Personal Growth

Manifesting 101: A Step-by-Step Guide with Gabby Bernstein

May 1, 2012

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When’s the last time you had one of those idea-to-reality moments?

You know, when you thought about something you wanted to see, do, create, experience, or become — and eventually, you actually did it?

This is the manifestation of our desire.

Manifesting (n): Cultivating the experience you want to feel — and then living and believing in that experience so you can allow it to come into form. ~ Gabby Bernstein

I’m pretty comfortable with the word “manifesting” these days, but a few years back I couldn’t stand the word. I thought it was waaay too passive and airy fairy. Not the kind of thing that worked for my highly action-oriented demeanor.

Over the years, though, I’ve heard the term more and more, so I thought it would be useful to get schooled on the topic. What exactly is manifesting? How does it work and what, if any, manifesting mishaps do we all need to look out for?

What Is Manifesting?

My favorite definition of manifesting is co-creating with the universe.

I love this, because it means manifesting is a creative process. All you’re doing is using your creative energy to co-create with the energy around you. We all put out vibrations, from super negative to super positive, and your vibration attracts good or bad things into your life.

When you’re open to experiences the universe brings your way, you can receive anything you want. (Note: you can call this God, spirit, love, Smurf faires or whatever else you want.)

Airy fairy or not, a lot of us receive manifestations without even realizing it.

A few years ago, a friend whipped out her computer over brunch and asked me a series of questions, then voila! generated an analysis about how I create results in the world.

It said right there: I’m a manifestor. Like, a power manifestor. Meaning I’m someone who is a great catalyst in life. Wherever I go and whomever I meet, it seems I’m a trigger and cause for activity.

Makes sense, given what I do, right?

This activity doesn’t happen because I’m pushy or lucky. It’s because I stay open and receptive to what the universe calls on me to experience.

Life is supposed to be easy — if we could just stay out of our own way. Negative beliefs and fears block what the universe has in store for us. Manifesting is about actively removing those blocks so you can see what you want and become receptive to the gifts the universe provides you to make it happen.

What Is the Law of Attraction?

The Law of Attraction is the principle that manifesting puts into practice.

If you’ve read, watched, or heard of The Secret, you probably know the basics: The Law of Attraction says your positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into your life.

Mention the L.O.A., and critics will probably come out of the woodwork.

Don’t let them steer you wrong. It doesn’t mean you can sit back and let fortune roll in in the form of gold bars and round-the-world vacations. It just means you get back what you put out.

The idea was around for about 200 years before The Secret made it popular. We’ve been talking about concepts like mind over body and the power of positive thinking since the early 1800s.

What Do We Mean When We Say “Miracle”?

If you look into manifesting, you’ll hear folks throw around the word “miracle,” which can feel intimidating.

In this case, a “miracle” is simply a shift in your perspective, a moment when you see something more clearly. It’s a moment when you break free of resistance and become open to receiving what you desire.

For more on manifesting miracles, watch this MarieTV: How to Make Big Shifts This Year w/ Gabby Bernstein

It’s a big deal, but the clouds probably won’t part, and some holy force won’t come down from on high to hand you a new MacBook or big promotion. It’s an energy shift. A new way of seeing and being in the world.

That shift opens the door for everything you need to fall into place.

How to Use Manifesting to Get Anything You Want

Nothing exists in our world that doesn’t first exist in our mind.

In this MarieTV with my friend, manifesting expert, and bestselling author Gabby Bernstein, we learn three steps to manifest anything you want:

  1. Get clear about what you want and why.
  2. Release your limiting beliefs.
  3. Have patience, and know the universe will bring you what you desire.

Keep reading after the video for more tips to use manifesting in your life.

There’s no secret to manifesting. Nothing works unless you do.

It takes daily action to listen to your inner voice, stay clear about what you want, remove your blocks, have patience, and be open to what the universe brings.

Follow these steps to start manifesting anything you want.

Step 1: Get Clear

Before you can manifest anything, you need to know what you’re aiming for.

If you’re unclear, you welcome in things you don’t really want. This is how you wind up following a path that doesn’t feel right.

Don’t know what you want? Ask yourself — deep down, don’t you really know your heart’s desire? Most of us do, we’re just afraid we’re not good enough to get it, or that we’ll fail if we try.

The real challenge isn’t getting clear, it’s owning the fact that you already are clear and being courageous enough to name that dream.

Next, ask yourself why you want it.

When your why is connected to your highest self and being of service to others, you’re aligned with what the universe wants for you. But when your reasons are self-serving, competitive, or fear-based, you’re fighting against your bigger purpose.

Step 2: Release Limiting Beliefs

Once you know exactly what you want, you have to remove the blocks — negative thoughts, fears, and disbeliefs — that keep it from manifesting.

Beliefs are the hidden scripts that run our lives.

To manifest something, you must believe you’re worthy. That’s why Step 2 requires you to release the limiting beliefs that tell you you’re not good enough.

This is going to take courage and time, but the great news? You can manifest the guidance you need to heal those beliefs. Recognize how you’re blocking your manifestation, and trust the universe to give you exactly what you need to grow — because you might not be ready to make the change on your own yet.

Just watch! Books will jump off the shelf at you (okay, maybe not literally), you’ll stumble on just the right YouTube video, or you’ll meet your new best friend at a conference.

This article you’re reading now may even be a manifestation of your desire to start manifesting the life you want! Trippy, right?

Here’s an exercise to start challenging your negative beliefs. Come back to it as often as you need. Grab a journal, and write your answers to these questions:

  1. What’s the most important change you want to make right now?
  2. What negative or limiting beliefs have stopped you from figuring this out until now?
  3. Now, cross out each of those limiting beliefs and write “BULLSH*T” next to each. (It’s fun!)
  4. Write about why each of those negative beliefs is, indeed, total B.S.
  5. Who would you be without these limiting beliefs?

The expectation isn’t that you’ll feel good or have a positive attitude 100% of the time — that would be impossible. Instead, commit to realigning yourself whenever you recognize those negative beliefs holding you back.

Because when you change a belief, you change everything.

Step 3: Stay in the Know

Challenging and letting go of your limiting beliefs is daily work.

Manifesting isn’t something you do only while you’re journaling, meditating, or in yoga class. Sure, those things can help reinforce these practices, but manifestation is something you take with you throughout every day.

Gabby calls this step “staying in the know” — meaning, knowing the universe has your back.

This is important, but your manifestation might not be what you expected.

Manifesting isn’t about getting what we think we want, but about knowing the universe has a higher plan, and being open to receiving that plan. For example, what if you spent all your time hyper-focused on landing a promotion at work, that you blocked yourself from receiving an even better opportunity at a different company?

Actively stay in the presence of believing in yourself, knowing the universe has your back, and being certain you’ll achieve your highest purpose.

How Long Is This Supposed to Take??

If you’ve been in the knowing state for a long time and have started to wonder, “When is it gonna come?” please have patience.

Being anxious and afraid, or grasping for control creates a negative energy and blocks your manifestation. Patience lets you stay open and positive, which will help you receive gifts as they come.

Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait and wait without anxiety. ~ “A Course in Miracles”

Manifesting doesn’t work like a genie in a bottle. Achieving what you desire may often feel  messy and twisted. Stay patient, and trust that you’re on the right path.

Can You Manifest More Money?

Two questions I can hear you asking about manifesting:

  1. Can you manifest money?
  2. Does wanting money make you unspiritual?

Let’s tackle the second one first: Are you working against becoming your highest self if you want to earn money?

Absolutely not! I consider myself a very spiritual person, and I l o v e making money.

Now, it’s not about earning money for money’s sake. Money can create opportunities for me to contribute to others, create experiences, and enjoy my life.

To keep your money goals from working against you, stay in touch with the deeper reason you’re trying to earn it in the first place. Is it to find freedom for yourself and your family? To donate to causes you care about? To create jobs for talented, creative people?

The more successful you are, the bigger difference you’ll make in the world and the more people you’ll serve — and that’s plenty spiritual, if you ask me.

Now for No. 1: Can you manifest more money?

Let’s be clear: You can’t expect anything to just drop into your lap — manifesting isn’t magic. This is a major misconception.

Manifesting is about being open to the opportunities the universe presents and letting the universe guide you — not trying to force an outcome you think is best.

Yes, earning more money can help you be your highest self and have a greater impact. But if your goal to earn more is based on an ego-driven scarcity mindset, you’re putting up all kinds of blocks to achieving your dream.

Adopt an Abundance Mentality

Money in your bank account isn’t the manifestation of you putting in an order with the universe for $1 million.

Peace and satisfaction with your finances comes from a mindset of abundance. That includes:

  • Appreciating what you have. Reality check: Over 1 billion people in this world live on $2.50 a day or less, according to FINCA International. There’s nothing wrong with wanting more, but true abundance starts with appreciating what you have right now.
  • Spreading the wealth. When you feel a lack around money, shift your mindset by giving some away. Donate to your favorite charity or pick up the tab with family or friends.

Money’s like you and me. It’s attracted to respect and appreciation. If you find yourself battling a scarcity mindset, try these two weird money habits to train your brain for abundance:

  1. Never say no to honest money. Let me tell you a secret: I’m not too good to pick up loose change off the ground. It’s a reminder that the universe is always there to give me what I need and to not be too arrogant to accept the small blessings.
  2. Keep your money tight and right. I keep my physical money tidy and organized. Probably a habit I picked up working in restaurants. All the bills are faced the same way, organized by denomination, and laid flat in my wallet. It’s a sign of respect for myself, and a way to be a good steward for the money that comes into and flows out of my life.

An abundance mindset not only invites more money into your life, but it also lets you appreciate what you have and give more.

What Will Your Manifestation Look Like?

Manifesting turns your desires into reality.

We all have a higher purpose in this world, big dreams we want to achieve. By getting clear about what you want, releasing limiting beliefs, and trusting in the higher plan the universe has in store for you, you can achieve anything.

Now it’s time to turn all this insight into action!

Grab a notebook and spend five to 10 minutes answering these questions:

What limiting beliefs are you willing to let go of right now? What blessings will you welcome into your life without those beliefs to block them?

Remember: The universe has big plans for you, but only you can take action. I hope this inspires you to adopt an open and abundant mindset and receive the gifts the universe has waiting for you.

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