One of the many benefits of Sophrology is that it helps you focus on a desired outcome and then through the exercises which include dynamic meditation and visualisation, you are able to put all your energy and intention into making that vision a reality.
Through the process of relaxing the body, calming the mind but remaining consciously aware of your thoughts, Sophrology is a great way to put manifesting into practice. It enables you to access your subconscious mind, clearly define your goals and then visualise the result you want to achieve.
What is Manifesting?
Manifesting is a powerful way of thinking that enables you to use the power of your mind to alter how you think and create positive changes in your life.
"Your whole life is a manifestation of the thoughts that go into your head" - Rhonda Byrne
Manifesting a goal through focusing your thoughts on a desired outcome is not a new concept but has recently been grabbing headlines. The self-help method can be traced back to ancient spiritual teachings including Hindu ideas about unifying the mind, body and universe.
Manifesting is not about making a wish and waiting for it to come true. It is about changing your approach to life in order to give yourself the best chance of reaching your goals. Whilst manifesting a lottery win may be unlikely, the science behind the ability to influence your circumstances by the power of your thoughts is encouraging.
In her book 'Manifest', Roxie Nafousi describes manifesting as "the meeting of science and wisdom", bringing together the principles of Quantum Physics and Neuroplasticity.
Quantum Physics teaches us that everything in the universe is made up of particles which are in constant movement. The particles move at different vibrations which are undetectable to the naked eye. When energies of the same vibrations align, they attract each other. This is known as the 'Law of Attraction'.
Quantum Physics says that when an observer views particles they act differently to when they are not being watched. This is known as 'The Observer Effect' and it suggests that particles act in accordance with the consciousness of the observer. By focusing your thoughts on a certain outcome or desire, you can increase the vibrational energy of the particles.
Good vibes
Vibrational frequencies of energy can be low, high or in between and all your thoughts and emotions have a vibrational frequency.
High frequency emotions include love, kindness, empathy and compassion, as opposed to low vibrational emotions such as anger and fear. Quantum Physics tells us that high vibrations will attract similar high vibrations and vice versa.
Have you ever wandered into a room and just felt the energy of the room to be very low? If so, did you feel energised? Probably not. Low energy environments tend to zap our vitality. Negative thoughts attract more negative thoughts.
Conversely, do you know someone who is always positive and happy? How does it feel to be around them? Positive people tend to have a beneficial effect on the way we feel as their energy is contagious.
The plasticity of your brain
The good news is that your brain is malleable and this flexibility of your ability to think - neuroplasticity - also feeds into the success of manifestation.
Neuroplasticity is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganisation in order to function differently.
Your brain can change and adapt as a result of experiences, thoughts and perceptions. When you continuously focus on a negative thought, you start to create a new neural pathway in your brain. Like a path in the forest, the more you go down the same route, the easier it becomes to follow that same negative direction.
Now imagine that you start to find a new path in the forest, leaving the old well-beaten track behind. The old disused path will be left to become overgrown, replaced by the new positive path. The more you walk down that positive track, the easier it becomes to navigate.
By changing your thought patterns, you can move away from the old negative pathway and start to tread a more optimistic path, and with regular practice, your mind will habitually focus on new, positive thoughts rather than the overgrown negative ones.
How do you manifest?
Manifesting is not a quick fix. It takes time, energy and dedication to produce the results you desire.
There is no right or wrong way to manifest but you need to be clear on your direction through inner reflection - understanding your values, what you want to achieve and what is important to you - and practical action to help you achieve that vision.
Have a clear vision
Whether you find clarity of thought through meditation, Sophrology or even a gentle walk outdoors, being able to understand your true self and the direction you want to head in is key. It's not often that we take a walk without knowing where we want to get to. Having your destination in mind from the start is important in order to know which direction to head in.
Identifying your vision is about having a true understanding of who you are, what is important to you and how you want to show up in life.
Personal Reflection
Spend some time on personal reflection to identify what moves you. Do you want to be dependable, generous, successful, healthy, family-focused? Take a while with a pen and paper and write down what values are going to drive your vision. Those core values will point the needle of your personal compass.
Alternatively, try Sophrology and learn to identify your core values and embody them every day.
Understanding your true self
Scientists believe that 95% of our thoughts are held in the subconscious mind. Sophrology is a great way to access those thoughts, desires and beliefs and to bring those that we want to manifest into our conscious mind.
When your body is relaxed and your brain waves have slowed down to an alpha state, you are able to think more clearly, focus on your values and direct your energy towards your objectives.
Sophrology helps you to feel how your body responds to different thought patterns. It helps you to focus your inner dialogue on high vibrational thoughts, feelings and emotions, so that the energy within your body is fully charged.
Manifesting and Sophrology are great partners. Sophrology helps you practice inner reflection to understand your true self, embody positive feelings and goals and visualise the outcome you want to achieve.