Manifestation Experiment - Easy Way to Learn About LOA

[TonyToneTone]

I got inspired by ALG's post that many of us weren't shooting for large enough goals with our manifestations.

Here’s an easy exercise to get you used to the law of attraction. I got this idea from a talk by my friend Helen Gray.

Grab a pen and paper and write out three things that you would like to see in your life; one small thing, one medium thing, and one large thing. For the small thing, keep it very small, such as a sandwich or a cup of coffee. For the medium thing, make it slightly larger, such as a raise, car, vacation, etc.. For the large thing, make it BIG! Some breakthrough goal like getting a new house, getting your book published, whatever it is that would catapult you to a new level.

Mine:
Small - 6 pack abs (manifested a sandwich the first time around)
Medium - Teaching a class
Large - BMW 650i Convertible

After you decide on your three items, I want you to write them on a note card and carry them with you each day. Every time you see your note card, see yourself as having the three items. You could also spend a minute or two each day focusing on your three items and seeing them as put of your current reality. The more you focus on each item, the greater the emotion and belief back of that item will be, and the faster your manifestations will appear in your reality.

On the back of your note card you can write an affirmation to help with your manifesting. Here are a few that could work:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
“I can do all things through God who strengthens me”
“I can do all things”
“The universe is making my manifestations a reality”

[WordKeeper]

I'm getting good at the small ones and having some success at the medium ones. Building up strength for the large ones.

note: don't post them b/c what is medium or big to me may not seem so to others. I find it important to protect my I/Ms from any negative influences.

[StacyT]

Originally Posted by WordKeeper

note: don't post them b/c what is medium or big to me may not seem so to others. I find it important to protect my I/Ms from any negative influences.

I'm right there with ya. I'm manifesting something huge. I went back and forth about whether to post it. I decided I'd like to stay in my happy place and not let people tell me it can't be done.

[Dreamline]

I learned fast not to discuss LOA successes or intentions.

I like this method. Thanks for the link to Helen Gray too.

Jennifer

[Angela]

Originally Posted by StacyT

I'm right there with ya. I'm manifesting something huge. I went back and forth about whether to post it. I decided I'd like to stay in my happy place and not let people tell me it can't be done.

Hey, StacyT -- I am inspired by you because you are doing it (whatever it is )!!

[Lil Chris]

Rules for manifesting:

Rule #1 - You don't struggle with the small stuff...

Rule #2 - It's all small stuff...

Happy Manifesting!

[TonyToneTone]

Originally Posted by Lil Chris

Rules for manifesting:

Rule #1 - You don't struggle with the small stuff...

Rule #2 - It's all small stuff...

Happy Manifesting!

I definitely agree with this. It's crazy how later on what was once a big deal will seem so small. Congrats on being a mod Chris!

note: don't post them b/c what is medium or big to me may not seem so to others. I find it important to protect my I/Ms from any negative influences.

Do you mean for me not to post them? I'll take them down if you think it will help others. And I definitely agree about it being important to protect your ims.

I posted my items as the energy on here is usually really good and supportive. There are times you can share your IMs with others, just make sure that it is with the right people. I recently shared my 2nd (teaching a class) with my good friend V. There was a great location that I wanted to use for my class and V told me she could get me that location and that her sister and her would also like to go through a trial run of my class before I taught anything. Talk about support

I'm right there with ya. I'm manifesting something huge. I went back and forth about whether to post it. I decided I'd like to stay in my happy place and not let people tell me it can't be done.

That sounds good! Can't wait to see what you come up with

Your response reminded me of when I decided to get serious about going to college. I was in high school, failing all my classes and on the verge of getting thrown out. I decided that I would not only go to college but that I would go to the University of Southern California as well. I worked hard for 3 1/2 years and didn't tell a single soul aside from the two people I asked to write me recommendations.

It was a surprise to everyone when I announced I had gotten in and was moving.

I learned fast not to discuss LOA successes or intentions.

I like this method. Thanks for the link to Helen Gray too.

Jennifer

Glad I could be of help. Helen is awesome.

[Lil Chris]

Originally Posted by TonyToneTone

Congrats on being a mod Chris!

Thanks man...

[smartile]

Originally Posted by Lil Chris

Rules for manifesting:

Rule #1 - You don't struggle with the small stuff...

Rule #2 - It's all small stuff...

Happy Manifesting!

You totally nailed that!

[Kanzeon]

Originally Posted by TonyToneTone

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

I read a book about Christ once. He lived his life with no possessions and was executed for challenging the prevailing wisdom of his culture.

I'm not sure why you think he'd want to get you a BMW. Maybe you read a different book.

[TonyToneTone]

Originally Posted by Kanzeon

I read a book about Christ once. He lived his life with no possessions and was executed for challenging the prevailing wisdom of his culture.

I'm not sure why you think he'd want to get you a BMW. Maybe you read a different book.

It's from Philippians 4:13. While 2 of my items are materialistic, some of the things people might write down are not. For instance, someone could be battling against cancer, or trying to save their home, or trying to stop drinking or doing drugs, or building a new life, and so on... For them, a powerful affirmation where they call on someone like Christ (or Buddha or Muhammad for the non-Chrisitans) could be of real value.

[Kanzeon]

Originally Posted by TonyToneTone

It's from Philippians 4:13. While 2 of my items are materialistic, some of the things people might write down are not. For instance, someone could be battling against cancer, or trying to save their home, or trying to stop drinking or doing drugs, or building a new life, and so on... For them, a powerful affirmation where they call on someone like Christ (or Buddha or Muhammad for the non-Chrisitans) could be of real value.

I see. You want a BMW. He wanted to be nailed to a cross. How nice we all get what we want.

You have a right to your spritual beliefs. But they don't stem from Gautama "life is suffering" Buddha or Jesus "eye of the needle" Christ, and are largely antithetical to their teachings.

[TonyToneTone]

Originally Posted by Kanzeon

I see. You want a BMW. He wanted to be nailed to a cross. How nice we all get what we want.

You have a right to your spritual beliefs. But they don't stem from Gautama "life is suffering" Buddha or Jesus "eye of the needle" Christ, and are largely antithetical to their teachings.

If someone is Christian and wanted to attract something positive into their life, and called upon their power and faith in Christ, I would have no problem with that, regardless of whether it would be a healthier body, a new house, or even a new car.

If anyone's beliefs are antithetical to their teachings, it would be yours. If you really understood what they taught, then you would see that you could have want you want in life.

[Kanzeon]

Originally Posted by TonyToneTone

If anyone's beliefs are antithetical to their teachings, it would be yours. If you really understood what they taught, then you would see that you could have want you want in life.

I already have what I want in life. I got it without manifesting. If you want more than you have, and manifesting works for you, wonderful.

I haven't said what I believe. It isn't particularly relevant.

But I don't determine the meaning of Christianity, or Buddhism. The Buddha taught to let go of attachment. The things that the Buddha taught were positives were selflessness and enlightenment, which are the opposite of focusing attachments. In the Bible, almost no one gets what they want materially. Read the Book of Job sometime. Christ taught that the positive to be sought was the Kingdom of Heaven, to be attained by focus on the poor and a healthy dose of self-sacrifice.

There isn't anything wrong with wanting a BMW. I hope you get it, if it makes you happy. I am hardly out of line in noting that such a request has no support in either Christianity or Buddhism.

[TonyToneTone]

Originally Posted by Kanzeon

I already have what I want in life. I got it without manifesting. If you want more than you have, and manifesting works for you, wonderful.

I haven't said what I believe. It isn't particularly relevant.

But I don't determine the meaning of Christianity, or Buddhism. The Buddha taught to let go of attachment. The things that the Buddha taught were positives were selflessness and enlightenment, which are the opposite of focusing attachments. In the Bible, almost no one gets what they want materially. Read the Book of Job sometime. Christ taught that the positive to be sought was the Kingdom of Heaven, to be attained by focus on the poor and a healthy dose of self-sacrifice.

There isn't anything wrong with wanting a BMW. I hope you get it, if it makes you happy. I am hardly out of line in noting that such a request has no support in either Christianity or Buddhism.

If you got what you want out of life, wouldn't that mean you manifested it?

Your responses have shown to a certain extent what you do believe. And if you don't determine the meaning of Christianity or Buddhism, why criticize my beliefs about them? Also, I never said that I asked Christ for a BMW, you automatically assumed that. I listed possible affirmations one could use for what they are manifesting.

I am however a FIRM believer that if you were to adopt a Christ-like method to your work and life you could have what you want from it.

[Kanzeon]

Originally Posted by TonyToneTone

If you got what you want out of life, wouldn't that mean you manifested it?
.

No, of course it wouldn't. Ask Warren Buffett whether he manifested what he wanted. I'm sure you will get a puzzled look.

Perhaps your response would be that Buffett manifested his success, whether he used that label or not. But that is the thinking of a person who conforms other people's experiences to his own framework, just as you decided that the teachings of Christ are congruent with your beliefs, despite the ample evidence that the teachings in many areas conflict with your beliefs. This shows a basic disrespect for ideas and individuals.

[TonyToneTone]

Originally Posted by Kanzeon

No, of course it wouldn't. Ask Warren Buffett whether he manifested what he wanted. I'm sure you will get a puzzled look.

Perhaps your response would be that Buffett manifested his success, whether he used that label or not. But that is the thinking of a person who conforms other people's experiences to his own framework, just as you decided that the teachings of Christ are congruent with your beliefs, despite the ample evidence that the teachings in many areas conflict with your beliefs. This shows a basic disrespect for ideas and individuals.

I don't feel they conflict with my own beliefs especially considering I have applied his teachings and had success with them. And wouldn't you be guilty of doing exactly what you said I am guilty of?

[Kanzeon]

Originally Posted by TonyToneTone

I don't feel they conflict with my own beliefs especially considering I have applied his teachings and had success with them. And wouldn't you be guilty of doing exactly what you said I am guilty of?

No.

I don't need to resolve conflicts with other belief systems and pretend they are reflections of my own.

I don't claim that my beliefs are consistent with or an application of Christianity if in fact they conflict with scriptures. I don't claim that my beliefs are consistent with or an application of Buddhism if they exclude major themes, like suffering or attachement. I certainly wouldn't claim that Christianity and Buddhism are the same.

I will take you at your word that you manifest things in your life. But I will also take Warren Buffett, Jesus Christ, and Buddha at their words - ALL of their words, not just the ones I like. I don't have a problem with "conflict" between beliefs or accepting the diversity of belief - you, on the other hand, decided that because I have success, I must have manifested it, regardless of whether I, who created that success, may have experienced.

[TonyToneTone]

I don't claim that my beliefs are consistent with or an application of Christianity if in fact they conflict with scriptures. I don't claim that my beliefs are consistent with or an application of Buddhism if they exclude major themes, like suffering or attachement.

Do they conflict with scriptures? Or do they just conflict with your ideas about scriptures? I would guess it's the latter. It's all up for interpretation hence the reason there are over 200 different sects of Christianity. Also, I explained before why I included that affirmation as one that people could use and yet you completely disregarded it.

And yes, I do believe you manifested your success whether you realize it or not. If you would like to continue to find fault with what I posted and my responses, that's fine. This will probably be my last response to this as I feel there are better things I can do with my time and energy then trying to change someone's mind.

[Kanzeon]

Originally Posted by TonyToneTone

It's all up for interpretation

If it's all up for interpretation, then there isn't any point in discussing anything, or invoking the name of Christ or Buddha, since they don't stand for anything. There isn't any point in talking about much of anything at all.

And yes, I do believe you manifested your success whether you realize it or not.

That is manifesting arrogance, rudeness and narrow-mindedness. I wouldn't project my beliefs onto your success - you don't pay the same respect to others. Your truth is the only truth, just because it's yours. I must admit it is interesting to meet an actual solipisist - they are a rare breed.

This will probably be my last response to this as I feel there are better things I can do with my time and energy then trying to change someone's mind.

Yes, there are many things, like learning that there are other viewpoints in the world, and stop telling other people what they believe, or that your way is the only way.

[TonyToneTone]

Yes, there are many things, like learning that there are other viewpoints in the world, and stop telling other people what they believe, or that your way is the only way.

You should take your own advice then buddy.

[Kanzeon]

Originally Posted by TonyToneTone

You should take your own advice then buddy.

Since you're so interested in challenges, I'd rather wait for you to manifest a change in my attitude.

[TonyToneTone]

Originally Posted by Kanzeon

Since you're so interested in challenges, I'd rather wait for you to manifest a change in my attitude.

That was actually quite good Thanks.

[Acting Like Godot]

Kanzeon, you might be surprised. If you really look very closely at LOA teachings (say, the version taught by Abraham Hicks) and at Buddhist teachings and Christian teachings, you will find many parallels and similarities.

They will not be identical. It is like how a chemistry textbook will discuss atoms and molecules, and how a physics textbook will discuss atoms and molecules. The discussion will not be identical. But there will be many parallels and similarities.

LOA is a loose term. It is the notion that your mind creates your reality. Then there is the question of what are we supposed to do with this notion, how do we apply it, what are we to make of it? And here there are many different schools of thought. Christianity and Buddhism influences also do come into the picture.

A simple example will be this book "The Amazing Laws of Cosmic Mind Power" by a Christian pastor, Joseph Murphy. A somewhat tacky title. But what is the book about? It is a collection of dozens of real-life anecdotes that this pastor has gathered, in carrying out his work as a pastor. Typically someone in his congregation will have a problem; the person comes to Joseph for advice and help, in his capacity as pastor; Joseph then teaches them and advises them to pray; then some highly improbable, miraculous event occurs, and the prayer is answered, the problem is solved.

Now if you read Joseph Murphy's advice on how to pray, you'll see that it is standard LOA advice. Pray with deep faith, conviction, confidence, positive emotions, use mental images; focus on the desired end result, even if you have no clue how it can possibly come about etc.

It is no different from, say, a book like "The Law of Attraction" by Michael Losier, or "The Master Key System" by Charles Haanel, who would not use the word "pray", but instead substitutes it with the phrase "think about your goals". In other words, you are to "think about your goals with deep faith, conviction, confidence, positive emotions, use mental images; focus on the desired end result, even if you have no clue how it can possibly come about etc."

There are even closer parallels between Buddhism and Abraham teachings. They are different philosophies built around the same subject-matter of mind/reality. I once considered Abraham's teachings to be a less evolved, less enlightened version of Buddha's teachings; then later I considered Buddha's teachings to be a less evolved, less enlightened version of Abraham's teachings; then I grew uncertain. And finally I read an explanation of the need for Buddha's 80,000 teachings - essentially, he had offered such a great number of different teachings, because different individuals are at different stages of spiritual growth, and he wanted to map a possible route for individuals at every different level. And I see now that the same could be said for Abraham; one takes whatever one is ready to take, from his teachings, and the rest of it, one leaves behind. Simple as that.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Kanzeon

I certainly wouldn't claim that Christianity and Buddhism are the same.

Not the same, but ultimately they are merely descriptions of the same thing. I recommend the works of Thich Nhat Hanh (whom Martin Luther King Jr nominated for the Nobel Prize for Peace). Two books you may be interested to read are:

"Living Buddha, Living Christ"
Amazon.com: Living Buddha, Living Christ: Thich Nhat Hanh: Books

"Going Home - Jesus and Buddha as Brothers"
Amazon.com: Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers: Thich Nhat Hanh: Books

[Kanzeon]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Kanzeon, you might be surprised. If you really look very closely at LOA teachings (say, the version taught by Abraham Hicks) and at Buddhist teachings and Christian teachings, you will find many parallels and similarities.

I was raised in the Catholic Church and took plenty of religions and philosophy classes at a Catholic University. Later, I took refuge in a Tibetan sangha.

They will not be identical. It is like how a chemistry textbook will discuss atoms and molecules, and how a physics textbook will discuss atoms and molecules. The discussion will not be identical. But there will be many parallels and similarities.

As to the nature of reality, Christianity and Buddhism are very different: Christianity is fundamentally dualistic, and based on notions of permanence, as was a good deal of Greek philosophy. Buddhism is based in nondualism and impermanence. The workings of the universe are very different under each model.

It is the notion that your mind creates your reality.

That would be idealism, not LOA.

Then there is the question of what are we supposed to do with this notion, how do we apply it, what are we to make of it?

That would be LOA - an approach of radical idealism and ultimately solipsism.

Typically someone in his congregation will have a problem; the person comes to Joseph for advice and help, in his capacity as pastor; Joseph then teaches them and advises them to pray; then some highly improbable, miraculous event occurs, and the prayer is answered, the problem is solved.

In traditional Christianity, prayer is answered at the discretion of God. In LOA, it is reversed, and God is your puppet. In traditional Christian thought, prayer for selfish motives and material things is disfavored - those are the sorts of prayers God will not answer.

[Kanzeon]

As to Thich Nhat Hanh, it has been awhile since I read his works, but to my recollection largely he focused on similarities in ethics and spiritual practice, not claims of unity or similarity in metaphysics. Is prayer similar to mediation? Sure, but it depends on the tradition, because both are so varied. Do the major religions teach similar ethical precepts? Absolutely. That doesn't make them the same religion, or even similar religions.

The Buddha is said to have lived on a single grain of rice a day. Christ lived in poverty, associated with the outcasts of society, and suffered a grisly death. These aren't guys who are going to give you a car, or a nice house.

[Acting Like Godot]

I must confess that I do not aspire to live on one grain of rice per day. Nor do I wish to die a grisly death. However, I do not think that Buddha ever taught that people in general should aim to live on one grain of rice per day. Nor did Jesus ever advocate grisly deaths as a good idea, for people in general.

Do you wish to live on one grain of rice per day? Would you like to die a grisly death? Do you think that either experience would be beneficial and positive, for you, or for the human race, or the world in general?

If so, why have you not proceeded with your plan?

The question arises - what might Buddha or Jesus like to see, in the way that a modern-day person (eg you, or me, or Tony Tone Tone) lives his life? To bring the LOA more squarely into the picture, how would the above contrast with the way that, say, Abraham might like to see, in the way that a modern-day person (eg you, or me, or Tony Tone Tone) lives his life?

Have you considered that?

*************

To me, a very central idea of Christianity is universal love.

To me, a very central idea of Buddhism is understanding what we normally perceive as reality, is in fact not "reality", but a creation of our own minds. Buddhism teaches us not to be fooled by the apparent separateness of things - there is no separation, no "other".

Well, it so happens that both these central ideas of Christianity and Buddhism are also central ideas in Abraham Hicks.

The pillar of Abraham's teachings is what he calls the emotional guidance scale. At the top end of the EGS is love. (Other occupants being wisdom, joy and peace etc). At the bottom end of the EGS are emotions like hate, fear and anger. In case you're not familiar, Abraham's main teaching is that people should constantly move, as best as they can, towards the top end of the scale. If his teachings had to be summarised in one sentence, this would be a good summary - "Keep moving towards Love."

As for the topic of reality, mind etc, well, the parallels between Abraham and Buddha are so striking that anyone who knows both sets of teachings will see the parallels immediately. The real fundamental difference may be expressed as follows:

(1) Buddha teaches people how to stop creating their own suffering;
(2) Abraham teaches people how to start creating their joys

And the end result, if it comes to be, is, quite frankly, the same.

**** To Be Continued ****

[Acting Like Godot]

Where am I going with this discussion?

I am not advocating that anyone should become a Buddhist. I am not advocating that anyone should become a Christian. I am not advocating that anyone should follow Abraham's teachings (or the teachings of any other LOA "guru").

I am saying that all these separate schools of thought have some striking similarities. And I do suggest that if you are a Christian, you could very possibly learn something valuable about your own Christian faith, if you were to explore other schools as well. Similarly for the Buddhists, and the Abraham fans, and whatever else.

In a sense, all are merely different maps of the same territory. Each map contains some info that the others do not. Read all maps, and you get a much better sense of the territory. Better still, step into the territory and see for yourself.

It is the same for prayer, meditation, creative visualisation, hypnosis etc. Doing one helps you to better understand the other.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Kanzeon

These aren't guys who are going to give you a car, or a nice house.

Truly that is your opinion. If you analyse it logically, you might see that it doesn't hold up so well.

If you go by the traditional Christian version of God, well, basically He is omnipotent, omnipresent, all-knowing, and pretty much nothing ever happens except according to His plan, and at least with his acquiesence.

So it doesn't matter whether it is a car, or a nice house, or a old bicycle, or a broken-down little hut, or one grain of rice, or a huge feast. If you have it, it was part of God's plan.

*******************

The Buddhist view is even more generally misunderstood.

Surprise, surprise. Buddhism has nothing against material possessions or luxuries. Here is the point that people regularly miss. Buddha has taught that everything is impermanent.

Therefore in Buddhism, a new BMW convertible has the same status as an old, secondhand bicycle. A nice house has the same status as a broken-down little hut. All these things are impermanent. All these things are illusory.

What Buddhism warns us about is attachment. And here is an important point - it is the nature of the untrained human mind to attach. The rich man may attach to his nice house; the poor man may attach just as much, or even more, to his old hut. The rich man may attach to his BMW convertible, the poor man may attach just as much, or even more, to his bicycle.

Thus a man can be very, very enlightened, or very, very unenlightened, and at the same time, he might have many, many material luxuries, or none at all. In the Buddhist framework, the real measure is the measure of your attachment to your material possessions, rather than the price tag or market value of your material possessions.