How does meditation differ from manifestation?

Meditation, an integral part of my manifestation program, is a powerful breathing technique that I describe as a pure form of “medication.” Meditation creates a balance and calmness that transforms the mind in harmony with the environment, allowing manifestation to occur. When we have a peaceful mind, all can be achieved. We are the cause of the non-action manifestation when we block our own thoughts with doubt and negativity.

In recent years, science has been able to measure the myriad benefits of meditation, including new and different ways of thinking; improved breath control; heightened mental focus and awareness; relief from anxiety, stress, depression, chronic pain, and insomnia; peace of mind; and increased focus, harmony, and sense of self. Recent studies have revealed that the practice of meditation creates extraordinary changes in the brain’s gray matter density—the part of the brain associated with self-awareness, compassion, and introspection.

It has also been proven that meditation augments imagination and creativity and reduces negative emotions. According to the Mayo Clinic, meditation may help people manage symptoms of physical conditions such as asthma, cancer, chronic pain, heart disease, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep problems, and tension headaches.

Coupled with yoga or just a simple stretching regimen, meditation can improve longevity and overall health. It’s important that we take care of our bodies—especially our spines, which serve as our support system—and keep them limber and flexible.

No matter what may be going on in your life, you must break up your day with something physical for at least an hour to ensure that blood is flowing properly throughout your body and reduce stress. The goal is to fill yourself with life force energy and create a connection between you, heaven, and earth. If yoga isn’t your thing, walking, biking, or swimming are wonderful physical activities as well. Personally, I recommend qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”), an ancient series of exercises for the mind, body, and spirit, which I’ve practiced every day for the last thirty years.

What manifestation is not

Now that we’ve established what manifestation is and its correlation to meditation and other forms of exercise, it’s time to state for the record what it is not. There is so much misinformation and disinformation about it out there that we must nip these myths in the bud.

• Manifestation isn’t magic: There is no trickery or sleight of hand to manifestation at all.
• Manifestation isn’t a wishing well: You don’t throw a quarter into the well and expect a miracle to occur.
• Manifestation isn’t instant gratification: Manifestation requires time and patience.
• Manifestation isn’t a switch to flip on and off: The practice involves regular commitment.
• Manifestation isn’t for people who expect the world to bow to their will: Manifestation is about kindness and gratitude to others, not knocking anyone down.
• Manifestation isn’t the answer to everything: You still need to do the work. If your dream is to become a best-selling novelist and/or win a Nobel Prize in Literature, you still must finish the work and hone your craft.
• It isn’t dumb luck or mere coincidence when a manifestation comes true: The proof is always going to be in the results. When your manifestation comes true, you want to not only thank the universe for the gift but also pat yourself on the back for the accomplishment.
• Manifestation won’t work if you give up too easily: Too many people try manifestation once or twice and then throw in the towel. Nothing worth attaining happens without the right amount of discipline and effort.
• Manifestation doesn’t have to be solitary or one-to-one: Manifestation group sessions work just as well as these scenarios—and they can be a lot of fun!
• Manifestation is not dark, evil, or satanic: As mentioned earlier, some of the pioneers of manifestation received harsh criticism for venturing into this arena. There is nothing evil whatsoever in my manifestation tools and exercises. If anything, my method promotes kindness, thankfulness, and understanding to others.