By: Sam Gruetter and Jordan Park

Sports and Local News Editor

Manifestation, or the law of attraction, is the idea that by practicing aspirational thinking, your thoughts become reality. This simple way of thinking proves itself an effective strategy to increase positive thinking and goal setting, which is why everyone should actively practice it. 

The concept of manifestation was initially introduced in the book Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World, by William Walker Atkinson in 1906. However, the practice of translating one’s thoughts into reality did not become widely popularized until the late 1900s when many authors and philosophers incorporated the practice into mainstream society. The concept resurged in the 2006 best-selling self-help book The Secret, by Rhonda Bryne, with more than 30 million copies sold.

According to many psychologists, human thoughts derive from both the subconscious and conscious portions of the brain. About five percent of our beliefs and thoughts occur in the conscious, which controls ideas, creativity, wishes, and desires. While the other 95 percent take place in the subconscious mind, which controls habits and records of one’s behavior. One of the simplest ways to adjust these subconscious thoughts is to practice manifestation, essentially rewiring one’s brain. 

An article by Chopra, a wellness website led by doctors, states, “The mind and emotions directly affect gene activity, and since the mind is the source of a person’s lifestyle and behavior, it directs one’s biological transformations.” This notion of interconnectivity between one’s genes and mind is called epigenetics. According to the CDC, epigenetics changes the way one’s body transcribes DNA, resulting in certain gene activity. Manifestation is one way to alter one’s mindset, resulting in a direct change in behavior and habits.  

There is a diverse variety of manifestation methods that suit almost anyone’s life. From our personal experiences, writing down achievements and goals has proven useful and successful. Written repetition of those dreams, and even saying them aloud with a clear, confident voice, has aided in their benefit. While there are many other techniques, manifestation proves itself to be the most accessible way to impactfully adjust one’s subconscious; the first step is making a positive life change. 

Don’t expect results overnight or completely rely on manifestation, as it is not magic. Try to start working towards your goals as well. Gabrielle Berstein, author of Super Attractor and The Universe Has Your Back, says, “Manifesting is also known as co-creating because it’s a collaboration between you and the universe.” 

Vision boards, journaling, and positive affirmations are just some of the manifestation methods that have been successful in our lives, but so many others that might work for you. The key is to stay focused on your goals and maintain a positive mindset. Remember that it may take time and effort to see results, but with persistence and dedication, manifestation is surely possible. 

(Sources: CDC, Chopra, Oprah Daily)