In the world of self-help books and mental health practices, manifestation has emerged as the triumphant buzzword for the new age of spirituality. From securing coveted job positions to conquering daunting exams, Gen Z has embraced the art of manifesting as a means of shaping their reality. There’s a notion that you can manifest anything, but can you manifest romance?
Manifestation, it seems, has become more than a deliberate act; it has become an instinctive response to life’s challenges and aspirations. In a world where uncertainty often reigns supreme, the act of putting out wishes into the universe serves as a comfort, even when it comes to their love life.
Yet, when it comes to romance, can the same principles be applied? The discourse surrounding this very question has gained momentum in recent years, spurred on by best-selling books like Oprah’s The Secret and an influx of spiritual influencers on TikTok. If you find yourself uncertain about the concept of manifesting, fear not. I’ve spoken to Carrie Mead, LCPC, a seasoned life coach and professional counselor, and Juliette Kristine, an experienced manifestation coach, to help with any doubts you may have regarding manifesting romance.
WHAT IS MANIFESTATION?
To understand manifestation, it’s important to know what the “law of attraction” is. “The law of attraction states that: like energy attracts like energy,” Kristine tells Her Campus. “This means your thoughts and energy are constantly attracting things into your life that are a ‘match’ vibrationally to your thoughts and energy.”
Essentially, your thoughts and energies emit vibrations that attract corresponding elements into your lives. Consciously utilizing this law and combining it with intentional practices and actions to bring desired outcomes to fruition. It’s about honing in on a specific goal or desire and employing various techniques such as visualization, affirmations, scripting, energy work, and tangible actions to manifest it.
“Simply put, manifestation and the law of attraction are different things but work together. When you manifest something you harness the power of the law of attraction,” Kristine says. Manifestation taps into the power of the law of attraction, allowing individuals to actively shape their realities by aligning their thoughts, energies, and actions with their desired outcomes.
Personal development plays a huge role in manifestation.
It’s important to note the foundational role that personal development plays in your manifestation journey. “Personal development is an important part of growing up. It shows emotional and physical maturity and a desire to live a value-aligned life,” says Mead. “As such, when you are consciously thinking through your desires, dreams, and ambitions, you are manifesting your reality.” This process initially involves envisioning the future, like career aspirations, ideal living arrangements, and fulfilling relationships.
Manifestation thrives on a focus on desires, rather than dwelling on shortcomings. “The more focused you are on becoming who you want to be, the higher your vibration, and the more likely you are to meet someone with an equally high frequency,” Mead explains. Following this requires concrete actions toward these objectives. Recognizing the impact your thoughts have on emotions, which in turn influences behaviors and overall well-being, you shift their focus towards gleefully pursuing your aspirations.
HOW CAN YOU MANIFEST ROMANCE?
It seems like the million-dollar question is whether you could try and manifest anything, and in this case, a relationship that you’ve been wanting. Both Mead and Kristine think it’s possible. “If you think about the law of attraction and manifesting as conscious living techniques, then yes, I think these behaviors and intentions can have a positive impact on your love life,” Mead says. “As an emerging adult or young adult, you are exposed to many different people and many new situations and so this is an exciting time in your life.”
At its core, manifestation involves understanding yourself on a deeper level and identifying what constitutes a fulfilling partnership for us personally — a highly individualized journey. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and discern what truly matters to you lays the foundation for manifesting our desires. By refusing to settle for anything less than what resonates with your authentic selves, you create the space for a healthy and meaningful relationship to blossom. It’s not just about wishing for love; it’s about actively cultivating the conditions that invite it into our lives.
“Start with a vision board that focuses not only on the type of person and relationship you desire but also on yourself and your own goals and aspirations,” advises Kristine. Crafting a good vision board is an important tool in the manifestation process. It serves as a daily anchor to your aspirations, aiding in aligning your energies with your desired outcomes.
On top of a vision board, recognizing that happiness originates from within, irrespective of external circumstances, is truly the key to manifestation. “When you decide to place some of your attention on yourself and your own goals and aspirations on your vision board [and relationship], it reminds you that the relationship isn’t the key to your happiness. You are,” Kristine says.
Looking at love this way means focusing on your personal growth and happiness, whether or not you’re in a relationship. It’s about becoming a fulfilled individual on your own terms, regardless of what’s happening around you. So, when you’re manifesting your dream partner, you’re not looking for someone to complete you. Instead, they enhance the already complete version of yourself. And that’s what sets the stage for a strong, happy, and lasting relationship.
Manifesting romance isn’t about doom scrolling through social media and yearning for the same love you see in other influencer and celebrity couples. It’s about actively shaping your reality through focused thoughts and actions. With a positive outlook and some effort, manifesting love then becomes more than just a possibility.