How it works ? Opinions

[jeff3]

I have read a lot of ideas about exactly how this (LOA/manifestation) works and while I have not settled on any one thing I tend to keep coming back to this: The Edinburgh Lectures on mental science by Thomas Troward - Chapter 9 , some of the terminology is outdated by todays standards but I can get around that. While I understand that it may be beyond our ability at this time to "know" exactly how this works I think a continued effort to understand it will eventually yield results and with understanding will come better application. I'm not saying Thomas Troward has the answers ,I'm just wanting input from others on this. My search for answers has led me through religions, various philosophies, occult/magick, physics and more. I think all these areas provide information that helps sift out the answers but, if taken individually, they are just models to follow. There are several lectures on the site, just use the buttons at the bottom to navigate. I chose to link to this one because it covers his opinions on the "how".

It does answer a lot of questions about how opposing thoughts may cancel each other and this except from the lecture on "The Will" may explain why a 'cheerful' instead of 'fearful' attitude while visualizing will produce more enjoyable results.--


We may not be able to see very far, but there is one safe general principle to be gained from what has already been said about causes and conditions, which is that the whole sequence always partakes of the same character as the initial cause: if that character is negative, that is, destitute of any desire to externalize kindness, cheerfulness, strength, beauty or some other sort of good, this negative quality will make itself felt all down the line; but if the opposite affirmative character is in the original motive, then it will reproduce its kind in forms of love, joy, strength and beauty with unerring precision. Before setting out, therefore, to produce new conditions by the exercise of our thought-power we should weigh carefully what further results they are likely to lead to; and here, again, we shall find an ample field for the training of our will, in learning to acquire that self-control which will enable us to postpone an inferior present satisfaction to a greater prospective good.

[cdn2wheeler]

Brilliant find. Thanks for posting, I suspect there's some real gems of information in the link.

[Dan.Linehan]

I agree Jeff, thanks for the great insight.

I am actually going to sticky this thread. Lets see what we find out.

[Gmurray]

Thanks Jeff. I hadn't ever seen this link before. For my humble intelligence, however, it is pretty complicated. At first read, at least.

Here are my toughts...
Not my own thoughts, just my own languaging. I thinks it's absolutely critical to understand what exactly intention is in order to build up an a theory on how to cause results by using it in our daily lives and actions.

I say intention is "being and doing as if you already have what it is you intend". For instance, if you want to be a millionaire, are you acting more like Paul Allen or someone who has nothing to give to others and those around him/her? Someone poor in spirit. If you are bored in your relationship, are you being Mr. Excitement, are you giving every ounce of your self to your partner, leaving it all out on the field, being as exciting as you can be, doing activities with him/her that leave you both breathless, enjoying life to the fullest? If so, and you were still bored, then you would probably be really confused. And, you leave that relationship, if that's what it came down to, knowing that you truly were intending on manifesting your intention of an exciting relationship.

I think visualizing what we want is great. And everyone should do that. That has your intention be clear, detailed, understood, and brought alive for you in the present. Then you can align the ways you behave and act and show up in the world towards your goal. With all you have to give it.

"The Secret" leaves so many people thinking that all we have to do is THINK happy thoughts. That is the McDonalds Fast-Thru way that Americans too often want. And, honestly, it might work for a parking space here and there. But, it won't produce consistent tangible results in the domains of life that are most meaningful to us. That takes courage, spirit, and heart.

Cheers,
Greg

[themaster]

Hmm.. dredged this up from a old thread.. these are my theories on how it works they come from my original scientific perspective moving on into my working spiritual/religious perspective

There are only two basic theories behind what LOA is.. (my theories)

1. Mind Programming (see Steve Pinkers psychological papers)

2. Religion
- Universe.. unproven energy (or can only be proved on a individual basis)
- Has teachings about life after death
- Has a interesting sect phenomenon

There is a 3rd theory.. I have..
- Telepathy.. if we were all linked by telepathy.. then we could broadcast our thoughts Telepathically and people would respond cause they could receive them..

In this theory.. it's hard to actually disprove what isn't Telepathy.. you find a quarter on the street.. did a person not drop that quarter for you because you sent out telepathy to have it dropped?

(I've found that the only tests that seem to be able to prove it's not involved with human interaction and would be the *universe* would be a solar flare.. or messing with the weather (solar flare less likely too interpretation of human intervention) but either way.. these are hard tests to do.. and prove on a individual basis.. I wouldn't try convincing your therapist or fellow man)

[CoolStuff]

The whole thing with negative and positive thoughts towards growing plants in a controlled environment shows this. There's been other occurances of noticing that thoughts matter.

[mlbr23]

That was very insightful sharing.

I've formulated some explanatory theories as well.

I wonder if anyone of you read Scott Adams' (Dilbert) book, The Dilbert Future?

In it, he proposed that we are living in an infinite multiverse and every choice we make, our consciousness somehow migrates from one body to another in a parallel universe that matches our choice.

So when we strongly intend something, we travel to another universe, seamlessly, that matches our desire.

Another theory that I have is rooted in the quantum physics observer effect - we get what we 'expect' to see.

My third theory is that it all has something to do with our reticular activating system (if that was the correct term) - i.e. our brains' ability to pick out and spot anything that we had set our mind upon, that which we had initially ignored or not noticed.

[jeff3]

Originally Posted by mlbr23

That was very insightful sharing.

I've formulated some explanatory theories as well.

I wonder if anyone of you read Scott Adams' (Dilbert) book, The Dilbert Future?

In it, he proposed that we are living in an infinite multiverse and every choice we make, our consciousness somehow migrates from one body to another in a parallel universe that matches our choice.

So when we strongly intend something, we travel to another universe, seamlessly, that matches our desire.

Another theory that I have is rooted in the quantum physics observer effect - we get what we 'expect' to see.

My third theory is that it all has something to do with our reticular activating system (if that was the correct term) - i.e. our brains' ability to pick out and spot anything that we had set our mind upon, that which we had initially ignored or not noticed.

I've considered the "multi-verse" theory, but never heard the explanation include migrating consciousness, that would take some of the wrinkles out of that theory.

As far as the reticular activating system (RAS) goes, I think it plays a part in the whole process but it can't be responsible for bringing things into our lives, it is biologic and relies on input from the senses. The RAS can't cause the delivery man to accidentally come to your house where you discover he has the exact car for sale that you are looking for. If something is within your physical sphere the RAS can point it out, but can't bring it to you.

The deeper questions are:

what is the medium that our thoughts impress upon ?

what is it's "language" ?

does it respond to complex thought, feelings, concepts, or symbols more effectively ?

does it have a set of rules, or do we make the rules by assuming them to be true ?

is it volitional, have preferences, a plan ?

Is it responsible for 'everything' or is it part of something larger ?

[Lil Chris]

Thanks for this thread... I'd like to share my thoughts...

In the movie "what the bleep do we know" someone made a statement of our brain processes like 400,000 bits of info a second, but we can only consciously process or administer like 2,000 of the 400,000... Perhaps when we shift our thoughts to new and exciting things, all we're really doing is tuning into the other 400,000 bits of info/data that already exists (but that are located in the part we don't process consciously)

Just a thought...

[XeutonMojukai]

This is how I do Intention-Manifestation...

As a shaman, I use conversations with the spirits to enchant objects, turning them into fetishes.

One of my most recent projects is using leather thread and beads to create a fetish necklace that will passively put intentions on me whenever I wear it.

Among the ones on my preliminary necklace are:

Protection
Wealth
Health
Love
Sex
Survival
Nourishment
Shelter
Security
Friendship

They have worked surprisingly well, and I look forward to applying this ability to a more complex and powerful form.

~ David

[dave marshall]

Hi,

has anyone read the seth material? it is the basis for much of our understanding of manifesting!!

dave

[jeff3]

Originally Posted by dave marshall

Hi,

has anyone read the seth material? it is the basis for much of our understanding of manifesting!!

dave

Yes , I have , and I would venture a guess that most here have read at least some of it. The Seth material, as well as most everything else is about "techniques" and methods, what i was looking for with this thread was opinions about the links I posted which deal with the real inner workings of how thought creates reality, what is the mechanism. It is possible, actually likely, that we do not possess the knowledge to accurately describe exactly what happens.

My reason for this quest is that I feel a better understanding of the actual process would be analogous to our understanding of electricity. All the material out there just tells us various methods of flipping the switch, but none of them really describe what goes on behind the scenes. Better understanding means better application. Maybe I'm looking for something we just can't see yet.

[dave marshall]

Hi,

in my experience what you are seeking is beyond the intellect and so must be experience in the 'unknown' reality seth talks about. Have you tried any of the excercises in the unknown reality books/



Dave

[jeff3]

Originally Posted by dave marshall

Hi,

in my experience what you are seeking is beyond the intellect and so must be experience in the 'unknown' reality seth talks about. Have you tried any of the excercises in the unknown reality books/



Dave

In 1997 I had an "other worldly" experience that changed my life, it lasted 3 hours and for that brief time I felt connected to everything, very much like the descriptions I have heard of people attaining 'cosmic consciousness' . This was a spontaneous event, that occurred during a time of great stress in my life, I had no prior exposure to any metaphysical teaching, reading or even any interest in such things but the insight that accompanied the feelings of ecstasy was that "I am responsible" and "thought creates", "the mess I was in was my creation and only I could fix it". Shortly after that experience several problems in my life spontaneously and mysteriously righted themselves and I have been hooked ever since.

I agree that the knowledge is probably beyond our current understanding and thus will not be found in books, but instead, gained through intuitive insights.

[dave marshall]

Hi Jeff,

since childhood I have had these type of experiencesd so I know what these are like. To truly understand how reality operates cannot be in any book as books are of the intelect but I beleive that information can lead us to the doorway of understanding, then we have to leave the intelect behind and head into our other senses that operate beyond the physical experience.

dave

[Anagogy]

If all things are truly one, and separation is ultimately an illusion relegated to the level of form, then intention-manifestation is simply the correction of the distortion or perspective that we are ever separate from that which we desire.

Desire implies separation (otherwise you'd feel no need to connect with the object of your desire), so to make things come out the way you want, feel the satisfaction that you would have if you achieved your goals now. I've noticed in my own manifestations that when I believe I have already achieved my goals, or if I am utterly content with a given action never occurring, the resistance to my intent is minimal. Mark my words, when you picture your intent as a force, you will always be met with some kind of resistance. Force breeds resistance.

You see, all resistance and pain comes from ignoring the flow of vitality. We have perceived ourselves separated from the one, and created egos (or limited identities), and because these identities are limited, we are often at odds with the flow of creation because we tend to picture ourselves as separate from the field of creation. We chose to perceive rather than know, and in perceiving, we became subject to false perception, making the illusion all the more real. The fallen ones must learn the hard way, but they also get to experience the sublime joy of reunification.

If you could shed your limited self, you could wake up to your unlimited self. You'd become completely coextensive with reality, be all knowing, omnipresent, and have all power at your disposal. I believe that is what enlightenment is. You never separated from the one, you just perceived yourself as such. Real separation is not possible. If it was, the law of attraction would not work, because it functions precisely because we are unified in consciousness. All things are thoughts. Everything you are experiencing right now is a thought, even the things you believe are actually "physical".

Some people wonder why they can't lift rocks with their mind like a jedi, or lift a 3 ton vehicle with their bare hands. It's because they won't allow their thoughts the same "realness" they give other "physical" things in this world. It would take a high level of mastery, and a very secure mind to be able to do those things without going insane. Most people are not ready to give up their illusions about how "unsolid" reality really is. But for a glimmer, Michael Talbot's Holographic Universe is an interesting read.

[Bene]

Originally Posted by Anagogy

If all things are truly one, and separation is ultimately an illusion relegated to the level of form, then intention-manifestation is simply the correction of the distortion or perspective that we are ever separate from that which we desire.

Desire implies separation (otherwise you'd feel no need to connect with the object of your desire), so to make things come out the way you want, feel the satisfaction that you would have if you achieved your goals now. I've noticed in my own manifestations that when I believe I have already achieved my goals, or if I am utterly content with a given action never occurring, the resistance to my intent is minimal. Mark my words, when you picture your intent as a force, you will always be met with some kind of resistance. Force breeds resistance.

I like your posts Anagogy. I've realized this some time ago too that "knowing" that results have already manifested and not caring for the eventual result is the same thing (eastern teachings of not being attached to the result and western teachings of "If you will but have faith of a mustard seed you can move a mountain"). It is an inclusion based universe and so the more the seperateness... the more the difficulty in all areas of life including manifesting.

All scenarios are already here. We just have to make a choice. And Choices that we get it in our "being" like you've said in your other post.

And interestingly I am finding that this "believing that what I want already has been done or already exists" is a much more faster and easier way for me to manifest what I want.

Anagogy, What do you practically do to "get there in the mind" before being there in the body/physical? One thing I do is to kick out all doubts and disbelief as soon as they enter my mind. I try to tell myself that I have only "one choice" or one option and there is none other so the manifestation is already manifested. I just have to walk forward in time. Thanks!

[Anagogy]

Originally Posted by Bene

I like your posts Anagogy.

Thank you for the compliment.

Originally Posted by Bene

Anagogy, What do you practically do to "get there in the mind" before being there in the body/physical? One thing I do is to kick out all doubts and disbelief as soon as they enter my mind. I try to tell myself that I have only "one choice" or one option and there is none other so the manifestation is already manifested. I just have to walk forward in time. Thanks!

Personally, I do my best to turn my thoughts downstream. Somewhat similar to how you convince yourself that there is only one choice. I increase the probability of successful manifestation by magnifying the perception of inevitability. As you noted, we live in an inclusion based universe, so the more you think about what you want, the more of that you will include in your conscious reality. You can't focus on something without gaining some amount of vibrational compatibility with it.

I also remind myself, that I am already a part of the unified reality. I know some part of me already knows all the necessary steps to get from point A to point B. All I have to do is align with the consciousness of success, to have things play out how I intend them to. All negative feelings and emotions arise because we have given attention to a concept that does not agree with the deeper reality. Nobody is out to get us. There is no opposition. The world "out there" is as much a part of you as your physical arm is. It is only when we maintain the preconception that we are separate from the whole that it behaves as such.

As Abraham teaches, action is intended as a means for us to enjoy that which is created by thought. Our job is simply the emotional journey, the action will be taken care of automatically, either by my natural physical inclinations or another's -- it makes no difference.

[MrLawofAttraction]

In reading everyones posts I was really impressed with all the unique and different points of view everyone has and from the different disciplines.
It really hit on something with me....from a great blog post that Steve published.

Reality is subjective to your point of view and we manufacture our reality based upon our upbringing , experiences and social influences . But most importantly by how we choose to see things.

I think the most effective way to really begin to master the process is through self actualization and observance of your own thought process' ....from there you can see how those parts of your mental reality map effect how you create your own unique experience. Studying your own cause and effect , so to speak.

Another important component is that "it all energy" and we are a connected to one another. The classic example of this is.. Thinking about someone whom your very close with and receiving a phone call from that person who happens to be on the other side of the world later that very day. Or what you feel when you hug someone that you love (that's not heat or just emotion that your feeling) It's that cosmic connectedness that everyone thinks is a mystery but it isn't . The only thing that separates us from that and each other is ourselves, it's in fact our natural state of being . Where we loose that connection is through our over active minds and through viewing ourselves as separate (trying to figure it all out )We tend to make it harder than it really is by taking on an identity based upon outside reference points . You dont really need to do that , all you have to do is to define for yourself , "what you thing is" . What you love or have a passion for , that element in life that just gets you all excited wanting to jump out of bed in the morning. What puts you in than highly charged positive creative state (your intention) and keep your focus there. When you are in that state of being I guarantee your life will manifest for you!

[vimoh]

Doubtless a lot of research has been done around here. I have read the Dilbert Future and have "aahhh"d and "hmmm"d in its wake.

In Dolores Cannon's book 'Conversations with a Spirit: Between Death and Life" one account suggests that when one is intent upon a thought, the resulting brainwaves become very obvious to any spirits in the vicinity (so to speak) and they do whatever thay can to bring it about through what would appear coincidences.

Of course, Cannon also says that it is in the best interest of spirits to help people. So there's the logic right there in that theory.

[Marco Polo]

Originally Posted by vimoh

Doubtless a lot of research has been done around here. I have read the Dilbert Future and have "aahhh"d and "hmmm"d in its wake.

In Dolores Cannon's book 'Conversations with a Spirit: Between Death and Life" one account suggests that when one is intent upon a thought, the resulting brainwaves become very obvious to any spirits in the vicinity (so to speak) and they do whatever thay can to bring it about through what would appear coincidences.

Of course, Cannon also says that it is in the best interest of spirits to help people. So there's the logic right there in that theory.

And on what logical basis does Cannon conclude that a spirit world even exists?