I have often been encouraged to think about what I want to manifest in my life. When I first heard this term, manifest, I liked it – I can make a situation appear or come about just because I want it to? I can have that big of an influence on the world around me just by thinking about it? Heck yes, I thought! But, when reality sunk in, I was left a bit skeptical. Maybe it is just an idea to get us to think about what we want out of life, but we can’t actually make experiences happen just because we want them, can we? I liked the idea but I struggled with its application. Can we really have that great of an impact on the course of our lives?
It wasn’t until I actually experienced it that I realized that manifestation is not necessarily just a matter of wanting something and then boom it happens. But rather, when we manifest something we become open to the possibility that something we want could happen. Then, when the opportunity presents itself we are ready and available to accept it. But if we are not ready, the opportunity will pass us by.
Here is what happened: In preparing to move to Buenos Aires a couple of years ago I thought a lot about what I would do for work once I was there. I thought – it would be so cool to work professionally part time and then spend the rest of my time teaching yoga. But I quickly wrote it off as impossible.
When I was talking this over with my partner, he said to me, Emily that is not impossible. Think about how you can make that happen. So, I did. I started to consider the possibility. I eventually talked with my work colleagues about my desire to try to continue working part-time, remotely after my move. We ended up being able to figure out how we could make that happen. I was half of the way there.
Then, I did some research on yoga studios in Buenos Aires and I came across Buena Onda Yoga, which seemed so perfect. I thought – that is it; that is the studio for me. So, once I got to Buenos Aires and settled in, I started taking classes at their studios with their kind and wonderful teachers. Before I could work up my nerve to actually inquire about teaching positions, the owner approached me asking if I was interested in teaching there. Are you kidding me right now?? YES, that is exactly what I am interested in doing, thank you. Low and behold I was able to work part time and teach yoga part time.
None of this would have been possible if I wasn’t clear on what I wanted and open to the possibly of it happening. If I hadn’t explored the possibility, I could have missed the opportunity to keep working remotely. I may have never found the yoga studio that is now the bedrock of my community here in Buenos Aires. Once I voiced my desire, put it out there and gave it the light of day to manifest in this beautiful world, it became reality. That is manifestation. I knew what I wanted, took steps to realize it, and accepted it whole-heartedly when it was presented to me. It takes work, preparation, and openness, but we can truly manifest our dreams.
…Stay tuned for a list of steps to practice manifestation in your life.