manifestation for modern people
the conversation on manifestation is changing; six things to try
Manifestation is the idea that we have influence on our reality with our thoughts, feelings and actions; at least, this is my preferred take on it. Sometimes this involves affirmations, visualisation and dream statements — and for the more practically inclined, there is an emphasis on action.
But how does an idea like manifestation shift with the culture? How are we interacting with a field of thought which has rich promises in its mainstream contexts that are sometimes too good to be true? With regards to manifestation, I believe that there is an angle which the culture is moving towards. In my mind, it’s more of a localised, neighbourhood kind of approach, one where manifestation is less used as a tool to get things and more a way to explore the inner workings of reality and how life may well work. Of course, it remains a way to attain our dreams and goals, but in today’s age, it’s almost as if there is more of a curiosity for its philosophy and possibilities it provides in mind and in reality rather than there is a desperation to have this or that.
Perhaps this was a movement towards which we accelerated due to periods where things and objects weren’t what made us happy; in the winters of 2020—2022, we craved social interaction and meaningful ties and communities. And so perhaps it has evolved that in the public eye, manifestation’s allure is now offset and spun from a different angle. Might this be manifestation for modern people?
In 2025, there is more an emphasis on life and ritual when it comes to manifestation over acquiring things and objects. That is, whether manifestation itself yields results is not necessarily why people are drawn to it. It’s the experiences we can have by partaking in the rituals closely linked to it such as journaling, meditating, mentioning affirmations and so on and so forth.
The narrative now plays out that if we see desirable results, then it’s a bonus; the attitudes, steps and practices are already helpful habits to keep us angled towards experiences and things we desire.
In manifestation for modern people, we:
1. Say the word ‘manifest’ ironically and playfully; it seems to work just as much as saying it in earnest
The playful use of ‘manifest’ reminds us to not take it too seriously, and most importantly, to have fun with it. See examples:
I ‘manifested’ this!
Look what I just ‘manifested’.
The other day, you won’t guess what I ‘manifested’.
Each mention takes our minds, if even just for a moment, to the possibilities that might exist. Not to mention, with a little intention, we can do a quick run over the things we’ve done, the actions we’ve taken, and in whatever small way, this adds up over time to subconsciously keep track of whether or not we’re making a goal real (with or without ‘manifesting’).
2. Stay open to signs and synchronicities
Sure, perhaps we’re fooling ourselves for seeing signs for all and everything. But I also have felt there’s very little harm in doing so. If anything, you get a little swept up in the perceived beauty of life, and this is yet to be a bad thing.
Of course, there is wisdom in taking time to make decisions rather than just ‘following the signs’ alone, but overall, nobody’s going to get mad at you for feeling a little uplifted for seeing three red cars in a row, or 222 on a number plate, or coincidentally hearing the one song that you used in a fun TikTok being played in the car beside you at the lights. (All true experiences I’ve had in the last week.)
3. Put it out there and release it
Manifestation for modern people invites a more worldly experience. Rather than relying on what ‘rules’ might exist in manifestation and following them perfectly, we acknowledge that it’s just a human idea that might have flaws throughout its suggestions. So rather than risk wasting time on the footnotes and best practices of a ritual, we’re happy to make it our own, focusing on what’s most important — what’s the best case scenario? How can I view this differently? What possibilities aren’t I seeing yet?
Rather than waiting for things to happen, we drop an intention and get on with our day. We have people to speak with, glasses to clink and our own little events to attend. Chances are, releasing the goal is what assists it to realise through our own actions, or something more starry and ethereal. In a sense, we free ourselves to pursue actions without clauses or conditions, and they subsequently thrive and soar for their creativity and out-of-the-box origins.
4. Take action — even better, enjoy doing it
We’re not so deluded to think that things appear without also taking action. If something sparks inspiration, then we’re inclined to do it. Call it a note from the heart or intuition, perhaps these little love notes are leading us closer to our desires. For what other reason would that up-tick and lift in our hearts then occasionally occur?
Consider: what are the top five things that you feel drawn to doing? They may be for your own leisure, or to move you towards a goal.
5. Do things where, at the end of the day, if manifestation weren’t actually real, we’d still have made way
This is where we might cast side-eye towards circulating methods like writing down what you want 555 times. Perhaps there are better ways to spend our time other than giving ourselves carpal tunnel. At least in my own explorations of manifestation, it’s not all magic, fairy dust and pixies picking up the slack — I think it would be naive to think that’s all there is to it. The cure? In addition to shifting our thoughts and feelings so that we feel what we desire is possible, we supplement our endeavours with good old action.
6. Let its magic permeate the day
At least, whatever of it that appears — because it feels nice! (Need there be another reason?) I liken this to the feeling of Christmas or a special holiday that comes around and brings a warm, fuzzy feeling along with it. To live life is to have principles or ways to order things in our minds. Manifestation may or may not be a theme of such principles that you’re drawn towards. If it feels good to you, follow the trails; you can’t know for sure what might just come about.
If you wish to have a deeper look into manifestation for modern people, The Manifestation Diaries is a book changing up the conversation on what manifestation is and how we might be able to navigate some of life’s challenges with it. It’s a book which acknowledges the flaws in its idea whilst keeping whatever magic it offers alive. It’s written by yours truly after five years of exploring manifestation; it’s the culmination of spending another two after to collate my thoughts in a creative, poetic way on paper. And it contains all the best steps and methods I might still use today.
