Manifesting isn't all "woo-woo." Science says you can train your brain
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You've probably seen the promise on social media: Just "manifest" your way to a better life.
Why it matters: Now more doctors and educators agree that there may be tangible benefits to training your brain to focus on a meaningful intention.
The intrigue: The late James Doty, a neurosurgeon and professor at Stanford University, wrote in his 2024 book "Mind Magic" about how meditation paired with repetition of messages can change a person's subconscious.
- This could look like closing your eyes before bed to relax, meditating and visualizing an intention like earning a new job title or mastering piano. Afterward, write the intention on a piece of paper and keep it nearby, reading it often.
What they're saying: Manifesting can't fix all suffering, Doty wrote, but "if there is a possibility of change, using the techniques of manifesting will more likely than not help bring it about."
- Positive thinking alone doesn't work, psychology professor Gabriele Oettingen's research has revealed — but believing you will succeed based on reason can.
- Framing is also important, some argue: Trying to manifest wealth isn't as helpful as pursuing a life full of meaning.
How it works: Neuroplasticity, the brain's lifelong ability to change, is one reason manifesting may scientifically work.
- Through value tagging — how brains prioritize information — goals can become embedded into the deepest levels of the subconscious.
- Visualization is also a part of the process. Mental imagery triggers the selective attention system, "essentially hypnotizing our minds into recognizing that our intention is important," Doty wrote. (Some athletes use this technique to improve performance.)
The big picture: Manifestation has roots in Hinduism and surged in popularity in 2006 with the release of "The Secret."
- That film and book were based on the "law of attraction" and received attention from notable media figures, including Oprah, but were also widely criticized for promises that financial gain could be a mere manifestation away.
Between the lines: While aspects of manifesting do have research and some common sense behind them, many advocates often introduce elements of spirituality.
- #ManifestationTok even offers "spells" to help users get what they desire.
- Some astrology groups manifest on specific dates (or when they see repeating numbers known as angel numbers) that they believe hold "peak energy."
Reality check: However you slice it, manifesting reinforces constant, disciplined practice, reminding the brain of an intention over and over and over again.
- And apologies in advance: It might not offer instant change or a precisely desired result.
The bottom line: Think of manifesting less like magic and more like mental training.
