a space that doesn’t belong to you (like my neighbors’ apartment, because they argue a lot and it gets noisy)? Also, is there anything significantly different from guiding the energy of a person versus a place or a manifestation?”
Great questions, Lisa. I’ll definitely be happy to focus on those.
One more question: what have you tried to do with energy so far that you’ve not seen physical results with? You don’t need to be super specific.
Certain financial goals, some body fat goals, and certain travel goals.
Also some general “help the world” type energy work, which admittedly I don’t know what sort of physical evidence would show that it worked! haha
Great, thank you.
I know energy is a tough one. It definitely takes trust. But it becomes just an innate knowing over time. It’s just there. I’m planning on doing a teleclass early next year on psychic development and energy manipulation.
This was a really helpful post. It really nicely delineated the differences between the two ways to manifest and gave both the positive and negative aspects of each. It really comes down to where you are in your spiritual development and what kind of personality you are.
For me, I’m naturally drawn toward the Magus as that is the kind of let’s make this happen now specificity attitude I’ve had for most of my life. But that was before I began a path of spiritual development. And I understand how the momentum can work for you like it did for me, but as you change and learn new processes you can be caught in the undertow of the fast moving momentum current of your desire.
I liked what Lisa suggested about a possible blog on self confidence since that’s the central ingredient in the more specific active manifestation process. Right now, I’m trying to keep it more Zen due to anxiety aka resistance and learning to relax and let go. I’m still in a lot of your back blogs from months ago. It takes awhile to catch up. Brandon, you are moving so fast on your own path. Your mind is so open and fast moving with ideas! I’m still in letting go and Universal Flow and asking the Universe and dealing with visualization/resistance! But we all have to go at our own pace. But yes, self confidence is a subject I’d be very interested in reading about from your perspective and would help a lot of us who eventually want to get into the Magus method of manifestation. Self confidence is key, but can be elusive. Would love to hear your take on it.
Hey Frann,
Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂
Yeah, I’m definitely planning to write on confidence, perhaps in the next couple of weeks. I have one post at least planned first for Monday.
I’ve always been one to move quickly. 🙂 That’s another characteristic of the Magus, seeing as the Magus is ruled by Mercury. ☿ 🙂
But there’s no rush. I’m going to try to continue to have a series of posts about each path. I’ve been exploring more of the Magus path lately, so naturally there will be a lot of posts on that, but both are very important.
Fran, you said something in the support call that really resonated with me: “Self-confidence comes from self-acceptance.” I hadn’t thought of it that way but it seems so true. I guess once you really realize, “Hey, this is how I am, and I’m totally fine with that,” then it becomes easier to show other people that. And then maybe manifestations seem more natural, because you’ve accepted where you’re at. Anyway, I’m curious if that comes up in the blog post later, once Brandon has a chance to write about it.
I just wanted to say thank you for that gem, Fran!
Oops, Frann, I mean.
Hey Lisa, LoL. No worries about name spelling. Everyone spells in wrong at first! I’m so glad you remembered what I’d said and it resonated with you! It’s funny, i was asking Brandon to write about self confidence too after I saw your post and completely forgot that I had said that about self acceptance in the support call! But I’m sure there’s more to it that Brandon will fill in. Hope he does too.. But yeah, it does seem like self acceptance would naturally bring out confidence. I’m still working on that one myself! I want to do the Magus too. I’m also interested in what you said about getting some tips on energy. Thanks again, Lisa.
Wonderful and full of clarity post Brandon. I love the way you explain things in exact words and straight forward. Without going round in circles. You are really a good teacher.
” The Magus knows that he has all he needs, but it doesn’t matter. He wants what he wants for the sole reason that he wants it. It is not a needy want, nor an attachment, but simply a desire that he will bring into reality.”
Yes this is exactly how I feel . Sometimes there is no explanation for why you want what you want but you just want it and you know you are going to get it no matter what. Like you said before your job is just to stay focused on what you want and hold that vision and leave the rest with the Universe. Just believe that you will get what you want no matter what. I started with Zen way but there is not much fun in it and it doesn’t trigger strong emotions. But did help me to go to the next stage. Where more than hoping I started believing and knowing that my wish is on the way. Few desires are purely just for fun. It doesn’t really matter when they will come but what matters is that journey. The best part of LOA is it makes you stay focused on abundance. Once you go deep then you notic there is hardly any lack . I am at the stage where I don’t know what to complain about. Because I can choose wanted reality so unwanted automatically stays behind.
Thank you :).
Thanks so much for your comment, Rhea. I really appreciate your words. 🙂
Yeah I agree the Magus path is a lot more fun. 🙂 It triggers stronger emotion, because it moves the energy faster. It sounds like you’re doing a great job.
Thank you ????. I am just trying to deprogram the things which are not doing any good. Just practicing mindfulness . I don’t know about desires coming true but I learnt to be greatful for what I have and celebrate small moments.
Mindfulness is really the best. 🙂 I use it all the time, and I’ve found nothing better for quickly overcoming resistance.
Before I forget, I’ll ask you 2 questions. xD
First, can you communicate with animals, trees, plants, rocks, etc.? If yes, what have your experiences been like?
Second, do you think that you will be able to get to a point where you could to listen to a person speaking in a language you don’t know, but still understand him just by attuning to the energy of his voice or something like that?
Hi Z,
To #1, oh definitely. I mentally talk to my cat all the time. I love being in nature and just feeling the energy of the natural beings around me. I especially love trees, as they give off a wonderful energy.
These beings communicate more in emotions than rational ideas. You have to do a lot of interpretation of what they are trying to say.
To your second question, I believe it’s possible, but don’t personally have an interest in having such an ability.
That sounds wonderful! Does your cat have a sense of humor, I wonder? xD
I guess that being in nature can be a great recharge battery, as long as one isn’t out there while being too focused on their thoughts and problems.
Thank you! 🙂
Oh yes, my cat definitely has a sense of humor. 🙂
Brandon,
What do you, as a Magus, do to maintain your physical energy? Any techniques we can practice? I know being mellow is one of them and any suggestions to maintain physical robustness and alertness to go through our day with full energy will be greatly appreciated. For example, do you drink coffee or do you not need it to get through the day?
Hey Kat,
I actually don’t like coffee, lol. Christine loves it, though.
I think the best thing to do is to keep your stress level down. Stress really does a number on the physical body.
Also, stay in a low-resistant state as much as possible. Resistance can really contribute to excessive tiredness.
But, for me, there’s nothing wrong with a nap, if you’re able. It is refreshing and gives you more energy for the rest of the day. It’s one of my favorite things to do. 🙂
I’d like to expand on Kat’s question. For how many hours do you sleep at night? When I plan to run in the morning, I sleep for about 6 hours. I read that commonly, a human’s sleep cycle is about 90 minutes long. First 30 minutes are light sleep, and if someone takes a 30 minute nap during daytime, it can be really beneficial. The next 30 minutes are deeper sleep, and the last 30 minutes are REM sleep, I think. Once the first cycle is over, another one starts. 6 hours is approximately 4 fully cycles, although the alarm often awakens me during the REM sleep, which is not so pleasant. Sometimes I wake up just before the alarm rings, with the REM period finished, and then I feel better.
I read that some people wake up at 4am, but they go to sleep about the same time as I, or even later, so they sleep even less. So I assume that as I release more and more resistance, everything will improve for me, even the sleeping time required will shorten? Have you noticed yourself needing less sleep as you were releasing more and more resistance?
Hi Z,
I have been trying to get 7 hours. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea recently, which prior to treatment, has messed with my energy levels a lot. So now I’m just trying to give my body the rest it needs, which has made a huge difference.
I would say that you should do whatever works for you. Don’t try to minimize your sleep, as it is a vital part of your body’s health. If you need less sleep, it will naturally happen. Experiment with different times, and see what feels best to you.
In general, I think the less resistance, the less sleep, but that process shouldn’t be rushed. I’ve never been a long sleeper myself, but I also know it is very important.
Oh, I see. Thank you!
Here’s another question. (feel free to tell me to stop when you’re fed up, I know I’m asking so much xD )
So, anyway… I know that you wrote that wondering where my manifestation is, or if I’m doing it right is like disturbing the soil of a freshly planted seed. Today a doubt hit me. 1 of my big goals is to be super healthy, fully of energy, muscled and looking great. Another one of my big goals is to be able to freely express myself fearlessly, and to have a lot of friends with whom I can have fun. My monthly goal has a precise time limit, and it’s specific, it’s something I can point at and say, “here it is!”. However, for my main 2 goals, I haven’t set any time limit (or shall I call it “destination”), nor specific goals that I can measure. These 2 big goals are progressive.
So the doubt that hit me today was, what if not having a time limit, and a specificity on these 2 goals isn’t going to yield results properly, or at least soon enough? What if my subconscious mind goes leisurely with this, maybe for the duration of 50 years, or so (instead of one year for example), just because I didn’t give it proper time and space markers?
Hi Z,
No worries about the questions. I’m here to answer, and these questions/answers will hopefully help others who might be wondering the same thing. 🙂
You don’t need a time limit at all. Many people don’t like using them, and it is perfectly okay. The only thing that will delay your goal is your resistance, and sometimes a bit of timing for the Universe to line up the necessary components. But it will never just assume 50 years in the future is an acceptable timeline, just because you haven’t specified. You are a magnet to your new reality now, so it will come to you as soon as possible.
Also, you don’t need to be overly specific. The higher your vibration, the better specificity is. But, you can start general at first.
Thank you so much for clarifying this! I guess that this doubt came up as a perfect piece of resistance towards my goals, and now that it’s been dissolved, I can move on with more confidence. I guess that many people have the fear of, “what if I don’t get it done? what if I run out of time?”.
This post really clarified and crystallized a lot of LOA ideas for me. The distinction Brandon has made does seem to sum things up in a workable way. I suppose some people will be drawn more to one approach than the other in general, and some people will choose different methods based on different desires (e.g. wanting to be active in finding a romantic partner while wanting to passively manifest more money).
A post on how to build confidence would be helpful. I’ve heard some ideas from various magical sources, but they seemed to create a “fake” confidence rather than something real and stable, for me, at least. I’d like to do more active manifesting but I’m not sure yet how to generate that level of confidence.
I’d also be interested in a post about working with energy directly–a “how-to” if that is possible, or just general tips and ideas if it’s a subject too difficult to put into words.
Hey Lisa,
Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂
What methods have you tried that seem to generate fake confidence? Just curious so I know where to focus when I do discuss it.
Also, I’d love to do a post about energy. What specifically would you like to know or learn about it?
I definitely enjoy the active method more, myself. It’s hard, as I said, but also much more enjoyable.
So here are some methods that have generated fake confidence for me: magical rituals (circles, spells, drawing symbols), affirmations, acting as if, writing down synchronicities or other signs that seem to show it’s on its way that I notice throughout the day, telling people it’s already manifested or on its way, using Tarot or other oracles and getting a “it’s coming soon” sort of answer. I think all of these methods can work for other people, so maybe I am doing them wrong or are approaching them in the wrong way or at the wrong time. I wonder if it matters that some methods are more physical, some more mental, and others more emotional.
About energy: I feel like I have an intuitive grasp of energy–what it’s doing, how to touch it or help it evolve, etc., but I don’t know how to check and see what is “for real” and what is just imagination. I think Sanaya Roman says something like, “If I tell you, ‘Connect with the Light,’ you do it instantly; you already know how. It might be different for different people but it doesn’t require effort or training.” That seems to be true, in my experience. But of course, I don’t know how to verify that. I don’t know how to check against anything to see if I am doing it right, so directing energy winds up being sort of an internal intuitive exercise that may feel right but may not actually be accurate in any objective way. Since things don’t seem to radically change in the material world over time, I suppose I must not be doing it that well. So I guess my questions would be, “If you’re doing something energetically that intuitively feels right, but you don’t see any change externally (even after a long time), how do you figure out what you did wrong? Also, is there anything wrong with cleaning up the energies in a space that doesn’t belong to you (like my neighbors’ apartment, because they argue a lot and it gets noisy)? Also, is there anything significantly different from guiding the energy of a person versus a place or a manifestation?”
Great questions, Lisa. I’ll definitely be happy to focus on those.
One more question: what have you tried to do with energy so far that you’ve not seen physical results with? You don’t need to be super specific.
Certain financial goals, some body fat goals, and certain travel goals.
Also some general “help the world” type energy work, which admittedly I don’t know what sort of physical evidence would show that it worked! haha
Great, thank you.
I know energy is a tough one. It definitely takes trust. But it becomes just an innate knowing over time. It’s just there. I’m planning on doing a teleclass early next year on psychic development and energy manipulation.
This was a really helpful post. It really nicely delineated the differences between the two ways to manifest and gave both the positive and negative aspects of each. It really comes down to where you are in your spiritual development and what kind of personality you are.
For me, I’m naturally drawn toward the Magus as that is the kind of let’s make this happen now specificity attitude I’ve had for most of my life. But that was before I began a path of spiritual development. And I understand how the momentum can work for you like it did for me, but as you change and learn new processes you can be caught in the undertow of the fast moving momentum current of your desire.
I liked what Lisa suggested about a possible blog on self confidence since that’s the central ingredient in the more specific active manifestation process. Right now, I’m trying to keep it more Zen due to anxiety aka resistance and learning to relax and let go. I’m still in a lot of your back blogs from months ago. It takes awhile to catch up. Brandon, you are moving so fast on your own path. Your mind is so open and fast moving with ideas! I’m still in letting go and Universal Flow and asking the Universe and dealing with visualization/resistance! But we all have to go at our own pace. But yes, self confidence is a subject I’d be very interested in reading about from your perspective and would help a lot of us who eventually want to get into the Magus method of manifestation. Self confidence is key, but can be elusive. Would love to hear your take on it.
Hey Frann,
Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂
Yeah, I’m definitely planning to write on confidence, perhaps in the next couple of weeks. I have one post at least planned first for Monday.
I’ve always been one to move quickly. 🙂 That’s another characteristic of the Magus, seeing as the Magus is ruled by Mercury. ☿ 🙂
But there’s no rush. I’m going to try to continue to have a series of posts about each path. I’ve been exploring more of the Magus path lately, so naturally there will be a lot of posts on that, but both are very important.
Fran, you said something in the support call that really resonated with me: “Self-confidence comes from self-acceptance.” I hadn’t thought of it that way but it seems so true. I guess once you really realize, “Hey, this is how I am, and I’m totally fine with that,” then it becomes easier to show other people that. And then maybe manifestations seem more natural, because you’ve accepted where you’re at. Anyway, I’m curious if that comes up in the blog post later, once Brandon has a chance to write about it.
I just wanted to say thank you for that gem, Fran!
Oops, Frann, I mean.
Hey Lisa, LoL. No worries about name spelling. Everyone spells in wrong at first! I’m so glad you remembered what I’d said and it resonated with you! It’s funny, i was asking Brandon to write about self confidence too after I saw your post and completely forgot that I had said that about self acceptance in the support call! But I’m sure there’s more to it that Brandon will fill in. Hope he does too.. But yeah, it does seem like self acceptance would naturally bring out confidence. I’m still working on that one myself! I want to do the Magus too. I’m also interested in what you said about getting some tips on energy. Thanks again, Lisa.
I like both approaches… It really depends on the desire. Regarding certain subjects, sometimes I prefer a slower pace, especially if there’s fear involved, and sometimes I would prefer something to happen quickly. I want to be able to utilize my power whenever I choose, though I also don’t want to feel obligated to do anything specific in order for something to happen. I enjoy peace and freedom and simply letting things be and flow, and sometimes, I want things to happen swiftly and as soon as they can.
Very recently, I got back into using techniques, something I’d avoided for a long time because I seemed convinced that utilizing techniques was a necessity, some way to “make” things happen, and that belief would frustrate me a ton because I knew it wasn’t true, but I still took it seriously. Now, I want to use techniques for what they’re actually intended to be used for. Your prior post reminded me of that…
Looking back at a few of my successful manifestations, I used some techniques, but I hadn’t used them to force anything to happen, and I used them with emotion in mind (these desires were spontaneous, so I didn’t really over think them). The issue I have now is that no matter how many articles I read, or how often I tell myself, over and over again, that it’s about allowing and that no technique is mandatory, that they can just be helpful for getting us out of the way, I won’t let go of the idea that they are… I just keep bringing it up and assuming that I won’t get what I want with that much ease, that if I don’t remain involved, nothing will happen. I end up not manifesting what I want due to the energy stagnation that this causes, and this is extremely frustrating for me, because I am not able to experience the ease and certainty of manifestation as a result.
Logically, I understand that I don’t need to do anything to make anything happen, and that any tool I use, I’m using for the emotional benefit that may derive from it, but that’s not really clicking for me. The fact that I don’t expect the Universe to get the job done correctly, or even at all, doesn’t quite help either with this need to take control (not out of confidence, but out of fear). LOA is very important to me and I don’t feel drawn to the traditional path, which makes me, and those around me very uncomfortable, so I just want to see it work for me more often already! There’s a lot of frustration and pushiness there for that reason, and I just don’t know what to do. I don’t have the sense of ease or confidence I want, it’s often the opposite. Brandon, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks for your comment.
The trouble is the lack of trust. Trust is one of the most important parts of the process. Even in the active path, you’re not trying to control the whole process. You’re doing your part, and having confidence that the Universe will do the rest.
That stagnant feeling you described is appropriate. When you hold on to the energy of creation, it does become stagnant. You refuse to let it go out into the Universe to actually do the creation, so it gets stuck.
The best thing to do is to address the resistance that is holding you to this pattern. This kind of thing often happens when there is a lot of attachment to the desire. Also practice trusting the Universe in everyday, small ways. Get up in the morning and tell the Universe that you trust it to help you today. You’ll start to see things happen.
I hope this helps. 🙂
Thank you 🙂 Yes, it does help… I like the word “trust” and the feeling of trust, that’s something I think I’ll focus more on as you suggested. I think I spend more time pushing against the resistance I have than I do actually focusing on how I’d rather feel, or hearing it out, seeing what it has to say, so I can look into it. That’s a habit I’ve had for a long time, so I wasn’t necessarily unaware, but your reply really shows me just how much I’ve been dwelling on the problem instead of actually feeling better about it or addressing it. Thanks again!
No problem. Yeah, the more you look for resistance, the more you’ll find it. It’s better to turn your focus to what you’d rather be feeling in the moment. 🙂
Hey Brandon,
I’m really glad that you made this video because I think there is a lot of confusion in the loa community among which path to take. Some teachers will tell you to take the passive approach, others the active approach, and others will go back and forth about which one is the best. I guess the passive approach is only viable if you don’t have any limiting beliefs which disallow your desire right? For example, if you want to grow 5 inches taller you could spend your whole life happy and zen and even appreciating your current height, but you wouldn’t grow taller unless you were able to overcome the subconscious programming and change your beliefs? Whereas if you took the active approach you could quickly realize that this desire brought up negative emotion in you because of your limiting beliefs so you could then actively work to replace these old beliefs with new ones.
Thanks for your comment Natasha. 🙂
Actually, that’s not entirely true. The passive path is actually better for someone with high resistance, because it is more self-reflective and moves more slowly.
The active path really only works if you have little resistance. I mean you can try it if you have a lot of resistance, but as I said, it’s going to hurt.
Limiting beliefs can be overcome in both paths. The truth is that as long as the limiting belief is present, and it conflicts with your desire, it will be difficult to feel good. So, both paths will trigger that limiting belief, because you’re holding the desire. The passive path will simply do it more gently than the active.
Wonderful and full of clarity post Brandon. I love the way you explain things in exact words and straight forward. Without going round in circles. You are really a good teacher.
” The Magus knows that he has all he needs, but it doesn’t matter. He wants what he wants for the sole reason that he wants it. It is not a needy want, nor an attachment, but simply a desire that he will bring into reality.”
Yes this is exactly how I feel . Sometimes there is no explanation for why you want what you want but you just want it and you know you are going to get it no matter what. Like you said before your job is just to stay focused on what you want and hold that vision and leave the rest with the Universe. Just believe that you will get what you want no matter what. I started with Zen way but there is not much fun in it and it doesn’t trigger strong emotions. But did help me to go to the next stage. Where more than hoping I started believing and knowing that my wish is on the way. Few desires are purely just for fun. It doesn’t really matter when they will come but what matters is that journey. The best part of LOA is it makes you stay focused on abundance. Once you go deep then you notic there is hardly any lack . I am at the stage where I don’t know what to complain about. Because I can choose wanted reality so unwanted automatically stays behind.
Thank you :).
Thanks so much for your comment, Rhea. I really appreciate your words. 🙂
Yeah I agree the Magus path is a lot more fun. 🙂 It triggers stronger emotion, because it moves the energy faster. It sounds like you’re doing a great job.
Thank you ????. I am just trying to deprogram the things which are not doing any good. Just practicing mindfulness . I don’t know about desires coming true but I learnt to be greatful for what I have and celebrate small moments.
Mindfulness is really the best. 🙂 I use it all the time, and I’ve found nothing better for quickly overcoming resistance.
Before I forget, I’ll ask you 2 questions. xD
First, can you communicate with animals, trees, plants, rocks, etc.? If yes, what have your experiences been like?
Second, do you think that you will be able to get to a point where you could to listen to a person speaking in a language you don’t know, but still understand him just by attuning to the energy of his voice or something like that?
Hi Z,
To #1, oh definitely. I mentally talk to my cat all the time. I love being in nature and just feeling the energy of the natural beings around me. I especially love trees, as they give off a wonderful energy.
These beings communicate more in emotions than rational ideas. You have to do a lot of interpretation of what they are trying to say.
To your second question, I believe it’s possible, but don’t personally have an interest in having such an ability.
That sounds wonderful! Does your cat have a sense of humor, I wonder? xD
I guess that being in nature can be a great recharge battery, as long as one isn’t out there while being too focused on their thoughts and problems.
Thank you! 🙂
Oh yes, my cat definitely has a sense of humor. 🙂
Brandon,
What do you, as a Magus, do to maintain your physical energy? Any techniques we can practice? I know being mellow is one of them and any suggestions to maintain physical robustness and alertness to go through our day with full energy will be greatly appreciated. For example, do you drink coffee or do you not need it to get through the day?
Hey Kat,
I actually don’t like coffee, lol. Christine loves it, though.
I think the best thing to do is to keep your stress level down. Stress really does a number on the physical body.
Also, stay in a low-resistant state as much as possible. Resistance can really contribute to excessive tiredness.
But, for me, there’s nothing wrong with a nap, if you’re able. It is refreshing and gives you more energy for the rest of the day. It’s one of my favorite things to do. 🙂
I’d like to expand on Kat’s question. For how many hours do you sleep at night? When I plan to run in the morning, I sleep for about 6 hours. I read that commonly, a human’s sleep cycle is about 90 minutes long. First 30 minutes are light sleep, and if someone takes a 30 minute nap during daytime, it can be really beneficial. The next 30 minutes are deeper sleep, and the last 30 minutes are REM sleep, I think. Once the first cycle is over, another one starts. 6 hours is approximately 4 fully cycles, although the alarm often awakens me during the REM sleep, which is not so pleasant. Sometimes I wake up just before the alarm rings, with the REM period finished, and then I feel better.
I read that some people wake up at 4am, but they go to sleep about the same time as I, or even later, so they sleep even less. So I assume that as I release more and more resistance, everything will improve for me, even the sleeping time required will shorten? Have you noticed yourself needing less sleep as you were releasing more and more resistance?
Hi Z,
I have been trying to get 7 hours. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea recently, which prior to treatment, has messed with my energy levels a lot. So now I’m just trying to give my body the rest it needs, which has made a huge difference.
I would say that you should do whatever works for you. Don’t try to minimize your sleep, as it is a vital part of your body’s health. If you need less sleep, it will naturally happen. Experiment with different times, and see what feels best to you.
In general, I think the less resistance, the less sleep, but that process shouldn’t be rushed. I’ve never been a long sleeper myself, but I also know it is very important.
Oh, I see. Thank you!
Here’s another question. (feel free to tell me to stop when you’re fed up, I know I’m asking so much xD )
So, anyway… I know that you wrote that wondering where my manifestation is, or if I’m doing it right is like disturbing the soil of a freshly planted seed. Today a doubt hit me. 1 of my big goals is to be super healthy, fully of energy, muscled and looking great. Another one of my big goals is to be able to freely express myself fearlessly, and to have a lot of friends with whom I can have fun. My monthly goal has a precise time limit, and it’s specific, it’s something I can point at and say, “here it is!”. However, for my main 2 goals, I haven’t set any time limit (or shall I call it “destination”), nor specific goals that I can measure. These 2 big goals are progressive.
So the doubt that hit me today was, what if not having a time limit, and a specificity on these 2 goals isn’t going to yield results properly, or at least soon enough? What if my subconscious mind goes leisurely with this, maybe for the duration of 50 years, or so (instead of one year for example), just because I didn’t give it proper time and space markers?
Hi Z,
No worries about the questions. I’m here to answer, and these questions/answers will hopefully help others who might be wondering the same thing. 🙂
You don’t need a time limit at all. Many people don’t like using them, and it is perfectly okay. The only thing that will delay your goal is your resistance, and sometimes a bit of timing for the Universe to line up the necessary components. But it will never just assume 50 years in the future is an acceptable timeline, just because you haven’t specified. You are a magnet to your new reality now, so it will come to you as soon as possible.
Also, you don’t need to be overly specific. The higher your vibration, the better specificity is. But, you can start general at first.
Thank you so much for clarifying this! I guess that this doubt came up as a perfect piece of resistance towards my goals, and now that it’s been dissolved, I can move on with more confidence. I guess that many people have the fear of, “what if I don’t get it done? what if I run out of time?”.
I like both approaches… It really depends on the desire. Regarding certain subjects, sometimes I prefer a slower pace, especially if there’s fear involved, and sometimes I would prefer something to happen quickly. I want to be able to utilize my power whenever I choose, though I also don’t want to feel obligated to do anything specific in order for something to happen. I enjoy peace and freedom and simply letting things be and flow, and sometimes, I want things to happen swiftly and as soon as they can.
Very recently, I got back into using techniques, something I’d avoided for a long time because I seemed convinced that utilizing techniques was a necessity, some way to “make” things happen, and that belief would frustrate me a ton because I knew it wasn’t true, but I still took it seriously. Now, I want to use techniques for what they’re actually intended to be used for. Your prior post reminded me of that…
Looking back at a few of my successful manifestations, I used some techniques, but I hadn’t used them to force anything to happen, and I used them with emotion in mind (these desires were spontaneous, so I didn’t really over think them). The issue I have now is that no matter how many articles I read, or how often I tell myself, over and over again, that it’s about allowing and that no technique is mandatory, that they can just be helpful for getting us out of the way, I won’t let go of the idea that they are… I just keep bringing it up and assuming that I won’t get what I want with that much ease, that if I don’t remain involved, nothing will happen. I end up not manifesting what I want due to the energy stagnation that this causes, and this is extremely frustrating for me, because I am not able to experience the ease and certainty of manifestation as a result.
Logically, I understand that I don’t need to do anything to make anything happen, and that any tool I use, I’m using for the emotional benefit that may derive from it, but that’s not really clicking for me. The fact that I don’t expect the Universe to get the job done correctly, or even at all, doesn’t quite help either with this need to take control (not out of confidence, but out of fear). LOA is very important to me and I don’t feel drawn to the traditional path, which makes me, and those around me very uncomfortable, so I just want to see it work for me more often already! There’s a lot of frustration and pushiness there for that reason, and I just don’t know what to do. I don’t have the sense of ease or confidence I want, it’s often the opposite. Brandon, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks for your comment.
The trouble is the lack of trust. Trust is one of the most important parts of the process. Even in the active path, you’re not trying to control the whole process. You’re doing your part, and having confidence that the Universe will do the rest.
That stagnant feeling you described is appropriate. When you hold on to the energy of creation, it does become stagnant. You refuse to let it go out into the Universe to actually do the creation, so it gets stuck.
The best thing to do is to address the resistance that is holding you to this pattern. This kind of thing often happens when there is a lot of attachment to the desire. Also practice trusting the Universe in everyday, small ways. Get up in the morning and tell the Universe that you trust it to help you today. You’ll start to see things happen.
I hope this helps. 🙂
Thank you 🙂 Yes, it does help… I like the word “trust” and the feeling of trust, that’s something I think I’ll focus more on as you suggested. I think I spend more time pushing against the resistance I have than I do actually focusing on how I’d rather feel, or hearing it out, seeing what it has to say, so I can look into it. That’s a habit I’ve had for a long time, so I wasn’t necessarily unaware, but your reply really shows me just how much I’ve been dwelling on the problem instead of actually feeling better about it or addressing it. Thanks again!
No problem. Yeah, the more you look for resistance, the more you’ll find it. It’s better to turn your focus to what you’d rather be feeling in the moment. 🙂
Hey Brandon,
I’m really glad that you made this video because I think there is a lot of confusion in the loa community among which path to take. Some teachers will tell you to take the passive approach, others the active approach, and others will go back and forth about which one is the best. I guess the passive approach is only viable if you don’t have any limiting beliefs which disallow your desire right? For example, if you want to grow 5 inches taller you could spend your whole life happy and zen and even appreciating your current height, but you wouldn’t grow taller unless you were able to overcome the subconscious programming and change your beliefs? Whereas if you took the active approach you could quickly realize that this desire brought up negative emotion in you because of your limiting beliefs so you could then actively work to replace these old beliefs with new ones.
Thanks for your comment Natasha. 🙂
Actually, that’s not entirely true. The passive path is actually better for someone with high resistance, because it is more self-reflective and moves more slowly.
The active path really only works if you have little resistance. I mean you can try it if you have a lot of resistance, but as I said, it’s going to hurt.
Limiting beliefs can be overcome in both paths. The truth is that as long as the limiting belief is present, and it conflicts with your desire, it will be difficult to feel good. So, both paths will trigger that limiting belief, because you’re holding the desire. The passive path will simply do it more gently than the active.
Actually, I want to mention something. Certainly, the Magus way resonates with me now, and the Hermit way lacks the qualities I enjoy. However! A year ago I had strong attachments to certain goals. I used to sway from extreme attachment to extreme repression and/or blame. If I knew about the Magus way then, and tried to apply it, it probably would have been an overkill. I spent time meditating, relaxing in nature, learning to love myself, and access and enjoy the thoughtless state. That was really the Hermit way, I think. I managed to release that extreme attachment and repression, and nowadays I’m much lighter inside, compared to then. Now I’m mostly dealing with fear and stored pain, so it’s easier. So yeah, finding the peace, love and completion within is crucial for someone with strong attachment and aversions, like you already mentioned. It has really helped me. This way has a lot of deep healing properties. 🙂
P.S. I run almost every morning, and it puts me in a state where my confidence skyrockets. Today I started by getting to a peaceful, joyous state. Then after I while I started getting into the feeling of having my goals realized, with such a great confidence. I held it for as long as I felt inclined to, and then I simply dropped it and surrendered to the music and the movement of my body, as well as the environment around me. Since in this state my confidence is high, not much resistance comes up at the time. However, I guess that there’s nothing to worry about? I assume that the resistance will show up anyway later during the day, and then I can hand it over to the Universe. It doesn’t necessarily have to show up while intending, right?
I think that’s awesome. You’re right that the Hermit path is best when you’re experiencing overwhelming resistance like you mentioned.
And yes, the resistance will pop up later, and doesn’t have to come up during the intending itself.
Great, thank you! 🙂
Actually, I want to mention something. Certainly, the Magus way resonates with me now, and the Hermit way lacks the qualities I enjoy. However! A year ago I had strong attachments to certain goals. I used to sway from extreme attachment to extreme repression and/or blame. If I knew about the Magus way then, and tried to apply it, it probably would have been an overkill. I spent time meditating, relaxing in nature, learning to love myself, and access and enjoy the thoughtless state. That was really the Hermit way, I think. I managed to release that extreme attachment and repression, and nowadays I’m much lighter inside, compared to then. Now I’m mostly dealing with fear and stored pain, so it’s easier. So yeah, finding the peace, love and completion within is crucial for someone with strong attachment and aversions, like you already mentioned. It has really helped me. This way has a lot of deep healing properties. 🙂
P.S. I run almost every morning, and it puts me in a state where my confidence skyrockets. Today I started by getting to a peaceful, joyous state. Then after I while I started getting into the feeling of having my goals realized, with such a great confidence. I held it for as long as I felt inclined to, and then I simply dropped it and surrendered to the music and the movement of my body, as well as the environment around me. Since in this state my confidence is high, not much resistance comes up at the time. However, I guess that there’s nothing to worry about? I assume that the resistance will show up anyway later during the day, and then I can hand it over to the Universe. It doesn’t necessarily have to show up while intending, right?
I think that’s awesome. You’re right that the Hermit path is best when you’re experiencing overwhelming resistance like you mentioned.
And yes, the resistance will pop up later, and doesn’t have to come up during the intending itself.
Great, thank you! 🙂
Hey Brandon, long time no speak. Just been catching up on your blog.
I feel like the manifestation process at times is so incredibly simple, and it all makes total sense, and then the minute I start complicating things,…..forget it. I’m lost in doubt, worry, and fear lol. For me, I’m trying to manifest health in my body and thus far I’m really enjoying the process.
So, here’s my understanding as of now related to my own manifestation process of trying to heal my body of a chronic disease (chronic fatigue syndrome), and you can provide feedback if you would like. Bare with me as I will try to keep this short:
I have been using mindfulness to release resistance. As I mention below, I have done a lot of ‘work’ already to uncover core beliefs and now I am simply becoming aware, interrupting my thoughts based in lack, absence, doubt, worry and fear all throughout the day, and simply choosing to focus on something that feels better along with doing some positive visualization as well on feeling good in my body and also a regular sitting mindfulness meditation. I keep an appreciation journal as well. And this process has been incredible thus far and has provided me great confidence that I don’t need to analyze anything further with the manifestation process, but simply…..TRUST…..until….dum dum dum!……..some thoughts of doubt started to be indulged by my little ego….which say “Derek…..you’re not doing enough!”.
My two points of questioning with these doubts to you would be:
Visualization. I have been using visualization as merely a complementary tool to get me into a ‘good feeling place’. But, do I need to know the specific ‘feeling’ of what I want in order to manifest this or is this underlying desire already known?
I feel like my underlying desire and focus right now, is to ‘heal my body’, but I also realize that there is a deeper aspect to that. Through the process of work with a therapist/coach, I have been able to uncover much of my core beliefs which I strongly believe contributed to my chronic disease in the first place.
And the underlying belief since I was a child is that “life is scary” and this has led me to be incredibly insecure by seeking love outside of myself. Basically, as you so eloquently mention in a comment above…..a HUGE lack of trust. This has led me to try to control and micromanage everything in my environment.
So, would love your feedback on this
Thanks!
Hey Derek,
Thanks for your comment.
It sounds like you’re doing great!
I will recommend my online class, The Art of Reality Creation for learning all the nuts and bolts of manifestation.
But, you’re definitely on the right track. Not sure if you’ve read my posts where I’ve talked about the Zero State, but it is an essential component to manifestation. The Zero State is essentially a total neutral state free of all resistance, such as you might experience through mindfulness or meditation.
Regarding visualization, it is just a tool, as you said, and not an essential component. What you’re aiming for is the feeling of having achieved your desire. I call it the vibrational signature of the goal. It’s the vibration you have to tune in to in order to receive your desire. Visualization helps, affirmations help, and there are other methods as well.
The feeling can start very general and abstract. Over time, you should get a better and better grasp on it, though. It should become more and more real to you.
Also, as one last note, don’t focus too much on the limiting beliefs. I’ve found that if you identify with the limiting beliefs you’ve held since childhood, you just tend to create more of that. Acknowledge them, accept them, release them, and turn your focus to what you’d rather believe.
Thanks Brandon.
It’s so funny what you mention about limiting beliefs. I was thinking the exact same thing today. I know it’s important to acknowledge them, but I find now, that all of the ‘stuff’ that comes up as resistance is just based in a lot of those beliefs and they are mostly just thoughts that I can either indulge in or not and I don’t need to keep going over them. They’re just old patterns from the subconscious. So, I like what you said and very much agree.
I checked out that class and it looks dynamic. I am actually already doing a very similar course right now specifically for chronic fatigue syndrome (which is where my process mentioned above is based in, plus stuff I’ve added on my own). It’s a brain retraining course, but based in the same methods largely. Although I feel like I will likely get much more deeper insight from your course because of your understanding of manifestation. I will put it on my wish list for after the new year.
Can you link me to the zero state blog? I actually did see it today now that you mention, when I was catching up on your blog, but now can’t remember specifically what was mentioned about it.
As far as the vibrational signature that you mention, are you referring to basically the aspect of ‘feeling good’ or finding things to ‘feel good about’ in a sense in order to get us into that state of receiving?
Thanks again!
Hey Derek,
Something important to understand is that the subconscious mind responds to emotion. So if you think about your limiting beliefs and feel some emotion in response, you’re going to strengthen those beliefs. That’s why it’s dangerous to dredge them up again and again.
The best thing you can do, as I said, is to acknowledge and let them go. Invest emotionally in the beliefs you want to have. “Life is safe.” “The Universe supports me.” Find evidence of those beliefs.
Regarding the zero state, I realize it’s mostly a concept I describe in the support calls and in the private classes. However, I see you found the letting go post, and really any of my other posts on letting go, surrender, making peace, etc, will give you the idea. You might enjoy one of my earliest videos, Making Peace with What Is: Step 1 of the Effortless Manifestation Process.
Regarding the vibrational signature, it is really just the feeling of having achieved your goal. If your goal is health, imagine that you’ve been feeling better, and have successfully reached the goal you want to reach. What would that feel like?
That emotion is basically the calling card of your goal, so to speak. The more you tune in to that emotion, the more real that goal will become to you, and the faster it will enter your reality. It’s like tuning in to a radio station. You have the frequency, and just have to turn the dial. The vibrational signature of your goal is that frequency. Focus on it regularly, and you’ll be there in no time.
Hope that makes sense. 🙂
Thanks Brandon…..incredibly helpful. Really appreciative your feedback and your website. There’s such a wealth of insight here.
Btw Brandon, when I asked Melody about what if someone has poor eyesight, and would want it to improve it, she wrote that focusing on having great eyesight might not actually work. First we’d have to focus a bit on not having good eyesight, and get to the bottom of the emotions that come up, and then we’ve felt that, we should focus on the opposite on those emotions. In other words, sometimes just focusing on good eyesight, or health might now change anything, because we are not addressing the energy that has created the unwanted state.
What do you think about that? Would just imagining myself healthy and getting into the feeling of it be too little to trigger the change?
Brandon, just to add, just read your piece on Letting Go. Incredible! What a gold mine of insight there! One of the best pieces on the LOA that I have read thus far anywhere and I have read a ton of deliberate creation stuff. Your perspective is so in line with my own. I’ve read Melody’s stuff and while I love her, you have the background in non-duality which I think really helps to cement your own teachings on this and understanding how allowing goes together with everything else.
I feel I am really close to just flying with this stuff, but just trying to figure out where to focus my attention, which is the only aspect which trips me up.
Thanks Derek. Your comment means a lot to me. 🙂 I think non-duality is an invaluable perspective. I’ve said repeatedly in the past that mindfulness is probably the most effective tool out there for manifestation.
As far as what to focus on, well here’s my general process:
Once a day, soon before bed if possible:
The rest of the time:
This is excellent advice. I’ve been doing this along the lines, but this sums it up so much more perfectly and gives me something to really work with as far as focusing. Thank you so much!
Great, I’m glad to be able to help. 🙂
Hey Brandon, long time no speak. Just been catching up on your blog.
I feel like the manifestation process at times is so incredibly simple, and it all makes total sense, and then the minute I start complicating things,…..forget it. I’m lost in doubt, worry, and fear lol. For me, I’m trying to manifest health in my body and thus far I’m really enjoying the process.
So, here’s my understanding as of now related to my own manifestation process of trying to heal my body of a chronic disease (chronic fatigue syndrome), and you can provide feedback if you would like. Bare with me as I will try to keep this short:
I have been using mindfulness to release resistance. As I mention below, I have done a lot of ‘work’ already to uncover core beliefs and now I am simply becoming aware, interrupting my thoughts based in lack, absence, doubt, worry and fear all throughout the day, and simply choosing to focus on something that feels better along with doing some positive visualization as well on feeling good in my body and also a regular sitting mindfulness meditation. I keep an appreciation journal as well. And this process has been incredible thus far and has provided me great confidence that I don’t need to analyze anything further with the manifestation process, but simply…..TRUST…..until….dum dum dum!……..some thoughts of doubt started to be indulged by my little ego….which say “Derek…..you’re not doing enough!”.
My two points of questioning with these doubts to you would be:
Visualization. I have been using visualization as merely a complementary tool to get me into a ‘good feeling place’. But, do I need to know the specific ‘feeling’ of what I want in order to manifest this or is this underlying desire already known?
I feel like my underlying desire and focus right now, is to ‘heal my body’, but I also realize that there is a deeper aspect to that. Through the process of work with a therapist/coach, I have been able to uncover much of my core beliefs which I strongly believe contributed to my chronic disease in the first place.
And the underlying belief since I was a child is that “life is scary” and this has led me to be incredibly insecure by seeking love outside of myself. Basically, as you so eloquently mention in a comment above…..a HUGE lack of trust. This has led me to try to control and micromanage everything in my environment.
So, would love your feedback on this
Thanks!
Hey Derek,
Thanks for your comment.
It sounds like you’re doing great!
I will recommend my online class, The Art of Reality Creation for learning all the nuts and bolts of manifestation.
But, you’re definitely on the right track. Not sure if you’ve read my posts where I’ve talked about the Zero State, but it is an essential component to manifestation. The Zero State is essentially a total neutral state free of all resistance, such as you might experience through mindfulness or meditation.
Regarding visualization, it is just a tool, as you said, and not an essential component. What you’re aiming for is the feeling of having achieved your desire. I call it the vibrational signature of the goal. It’s the vibration you have to tune in to in order to receive your desire. Visualization helps, affirmations help, and there are other methods as well.
The feeling can start very general and abstract. Over time, you should get a better and better grasp on it, though. It should become more and more real to you.
Also, as one last note, don’t focus too much on the limiting beliefs. I’ve found that if you identify with the limiting beliefs you’ve held since childhood, you just tend to create more of that. Acknowledge them, accept them, release them, and turn your focus to what you’d rather believe.
Thanks Brandon.
It’s so funny what you mention about limiting beliefs. I was thinking the exact same thing today. I know it’s important to acknowledge them, but I find now, that all of the ‘stuff’ that comes up as resistance is just based in a lot of those beliefs and they are mostly just thoughts that I can either indulge in or not and I don’t need to keep going over them. They’re just old patterns from the subconscious. So, I like what you said and very much agree.
I checked out that class and it looks dynamic. I am actually already doing a very similar course right now specifically for chronic fatigue syndrome (which is where my process mentioned above is based in, plus stuff I’ve added on my own). It’s a brain retraining course, but based in the same methods largely. Although I feel like I will likely get much more deeper insight from your course because of your understanding of manifestation. I will put it on my wish list for after the new year.
Can you link me to the zero state blog? I actually did see it today now that you mention, when I was catching up on your blog, but now can’t remember specifically what was mentioned about it.
As far as the vibrational signature that you mention, are you referring to basically the aspect of ‘feeling good’ or finding things to ‘feel good about’ in a sense in order to get us into that state of receiving?
Thanks again!
Hey Derek,
Something important to understand is that the subconscious mind responds to emotion. So if you think about your limiting beliefs and feel some emotion in response, you’re going to strengthen those beliefs. That’s why it’s dangerous to dredge them up again and again.
The best thing you can do, as I said, is to acknowledge and let them go. Invest emotionally in the beliefs you want to have. “Life is safe.” “The Universe supports me.” Find evidence of those beliefs.
Regarding the zero state, I realize it’s mostly a concept I describe in the support calls and in the private classes. However, I see you found the letting go post, and really any of my other posts on letting go, surrender, making peace, etc, will give you the idea. You might enjoy one of my earliest videos, Making Peace with What Is: Step 1 of the Effortless Manifestation Process.
Regarding the vibrational signature, it is really just the feeling of having achieved your goal. If your goal is health, imagine that you’ve been feeling better, and have successfully reached the goal you want to reach. What would that feel like?
That emotion is basically the calling card of your goal, so to speak. The more you tune in to that emotion, the more real that goal will become to you, and the faster it will enter your reality. It’s like tuning in to a radio station. You have the frequency, and just have to turn the dial. The vibrational signature of your goal is that frequency. Focus on it regularly, and you’ll be there in no time.
Hope that makes sense. 🙂
Thanks Brandon…..incredibly helpful. Really appreciative your feedback and your website. There’s such a wealth of insight here.
Btw Brandon, when I asked Melody about what if someone has poor eyesight, and would want it to improve it, she wrote that focusing on having great eyesight might not actually work. First we’d have to focus a bit on not having good eyesight, and get to the bottom of the emotions that come up, and then we’ve felt that, we should focus on the opposite on those emotions. In other words, sometimes just focusing on good eyesight, or health might now change anything, because we are not addressing the energy that has created the unwanted state.
What do you think about that? Would just imagining myself healthy and getting into the feeling of it be too little to trigger the change?
Brandon, just to add, just read your piece on Letting Go. Incredible! What a gold mine of insight there! One of the best pieces on the LOA that I have read thus far anywhere and I have read a ton of deliberate creation stuff. Your perspective is so in line with my own. I’ve read Melody’s stuff and while I love her, you have the background in non-duality which I think really helps to cement your own teachings on this and understanding how allowing goes together with everything else.
I feel I am really close to just flying with this stuff, but just trying to figure out where to focus my attention, which is the only aspect which trips me up.
Thanks Derek. Your comment means a lot to me. 🙂 I think non-duality is an invaluable perspective. I’ve said repeatedly in the past that mindfulness is probably the most effective tool out there for manifestation.
As far as what to focus on, well here’s my general process:
Once a day, soon before bed if possible:
The rest of the time:
This is excellent advice. I’ve been doing this along the lines, but this sums it up so much more perfectly and gives me something to really work with as far as focusing. Thank you so much!
Great, I’m glad to be able to help. 🙂
Hi
I just found this post and your way of explaining this is amazing. I just realized that I had both passive and magical manifestations and number of passive manifestations where I just wish and let go is larger. However the time buffert could somethimes be 2-3 months.
Now I am trying to apply magical approach . Can you please talk about how to don’t start doubting and only trust that is coming if time buffert is to long ? Also what to do to be in the receiveing mode?
Thanks
Visnja
Hi Visnja,
Thanks for your comment. I understand it is definitely a transition.
You’ll want to see my latest post for how to build confidence and trust more. You can find it here: How to Gain Confidence in Your Magical Ability.
As to how to enter the receiving state (what I call the zero state), I have a post on letting go, as well. I also plan on possibly writing a more extensive post soon on the zero state, as it is easily the most important aspect of using the law of attraction.
Just to clarify it is like I am getting impatiance I guess this is resistance but again when I am visualising it feels good. Impatience feeling is coming from time to time when I feel down in general and not so often at all . I never visualise when I feel like this I am going more general , meditate or just let go until I am back in the good mood. It would be difficult for me with this particular desire to go back to passive manifestation . Advice please
Hi Visnja,
It sounds like you’re doing great. Just make sure you let go of that impatience, because that will kill a manifestation faster than anything else.
Hi
I just found this post and your way of explaining this is amazing. I just realized that I had both passive and magical manifestations and number of passive manifestations where I just wish and let go is larger. However the time buffert could somethimes be 2-3 months.
Now I am trying to apply magical approach . Can you please talk about how to don’t start doubting and only trust that is coming if time buffert is to long ? Also what to do to be in the receiveing mode?
Thanks
Visnja
Hi Visnja,
Thanks for your comment. I understand it is definitely a transition.
You’ll want to see my latest post for how to build confidence and trust more. You can find it here: How to Gain Confidence in Your Magical Ability.
As to how to enter the receiving state (what I call the zero state), I have a post on letting go, as well. I also plan on possibly writing a more extensive post soon on the zero state, as it is easily the most important aspect of using the law of attraction.
Just to clarify it is like I am getting impatiance I guess this is resistance but again when I am visualising it feels good. Impatience feeling is coming from time to time when I feel down in general and not so often at all . I never visualise when I feel like this I am going more general , meditate or just let go until I am back in the good mood. It would be difficult for me with this particular desire to go back to passive manifestation . Advice please
Hi Visnja,
It sounds like you’re doing great. Just make sure you let go of that impatience, because that will kill a manifestation faster than anything else.