As an aspiring hippie, I’ve done my fair share of manifestation and positive affirmations. But I’m also a biochemistry major interested in neuroscience, so I’m not buying all of this “trusting in the universe” bullshit. But in my experience, it works, so what’s happening here?
James R. Doty, MD, who founded the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at the Stanford University School of Medicine, has investigated this topic extensively. Your brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons, cells that send electrical and chemical information between the central nervous system (composed of the brain and spinal cord) and the rest of the body. His theory is that by envisioning a specific goal, neurons work together to create “task positive networks,” which allow you to complete high-level tasks.
This relates to the red car theory in psychology; if you become aware of red cars, you’re going to start seeing red cars everywhere. Similarly, if you manifest making new friends, you’re going to start seeing opportunities for new friendships everywhere you look.
It’s also crucial to think about why you want the things you’re manifesting. If you’re manifesting a Porsche to impress your condescending neighbor, then it’s probably not going to work as well. This is because your goal is really to make others like you, which is rooted in insecurity. In this state, your sympathetic nervous system is activated, and you’re in what we call “fight or flight mode.” But if you’re manifesting things that benefit the greater good and/or bring you peace, neurotransmitters like oxytocin are released, and your brain, in turn, puts more focus on achieving your goals.
One last thing to wrap up, I am not the kind of person who is able to sit in silence and be able to focus on my desired life for twenty minutes. At least not yet, anyway. Instead, I love to listen to guided meditations, which can be found pretty much everywhere these days. My current favorites are from the YouTube Channel Positive Suggestion, but there are a million to choose from.
The universe isn’t going to give you what you want. It never has–it’s always been you.