Sure, I’ve been to sound bathing sessions and yoga retreats in the past, but I consider myself to be a person who possesses a healthy level of cynicism. I favour health practitioners over reiki healers and would say I sit somewhere between spiritually curious and religiously agnostic.
So, when a friend said she had a spare ticket to see a spiritual leader on tour from the US, I didn’t exactly jump at the chance. I could think of a laundry list of things I’d rather do on a Saturday, but there was a voice in the back of my mind that told me to go. Call it intuition or call it fate, but it was transformative.
I’d been feeling a bit stuck for some time and couldn’t quite put my finger on what needed to change. But over the course of the day, as I was captivated by the person on stage, it became crystal clear to me. That person was Gabrielle Bernstein, a best-selling author, motivational speaker, podcaster, and spiritual self-help mentor who counts Oprah Winfrey among her fans. As she explained the power of manifesting and took the audience through the process, something shifted. It’s been a mainstay in my life ever since.
Attracting more of what you want
At its core, manifesting is the practice of focusing your thoughts, feelings, and energy on a desired outcome to make it a reality. It’s rooted in the idea that your mindset and intentions can influence your life and the world around you.
While it’s not a new concept, it has soared in popularity in recent years. According to Google data, online searches for “manifesting” rose more than 600 per cent during the first few months of the pandemic. This was, no doubt, thanks to people leaning into positive thinking to help them find hope in the face of uncertainty.
The dictionary defines it as something “to appear or become clear”, but Gabby’s definition is slightly different. She describes manifesting as “cultivating the experience of what it is that you want to feel – and then living and believing in that experience so that you can allow it to come into form.”
Case in point: Cast your mind back to the last time you had a bad day. Maybe you were running late, spilt coffee down your shirt, and then, to top things off, had a fight with your partner. As your mood got worse, so did your day. On the flip side, when a stranger gives you a compliment or you find a forgotten $50 note in the pocket of your jeans, it’s almost impossible to be grumpy.
“The energy we put out, we get more of back,” explains Gabby. “So when we find a sense of calm and connection, we start putting out a better energetic vibration, and that energy is like a boomerang – it comes back to us tenfold.”
Asking the universe for directions
According to Gabby, manifesting isn’t about controlling outcomes. Nor is it chasing short-term desires, like a new car or a lottery ticket win.
“The secret to manifesting is to forget what you think you need. When we let go of what we think we need, we also let go of the timeline of when we think we need it. It’s about having a desire for something, but then letting it go and trusting that it will happen – or something better will.”
And by following what Gabby calls her “Spiritually Aligned Action Method” – swapping fear for faith – she believes you can attract the life you’re meant to live in the process.
“Whether you’re seeking personal growth, love, or career success, this method helps you tap into your inner wisdom and the limitless support of the universe. When your energy is aligned with joy, service and trust, you become a magnet for your deepest desires.”
From dream to reality
Here are four simple tips for implementing Gabby’s manifestation method.
1. Be clear about your intentions
Switch your thinking from “What can I get?” to “How can I give back?”
“True manifestations begin with a desire that is rooted in inspiration and service to others, not ego or fear. When your desire both brings you joy and serves others it becomes a powerful force for change,” explains Gabby.
“For example, if you’re looking for love it may mean that the more love and romance you have in your life, the more you can spread. If you have abundance, that can be a gift that you give back to those around you.”
2. Believe you’re being supported
Belief is the fuel that powers your goals. When your desire is clear and inspired it’s easier to trust that the universe is working on your behalf. Gabby recommends holding our vision lightly (as opposed to a strong grip), and adding the affirmation “This or something better” to remain open to greater possibilities.
“People usually block their manifestations when they’re trying to control the outcome. Let go because it could turn out even better than you imagined.”
3. Take action towards your goal
It’s unlikely you’ll make many changes from the couch, so taking action is essential. For example, if you want to change careers, reach out and start connecting with people in that field or update your resumé.
“Trust your intuition, stay connected to your purpose, and take steps that feel right without seeking external validation,” Gabby advises.
4. Be patient – and look for signs
Manifestations unfold in their own time and patience is key. Forcing outcomes can create resistance. “When you’re trying to control an outcome or a timeline, you’re actually in the way of it. Trust the timing of the universe.”
When we see people with what we want, Gabby says, it’s a sign that what we desire is on the way.
“The universe is going to give you a lot of reasons to compare yourself, but it’s a reason to celebrate. Your turn is coming.”
Self Help: This Is Your Chance To Change Your Life, by Gabrielle Bernstein, is out now. Visit gabbybernstein.com for details of her May tour.
