The ‘Law of Attraction’ and the Power of Manifestation have been getting a lot of attention in recent years. People believe that positive thoughts and belief in certain vibrations of the universe can help bring desires and goals into reality. But what does science say about this? How can we train our brains to attract the things we want? Let’s take a look at the 4 steps of manifestation from a neuroscience perspective.
Step 1: Thinking in Abundance
The manifestation process begins with an abundance mindset. Our brains are naturally wired for loss aversion, a survival mechanism that helps us avoid danger. This was crucial when we were living in caves: if you saw a juicy apple hanging from a tree but ignored a poisonous snake in the apple tree, you would quickly die. That’s why we tend to avoid risk, even in the modern world where the threats are more psychological than physical, such as losing a job or relationship.
Yet, focusing too much on loss avoidance can hold us back. Neuroscientists have discovered that training our brains to think more in abundance can help us recognize and seize opportunities. By consciously choosing positive thoughts and believing in abundance, we can rewire our brains to focus more on rewards than risks.
Neuroplasticity and Patience
The process of neuroplasticity plays a crucial role in manifestation. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form and strengthen new connections. When we repeatedly think of abundance and positive outcomes, neurons begin to form new, stronger pathways. However, this process takes time and patience. At first, it may seem like nothing is happening, but over time, the new neural pathways will become strong enough to change our behavior and perception of the world. There is a true tipping point when enough new neurons are in the pathway to support certain new habits and behaviors.
Value marking is a crucial process by which the brain prioritizes different things based on their importance.
Step 2 and 3: Selective Filtering and Attention
A key aspect of manifestation is directing our attention to what we want. The brain has a natural filtering mechanism called selective filtering that helps manage the flood of information we receive every day. This selective filtering is focused on our survival (not getting bitten by a poisonous snake). By regularly reminding ourselves of our goals, such as through a vision board, we can influence this filtering mechanism. This makes us more aware of opportunities that will bring us closer to our goals.
This process consists of two parts:
Selective Filtering: The brain filters out irrelevant information.
Selective Attention: After filtering, the brain focuses on specific things that we consider important.
Once you filter out the things you don't want to notice. Then you narrow it down to the things you do want to notice. If you just let your brain do what it does (you know, make sure you survive) it filters out all the other things that you actually want to do because they're not essential to your survival.
Step 4: Value Marking and the Power of Emotion
Value marking is a crucial process in which the brain prioritizes different things based on their importance. This happens on two levels: a logical list and an emotional list. The logical list contains things that are rationally important, such as work and daily obligations. The emotional list, on the other hand, contains the things that touch us deeply and give us a sense of fulfillment and purpose in life.
Here’s where you can actively intervene: you can tell your brain that you don’t just care about the logical order. You’re saying to your brain, “I don’t just want it in this logical order. I want it in this emotional order. This is what’s really important to me. This is what makes me feel alive. This is what makes me realize that I have a purpose in life and it’s not just about putting food on the table, keeping my job, or staying in this relationship. There’s so much more to life.”
By adding this emotional value, you prioritize the things that truly make you happy and reflect your deepest desires. This helps you not only survive, but thrive and live a fulfilled life. Goals become more than just thoughts; they become magnetic, actively pulling us toward the things we want to achieve.
This is how manifestation works on a neuroscientific level: reprogramming your brain to actively seek out ways to make your desires a reality.
The Example of the Car
A striking example of how this works is the experience of buying a new car. Imagine that you have decided to buy a yellow car. Suddenly, you start seeing yellow cars everywhere. These cars have always been there, but your brain has made them more important and noticeable because you are actively thinking about them. This shows how selective filtering and attention work: by shifting your focus to something specific, you become more aware of it and see it more often in your environment.
The Example of Getting Pregnant
Even when you decide to get pregnant, you see pregnant women and strollers everywhere. These were there before but were selectively filtered out by your brain.
The same principle can be applied to manifestation. By training your brain to pay attention to the things you want to achieve, you’ll be more likely to notice opportunities that will bring you closer to your goals. This is how manifestation works on a neuroscience level: reprogramming your brain to actively seek out ways to make your desires a reality.
Conclusion
The power of manifestation isn’t just a spiritual concept; it has a strong foundation in neuroscience. By training our brains to think in abundance, selectively filter, and emotionally connect to our goals, we can increase our chances of making our dreams a reality. It takes patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of how our brains work. But with the right mindset and techniques, manifestation is a powerful tool for creating the life we truly want.
Love, Leaf
References:
Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1992). Advances in prospect theory: Cumulative representation of uncertainty. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 5 (4), 297-323.
Hebb, D. O. (1949). The Organization of Behavior: A Neuropsychological Theory. New York: Wiley.
Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science. New York: Viking Penguin.
Posner, M. I., & Petersen, S. E. (1990). The attention system of the human brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 13 (1), 25-42.
Damasio, A. R. (1994). Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. New York: Putnam.
LeDoux, J.E. (1996). The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life. New York: Simon & Schuster.
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