Mind Over Matter: How Do We Manifest?

I’ve always thought of manifestation, or bringing something to fruition, as pure luck. It was a magical concept that only some were lucky enough to encounter in their lives. 

In high school, I was obsessed with angel numbers. I had books about them and constantly talked about what numbers I saw most frequently with my friends. Sure enough, I would see 111 or 777 all the time. It amazed me. Every time I would see a number, I felt a surge of happiness within me because I felt like I was aligning with a greater purpose. I was completely unaware of the fact that I was attuning my reality to angel numbers. My whole world became about angel numbers. 

Neuroscientist Emily McDonald, or as she is known on Instagram, @emonthebrain, explains this phenomenon with science. “You really can only see in your reality what your brain is wired for.” This changed everything for me.

I finally got a logical explanation as to why I was seeing certain signs and feeling a sense of alignment with angel numbers. It wasn’t a magical shift in the universe, and I wasn’t suddenly gifted with a spiritual sixth sense (although being spiritual doesn’t always have or need rationale).

But I was renewed with a fresh sense of hope that my destiny isn’t set in stone. I get to choose it, because reality is malleable and rewiring your brain is possible. 

A good way to think of this is. Two people could be attending the same career presentation. For one, the presentation might be intriguing because it aligns with what they want to do, their goals and desires. This person is therefore more open-minded and willing to listen. 

For another, the presentation might not align with what they want or care about, so they filter what they want to hear according to their set goals and values. 

Similar to the presentation example, Emily explains that our brain filters reality to what we desire – our intentions and dreams. When you want something, your brain will seek out opportunities to get you what you want. It’s a matter of setting intention. 

That’s not to say that once you know what you want, everything will swiftly fall in place. On a deeper level, self esteem, self love and a sense of self play a role. 

I’ve realized it isn’t luck that gets you to where you need to go – it’s a conscious choice and a rewiring of the brain. 

Becoming the person you want to become requires many elements, but intention is a primary factor. I begin every day with intention. The morning is a good time to rewire your brain because you are in a half-sleep, half-awake state and so your subconscious is still working.

Stating affirmations as soon as you wake up helps begin your day on a positive note and creates an openness that allows positivity throughout your day.

So, what is your intention? 

What kind of reality do you want?