Manifestation Demystified

You're already manifesting every second of everyday whether you realize it or not. "Manifestation" has become such a buzzword, especially here in LA (we do love it). But the word comes with a lot of misinterpretations like having to do a bunch of weird rituals, only positive thoughts, and that you have to do something in order for it to work.

So what the heck is manifestation anyway? It's bringing a thought or an idea into physical reality. That's it. And we are doing it all of the time. It's not something you consciously do. We create our reality from our subconscious, the part of our minds that we aren't fully aware of, but influences the way we view reality. So in order to have the life we truly want to live, it's all about changing our perspective and the way we relate to life.

I thought I would share my process for this. I can't tell you how many things I've received in my life because of this method. I've booked stunt jobs I've dreamed of, stood on top of the podium for parkour events, and even down to things like a condo that I love so much. I really believe that what we deeply desire is meant for us. So even though manifestation is not a step by step process, which I will get into, here are some tangible ways to look at it.

1. Create a vision. Actually declare what you want and don't be afraid to dream big. This is sort of like putting directions in to a GPS. I usually start by crafting a list of what I'd really like to experience. And I come from a place of "it would be so cool if I....." whatever it may be. This automatically helps me see that I don't need anything to happen. I am already very much at peace either way.

2. Script it out. Write down your vision in present tense, as if you're living it now. Rather than saying "I want to travel more," it helps to get more specific. "I wake up in Italy, smelling the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I get up from my bed and see the view of the Adriatic sea." That feels way more exciting! The reason this is helpful is because it is training our RAS (reticular activating system) to understand that this version of you exists. It's the same thing as when someone says the words "red car" and you start to see them everywhere. Your subconscious doesn't know the difference between what's real and what's imagined. You can also do this with visualization if that's more your cup of tea. I personally do a bit of both.

3. Focus on the feeling. I can promise you right now that what you want is not actually what you want. It's about the feeling you think it will bring you. Most people will ask for something like 1 million dollars. But if you're given that sum of money and you're never allowed to touch it, you probably wouldn't care to have it. One million dollars comes with deeper feelings like a sense of freedom to do whatever you want, security knowing you're going to be okay or others around you are taken care of. It's not really about the money at all. So when you take the time to focus on the feeling, you might notice that you have access to that feeling right then and there! Then you can use this to see where else you experience this in life. If it is about freedom as an example, where else do you feel free in your life right now? Look for evidence that it already exists.

4. Embody that identity now. Begin showing up as the version of you that already has that life. Make choices from that mindset and energy. Ask yourself questions like "Does this align with who I choose to be?" This one is not about faking it. But it's realizing that you already have those capabilities within you. If you think about who you are now, likely you didn't act this way your whole life, eventually you took on a new identity. You can do this at any time. A quote that I love is, "You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago." -Alan Watts.

5. Dissolve the stories around why you can't. This is the part that is probably the most important, but the most skipped over. You might notice that when you think about your vision, thoughts will creep it saying it's not possible. My suggestion here is to get really curious about these. Ask yourself why. Where did this come from? Is it true? Spoiler alert: it's not true. It's just a small part of your identity but not the whole you. This part can be difficult because since we are creating from our subconscious identity, it's usually a part of us we aren't aware of, aka a blindspot! This is where my work is extremely beneficial. When you work with me, I am helping you to find the blindspot so it can be dissolved and integrated, therefore you are able to move forward as a new, more evolved you!

6. Take aligned action. A baby step is still a step. Ask yourself each day, "what is one thing I can do today to bring me closer to this goal?" You do not need to know the whole plan, in fact that can be a hindrance. If we go back to the GPS analogy, you don't usually know the whole route as you're driving it. You follow one step at a time. If you focus too much on the whole plan, you're setting yourself up with a lot of expectations, which often lead to disappointments. One step at a time is far less overwhelming and it leaves room for much bigger, better surprises to come in.

7. Detach from the outcome. As I just said, if we are too clingy towards it happening in a certain way, then it makes no space for something even better to happen. I have so many examples of this from my own life. You don't need this to happen. And when you can fully be at peace regardless of your current circumstances, that is the most magnetic energy. Drop the timelines for when this should happen. Drop the expectations and insistence. Stay in the energy of your vision, but stay open to how it arrives.

8. Trust the process. Look for evidence that it's working and celebrate the small wins. Sometimes things come up that we think are bad initially but then they turn out to be the stepping stone or lesson we need to grow in the direction of our dreams. "I asked the universe for flowers and it gave me rain. When you understand this, life starts to make sense." We don't know what's best for us most of the time, and I can assure you that most of us wouldn't want to go through challenges until we see what we get on the other side. This is where the trust comes in that whatever is happening is for your highest good. The amazing thing about life is that we get to create whatever meaning we want. So we may as well adopt empowering beliefs around this. One that I personally love is, "I am always on the right path. Life is happening for me, through me."

At the end of the day, manifestation isn’t about getting everything you want. It's really becoming the version of you that feels at home in the life you're currently living. It’s a practice in presence, belief, curiosity, and alignment. When you realize you’re already creating your life every single day, through your stories, thoughts and choices, you can start to do it with a little more compassion and intention.

So let's play with this energy and make it fun. Let your desires guide you rather than define you. Come back to these steps when you need a reminder, and don’t worry about being perfect. You’re already in motion and creating. The power is and always has been within you. There's nothing external that will change that. Sending you lots of love as always!

With love,

Sydney Olson