Does Manifesting Really Work?
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I was cleaning out my home office not too long ago and came across a Life Binder I started back in 2012. In it were notes and lists written in my Law of Attraction heyday. I had snippets from magazines glued to copy paper, representing my Be, Do, Have desires. There were images of white farmhouses and rose gardens, yellow kitchens and smart business casual outfits. There was the ubiquitous Check from the Universe, made out to myself (obviously), for an amount representing the salary I wanted that year. I had a lists of desires written in the present tense. I am so happy and grateful that…. There were gratitude lists galore.
I found different versions of my Be Do Have lists from 2012, 2014 and 2017 - each one with new items and wants.
Reading through these lists was fun. I checked off many of the items. I bought a house, got my masters degree, raised my kids, increased my income, started a successful blog. Did I manifest these? Maybe. But I also took a LOT of action to bring these desires into reality. But…..I definitely think that for some events in my life, there was some divine intervention. How I bought my house is a prime example. After my divorce I had to go back to renting and I thought I would never own a house again. But somehow I was approved for a mortgage, found a home in my price range that was big enough for my family and close to schools and my work. Everything seemed to fall magically into place at just the right time. Side note - this was 2013, when the housing market was still stable. Did I manifest this house? Maybe. Maybe not. But I’ve always felt like someone was looking out for me, to find what literally felt like the perfect place to call home.
Some of the items on my Be Do Have lists I no longer wanted. In fact, I’m really happy I didn’t get them. This includes jobs, relationships, a questionable chevron inspired rug for my living room. Did I not get these things because I wasn’t high vibe enough? Or because the Universe knew better? Or was it just bad luck/ good luck?
I’ve been off any kind of LOA/Manifesting for a few years now. I don’t know if it was because of the pandemic or I just got tired of trying to be positive so much of the time. A major flaw with LOA for me, is that it kept me in my head too much. I was always policing my thoughts and was constantly trying to find silver linings, when sometimes, it was just a pile of sh!t.
During COVID-19, out of curiosity, I did deep dives into the history of some of the most popular LOA figures - Abraham Hicks, Neville Goddard, Rhonda Byrnes, the hippy guy from The Secret. What I found wasn’t great. There are lots of articles and information about some shady past dealings with each of them. Is it all true? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way it was enough to put me off any thoughts of LOA until recently.
In her book, The Age of Magical Thinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, author and podcast host Amanda Montell delves into the ideas behind concepts like manifesting, debunking the idea that thoughts become things and that we can control anything by just focusing on it. On a logical level I understood what Montell was saying. We are programmed with cognitive biases and to imbue meaning into even the most mundane parts of our life. Coincidences become signs from a higher power. Bad luck is attributed to bad karma in a past life. Seeing certain numbesr is a message from angels. Listening to this book (I bought it on Audible) thoroughly debunk any kind of magickal thinking left me feeling a little sad. I mean, there has to be some magic in life, right?
Yes, humans are designed to make meaning out of pretty much anything, but I refuse to believe that there is NO higher power guiding us in some way. Perhaps it is a God or Goddess, or maybe our ancestors. I like to think that nature is my guide, because being outside brings me peace and clarity. Is this because I am allowing myself to slow down and be present enough to feel to my feelings? Or is it the essence of Gaia guiding me with soft winds and passing clouds? Maybe it’s a little bit of both.
I’ve picked up my Be Do Have lists again. This time feeling a little more grounded and wise about what I really want in life. My list in 2024 includes peace, joy, health and stability. And maybe a new rug for my living room.
Creating a Budget That Reflects Your Values
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Creating a budget isn't just about numbers; it's a reflection of your values and intentions. Integrating your beliefs into your financial planning can enhance their sense of purpose and well-being. Prioritizing your values in your budgeting process can bring harmony to your financial life.
I know that once I established my core values and started practice more mindful consumption and spending habits, saving money got much easier. I was better able to set realistic and meaningful goals for myself, along with curbing (for the most part) hedonic impulse spending.
Here are some tips to help you align your budget to your values, as part of a more intentional lifestyle:
Reflect on Your Values: Before diving into numbers, take time to reflect on your values and what matters most to you. As a woman embracing nature-based spirituality, you might prioritize connection with the Earth, community, mindfulness, and sustainability. Consider how these values influence your lifestyle choices and how you allocate your resources.
Set Intentions: Once you've identified your values, set clear intentions for your budget. Ask yourself: What do I want my money to support? How do I want to contribute to my community and the environment? Setting intentions helps guide your financial decisions and ensures that your spending aligns with your values.
Track Your Income and Expenses: Start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your financial landscape. Keep it simple by listing your sources of income and categorizing your expenses. This step provides valuable insights into where your money is going and where you might need to make adjustments. If you need some inspiration to get started, I recommend listening to Your Money or Your Life - an audio book about transforming your relationship with money to achieve financial independence
Allocate Funds Mindfully: With your values and intentions in mind, allocate your funds in alignment with what matters most to you. Allocate a portion of your income to essentials like housing, food, and utilities, but also set aside money for activities that nourish your soul, such as nature retreats, community gatherings, or supporting local artisans.
Practice Conscious Consumption: As someone who embraces nature-based spirituality and isn't into capitalism, practicing conscious consumption is key. Prioritize quality over quantity, support businesses that align with your values, and consider the environmental and social impact of your purchases. By being mindful of where and how you spend your money, you can reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable world.
Cultivate Gratitude: Incorporate gratitude into your budgeting practice by regularly acknowledging the abundance in your life. Take time to appreciate the resources you have and the opportunities they provide. Cultivating gratitude not only fosters a positive mindset but also helps you make more intentional financial decisions.
Build an Emergency Fund: Financial stability is essential for peace of mind and resilience. Allocate a portion of your income towards building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or income disruptions. Having a financial safety net empowers you to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.
Invest in Yourself: Investing in yourself is an investment in your well-being and personal growth. Set aside money for self-care activities, education, or pursuing passions and hobbies. Remember that nurturing yourself is essential for living a fulfilling and balanced life.
Practice Generosity: As part of your budget, consider incorporating giving back to your community or supporting causes you believe in. Whether it's volunteering your time, donating money, or advocating for social and environmental justice, practicing generosity fosters a sense of connection and purpose beyond oneself.
Review and Adjust Regularly: Finally, regularly review your budget to ensure it continues to reflect your values and intentions. Life circumstances and priorities may change, so be flexible and willing to adjust your financial plan accordingly. By staying proactive and responsive, you can maintain alignment between your finances and your evolving values.
Crafting a budget that reflects your values and intentions is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As a woman embracing nature-based spirituality, integrating your beliefs into your financial planning can deepen your connection to yourself, your community, and the Earth. By aligning your spending with what matters most to you, you can cultivate a sense of purpose, abundance, and harmony in your financial life. Remember, your budget is a tool for creating the life you envision, one rooted in authenticity, mindfulness, and compassion.
In the process of creating this post, I utilized ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT provided assistance in generating content and refining ideas.
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Celebrating the 2024 Solar Eclipse
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Solar eclipses have fascinated humanity for centuries, evoking a sense of wonder and awe across cultures. From ancient myths to contemporary celebrations, these celestial events continue to captivate us with their mysterious allure and cosmic significance.
In 2024, North America will witness a total solar eclipse. This rare occurrence happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking out the sun's light. The eclipse will traverse the United States, traveling from Texas to Maine, offering an incredible viewing experience for many. Scientists and astronomy enthusiasts are particularly excited because during a total solar eclipse, they can study the sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, providing valuable insights into our nearest star. This event is anticipated to draw significant attention and foster a sense of wonder and unity as people come together to witness the rare spectacle of the cosmos.
Ancient Beliefs About Solar Eclipse
In ancient times, solar eclipses were often seen as mystical occurrences, inspiring elaborate stories and rituals to explain their profound impact on the natural world. Different cultures crafted myths about battles between celestial deities or the symbolic union of opposing forces represented by the sun and the moon. For instance, in Mesopotamia, eclipses were believed to be clashes between the sun god and dark forces, while the Maya associated them with societal changes and cosmic renewal.
Energetic Alignment During an Eclipse
Magical Timing: Solar eclipses are considered powerful times for magical workings due to the intensified energy and heightened psychic sensitivity associated with these celestial events. Many witches and practitioners of magic believe that the energy during an eclipse amplifies intentions and manifestations, making it an opportune time for spellcasting, ritual work, and spiritual pursuits.
Symbolism: Symbolically, solar eclipses represent the union of opposites, as the sun (masculine energy) and moon (feminine energy) align in a rare cosmic dance. This alignment is seen as a moment of balance and harmony between light and darkness, making it conducive to inner alchemy, shadow work, and personal transformation.
Ritual Practices: A solar eclipse has potent energy for various purposes, such as manifestation, protection, healing, or releasing negativity. Eclipse rituals often involve meditation, visualization, chanting, and the use of magical tools such as crystals, candles, and incense to amplify intentions and connect with the cosmic forces at play.
Divination: Solar eclipses are also regarded as auspicious times for divination and psychic exploration. Popular activities may include scrying, tarot readings, or other forms of divination to gain insights into their spiritual path, receive guidance from higher realms, or uncover hidden truths within themselves.
Community and Connection: Many view solar eclipses as opportunities for community gatherings, where like-minded individuals come together to honor the sacredness of the event, share knowledge, and support each other in their magical practices. These gatherings may include group rituals, drum circles, storytelling, and collective meditations to amplify the energy and foster a sense of unity among participants. can you rewrite to remove mentions of witchcraft
Modern Eclipse Celebrations
Today, while our scientific understanding of solar eclipses has expanded, their enchantment remains undiminished. People from all walks of life find joy in celebrating these rare celestial events. Nature-based spiritual traditions, such as Druidism or Wicca, often view eclipses as sacred moments of connection with the Earth and the cosmos. They may engage in rituals that honor the cycles of nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings. For example, they might gather in sacred spaces to meditate, offer prayers, or perform ceremonies that honor the sun, moon, and Earth.
Even for those who do not align with any kind of nature-based spirituality, solar eclipses provide opportunities for wonder and reflection. Families and friends may come together to watch the eclipse, sharing stories and marveling at the beauty of the natural world. Some people might take the time to contemplate their place in the universe and the interconnectedness of all life. They may find solace in the simple act of witnessing the cosmic dance of celestial bodies and the profound rhythms of nature.
Solar eclipses continue to inspire and unite us, bridging the gap between ancient beliefs and modern understanding.
In the process of creating this post, I utilized ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT provided assistance in generating content and refining ideas.
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