Gen-Z’s Version of Mia (Manifesting-in-Action)
Manifestation promises to turn dreams into reality, for many Gen-Zers, rituals and visualisation have become part of the process, but experts ask: what happens when belief replaces the work?
Remember pixie dust from Peter Pan? A glittery powder that Tinkerbell sprinkled on ordinary things, to make them enchanted, magical and alchemical. Well, consider manifestation as the modern pixie dust that Gen-Z, time and again, loves to sprinkle on all the important aspects of their lives. Whether it is career, health or finding their dream partner, manifestation has become a go-to mantra for achieving their “dream life”.
As Dua Lipa’s single, Training Season, accompanied by her love story, becomes an online manifestation mantra and relationship goal, a very important question arises: does the younger generation understand the emotional intelligence and inner work manifestation demands, or has it become another trend limited to cutesy lists and eating grapes under the table?
Spotlight on Manifestation
“Manifestation is based on the law of attraction, which is essentially a rehashed version of the karma theory found in Vedic scriptures dating back 3,500 years,” says Ananya Kamble, a theology student. “The idea that our mental states can influence or create our physical realities is not limited to Hinduism; similar beliefs can also be found in ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures,” she adds.
However, the modern understanding of manifestation has been largely shaped by Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 bestseller.
The Secret. The book popularised the Law of Attraction — the idea that we are all magnets that can attract our desired experiences and outcomes through positive thoughts, visualisation and beliefs.
Today, with their vision boards, affirmations, scripting, crystals and gratitude journals, Gen-Z has taken the practice of manifestation a notch higher. “I have designed a vision board or as I like to call it, a “mood board” that helps me remain motivated” says Simran Shukla, UI/UX designer. “It did not automatically align me to the things that I wanted or demanded for, as I had to eventually work for them to come true, but it did help me to stay focused.”
Intention to Expectation
Dimple Mehra, an AstroTarot Expert from Angel’s Work, says, “I believe manifestation requires awareness, not just desire.” She further adds, “Whenever people approach me with specific manifestations, I try to bring them back to reality. I explain to them that manifestation, Reiki and other spiritual practices should not be understood as a mechanism through which we can control another person or dictate exactly how life must unfold.”
Hence, the important distinction lies between setting an intention and becoming fixated on a specific outcome. During a breakup or difficult times, many people crib, saying, ‘Universe, why do you hate me?’, often forgetting the love they already have through parents and friends. But if you stay fixated on an expectation that doesn't materialise then it can turn into chronic dissatisfaction and bitterness that no ritual or crystal can resolve.
As per Jasdeep Mago, a psychotherapist, performing the smaller yet significant rituals really helps in feeling in control of one’s life. “When one visualizes or journals or writes or listens to affirmations, it makes them feel safe and comfortable in their lives, especially when things around them are not going according to the plan,” she says.
But there is a flip side to it. “If the comfort becomes too overbearing, such that you are seeking too much comfort from these practices but are not moving in real life, then it can cause a reverse effect of what you desire i.e. stagnancy”, she adds.
These techniques can have an impact, but the manner in which a person approaches manifestation matters greatly. Mehra adds that tarot and manifestation should complement practical living, not replace it.
The Efficient Solution
A ritual can be meaningful without being treated as a transaction with the universe — I did this, so I must receive that. “I feel a more constructive way to look at manifestation is not view it as magic, but as logic. There is a significant cognitive play behind it,” says Mago. “I feel you gain more agency if you use manifestation to move towards your goals, rather than expecting the goal to come to you,” she adds.
Knowing what one wants is useful. Believing that change is possible can be motivating. But neither replaces the less glamorous parts of transformation: self-awareness, effort, patience, accountability and accepting that maybe manifestation is less like a fairy tale and more like a bitter drug, not necessarily sweet in taste, but does the job of efficiently healing your desperation and empowering you to find your worth, within.
I feel you gain more agency if you use manifestation to move towards your goals, rather than expecting the goal to come to you.”
Jasdeep Mago, Psychotherapist
I have designed a vision board or as I like to call it, a “mood board” that helps me remain motivated.”
Simran Shukla, UI/UX Designer
I feel tarot and manifestation should complement practical living, not replace it.”
Dimple Mehra, AstroTarot Expert, Angels Work