Tag Archives: manifest

Manifestation – Journaling and Meditation

Nationality: American
Age: 19
Occupation: Engineering Major
Residence: Seattle, Washington
Language: English

Informant: “If I have something I want to happen or become part of my reality, then I use my journal and I write it out as if it has already happened. I just keep doing that with every detail. Over and over. Very specific details as if it had already happened. I’ll write out every little thing I can think of, like what the weather will be like, the exact date and time, and of course, the details of what I want to happen. But, I’m not writing it thinking ‘I want this to happen’. It’s more like, ‘I know this will happen, it’s inevitable.’

Me: “Where did you learn to do this?”

Informant: “I got introduced by friends at school and even by my dance teacher. Sometimes at dance practice, they would have us meditate and do manifestation that way. A lot of times, they would play specific types of music at a specific frequency. For example, I’ll watch a 40Hz video, and then they give you prompts that help you visualize your success and what you want to achieve.”

Context: The informant is referring to their practice of manifestation and how they use it to make positive things happen in their life. They fully believe in its effectiveness, and further, find that complete belief in its effectiveness is necessary for it to work. They were introduced by dance teachers who also taught them other spiritual practices like meditation, all designed to help their mental health and boost their confidence so they can achieve their goals. Lastly, the informant also believes that music at specific frequencies can assist in this process.

Analysis: I have heard of manifestation many times, especially online, and I would say that this explanation of it is pretty similar to my existing understanding. From my research, and as the informant stated, it would seem that belief is a core component of this ritual. By repeating something verbally, on paper, or even in their mind, people who engage in manifestation believe they are affecting the world through their thought process, but it only works through genuine belief. However, I have also heard it described more as a mental health / confidence tool. There are some who practice manifestation not because they expect it to change their reality on its own, but because they believe that by combining such intense belief in themselves (manifestation) with action toward their goals, they can achieve anything. Although I most commonly encounter discussion about manifestation online, and had previously assumed it originated in online communities, my research indicates that it can be tied back to Buddhist principles, which would certainly connect with my informant’s experience of being taught to meditate and manifest at the same time.

The Magic of Wishing on 11:11

Original Text: INFORMANT: “I am a huge believer that 11:11 is good luck. When I was like in 8th grade, for anything that I really wanted, I would wait until exactly 11:11 and just think about my wish over and over again during the full minute. And I have several examples of those things actually coming true. When I was in 8th grade, I really wanted to get into a performing arts high school, and I wished on 11:11 every night and day after my auditions for it, and I got in! You have to do it for the full minute though, or else it wont work. And specifically 11:11 is the number that works, not any other numbers. Now I don’t do it as intensely, but like if I do see that it’s 11:11, I’ll think of something random to put out into the universe, because I think it will come back to me.”

Context: The informant is an 18-year-old female first year at USC. She is half-Indian and half-American. She firmly believes in karma and manifestation, and 11:11 is a tangible number with magical energy that she can use to manifest. The fact that it has brought her good things in the past further solidifies her belief in it. She does not recall where she learned this from but thinks she probably saw it online when she was in 8th grade. She still continues this magic ritual today.

Analysis: Wishing on 11:11 is a widely spread belief amongst many cultures, and cannot be pinned down to a single origin. Repeated numbers like 1111 are often called angel numbers, a belief rooted in numerology, which was supposedly invented by Pythagorus in Ancient Greece. It is believed that certain numbers have a specific vibration or magic that can be used to make things happen. Numerology is widely spread in India where the informant is from, but it has also worked its way into Western culture. 1111 has no specific meaning because different people have different thoughts on it, but it is generally agreed that it is a sign of growth, power, new beginnings, or spiritual support. Given these general meanings, it makes sense that the informant would use the particular magic energy of 1111 (versus other angel numbers) to channel into an arts high school acceptance, for example. Manifestation is also a popular belief in India. Posting 11:11 on your Snapchat story was a popular thing to do in 2016-2019 (ish) to bring about luck or love, which might have been an influence on the informant as an 8th grader during those years.

Si Dios nos de licencia: Proverb

Nationality: American
Age: 18
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles
Performance Date: 2/16/23
Primary Language: English
Language: Spanish

Text: “Si Dios nos da licencia” “If God gives us permission”

Context: EC’s relationship to this proverb stems from her Mexican culture which has allowed her to have many experiences growing up with this proverb within her childhood and Mexican home. EC would hear her mom and older relatives/adults say it a lot when referencing to the future. She also grew up hearing this phrase within her Mexican Catholic culture as many religious individuals in her life would say it. Within her household, she would often hear her relatives using it as they would casually speak in Spanish. They often use it to express hope for a future opportunity or after confirming to attend future plans. Within her life, EC interprets this proverb as a way of saying that if God permits it, things will happen or become accomplished. Overall, EC thinks of this proverb as more of a reminder that not every day is promised and to always be grateful for every opportunity.  

Analysis: The overall cultural value within this proverb stems from Mexican Catholic households considering Mexicans tend to be more religion orientated. Based on religion, this proverb expresses personal values given the fact that the person who says this statement is most likely affiliated with religion, God, and in this case, the Catholic Church. I see this proverb as an overall expression of hope and trust. Given that this statement is said for future reference, I consider this proverb as a quality of trust that brings you closer to God given the fact that you are aware that a certain opportunity or event will only come true if God truly wants it or if he really intends it to happen. Coming from a Mexican household myself, I can relate to many similar experiences surrounding this proverb as it has been rooted in my mind as a hopeful manifestation to always put your faith in God.