One of my friends who is a yogi/business advisor posted this on FB:
"A Harvard study on people who called themselves 'truly happy' found that they had 2 main things in common: 1) They knew what they wanted, AND 2) They felt that they were moving towards it.
Coupling that insight with all that we know about deliberate creation, I guess we could conclude then that the key to solving all of our problems and being as happy as we can be is:
1-A) Take the time to get clear on what you want (versus just brooding about what sucks, who to blame, and what you DON'T want)
1-B) Take a little MORE time to envision the outcome you want as a DONE DEAL. Not just possible. Finished. Checked off. Pow.
3) From that tactile sensory experience of feeling satisfaction in advance, continue letting yourself be drawn to all the people, places, ideas, events, information and opportunities that seem to lead to the fulfillment of your desire... then enjoy the ride, the stepping stones, the unfolding, as much as you do the full realization, the brilliant manifestation of that desire."
She says this works for her every time. Other friends (Chas) have also said that "manifestation" or "deliberate creation" works for them as well. This has never, ever worked for me - ever. I was totally into it in my youth, extremely enthusiastic, until after years of failure, the school of hard knocks eventually convinced me that it was a waste of my time and energy. Had I spent more time working versus visualizing, I would have been better off.
Now, more recently, since my reality shifted about a year ago, at my friend's suggestion, I decided to give it another go. I'm in a very BAD financial situation and had nothing to lose. First (at her advice) I let go of any negative ideas about money, etc., and gave myself permission to be prosperous and to receive. I followed the above steps with total confidence. I also offered up my situation into the silence in samyama. At the same time, I did plenty of advertising and other real-world "practical" actions to promote my yoga business and get my house sold so that I can open my new studio in a better location (my current studio is a rat-infested trailer in the boondocks where I live). It has failed miserably.
Not only has my house been on the market since December with 2 price drops and ZERO offers, but also, all but 3 of my students have quit due to time and financial concerns, which I believe because everyone in this little redneck hick town is broke and has to work as much as they can at minimum wage jobs to try to get by. I acknowledge these "real world" considerations given my location, the economy, etc.
BUT, since other people assure me that the method does work, I can only assume that either I am doing it wrong, or else for whatever reason, it's not meant to be at this time.
By the way, samyama "works" great for me as far as, e.g., easily changing the energy of people in a room or gaining cooperation of an animal, etc. Also I offered up our tax situation in samyama and we were able to pay in full, on time, and I even got an unexpected refund (thanks, Ma Lakshmi!). But, most of the time I don't even focus on external things at all; I'm just enjoying the Divine Presence.
I should point out with regard to the above premise about happiness, my happiness is NOT dependent on external conditions! I already have what I want (divine union). Which raises the question, maybe I'm just not caring enough to make things happen; maybe the method requires attachment that I no longer have??
I continue to completely trust that everything will work out somehow. I'm just questioning the "manifesting" method. If anybody has experience with this and any practical advice, I would appreciate it. Thanks.
