You probably manifest things daily and don't even realize it. Perhaps you simply take these magical happenings for granted, or, as happens in many instances, you don't notice them at all. But in order to attract what you want consistently, you need to become aware of how manifestation occurs and begin to observe even the smallest things you're causing to manifest. This requires paying close attention to your thoughts and feelings throughout the day.

Manifestation means making something materialize in the visible world. As you already know, your thoughts are the seeds from which the fruits of your life grow. Everything that happens to you is the result of your thoughts taking form, or manifesting. And as simplistic as it may sound, like attracts like. Positive thoughts and energy tend to attract positive things: smiles from other people, compliments, favors, opportunities, good health, and abundance. Conversely, angry, negative thoughts and emotions lead to unpleasant things: rudeness from others, disappointments and frustrations, losses, even injuries and sickness. Good luck doesn't just happen; you create it yourself.

Focusing on Your Intention

Confused or unclear thoughts produce muddled, delayed, or unpredictable results. To bring about what you truly want, you need to be able to really focus on your intention. One way to do this is to collect pictures of the outcomes you desire. Place these images where you'll see them often.

For example, Elizabeth needed a computer but didn't have the money to buy one, so she cut out a photo of the model she wanted from the manufacturer's literature and taped it on her desk at home. Shortly thereafter, she got a new job. Her boss, without consulting with her, bought her a computer to use at home — exactly the model she'd been envisioning.

You could also write a list of the things you intend to bring about. Although there's no limit to how many intentions you can manifest, most people can't focus their minds on a large number of ideas simultaneously. Therefore, it's usually best to include no more than ten things at a time on your list. Read through your list first thing in the morning and last thing at night. As soon as you manifest something on your list, remove it and add another wish.

Writing and Burning

Identify your most important objective, the one wish you most want to come true. Write this intention on a piece of paper. Remember to state it as an affirmation, in a positive way and in the present tense (see Chapter 2). After you've written it, read your affirmation aloud. Then burn the paper, releasing the thought into the cosmic web. As the smoke rises up to the heavens, ask that your wish be acted upon by Divine Will (or whatever higher force you choose) and brought into manifestation now, in a way that's for the good of all.

Ideally, you'll only have to do this once per wish. If you harbor any doubt or don't feel your power is strong enough, however, you might have to repeat the writing and burning ritual several times before you see measurable results.

Letting Go

Once you do a spell, let it go. Trust that your intentions will manifest at the right time, in the right way. Don't worry about whether you did everything just right. Don't keep doing the spell over and over, for this indicates doubt. Don't get impatient if you don't see results immediately — some things may take a while. Letting go means getting your ego out of the way and believing with all your heart and mind that the seeds you've planted will bear fruit.