Manifest Mayhem

ing in a desired outcome to make it a reality. But why is “manifest” resonating with so many people right now? And what does this trend reveal about the collective mindset of our time?

Manifesting in Style

The practice of manifestation is not a new phenomenon. It has roots in ancient spiri-
tual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and New Thought philosophy. The idea that thoughts can influence reality gained widespread attention in the early 2000s with the success of books like The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. But in recent years, the concept has seen a resurgence, especially among Millennials and
Gen-Z.

Psychologist and life coach Kiara Jain attributes this renewed interest to the current global climate. “The concept of manifesting gives us hope of a better future. With the rise in stress and frustrations, the practice of manifesting offers a way to imagine a better life, a better present, and most importantly, a better future,” she explains. The pandemic, economic uncertainty, and climate anxiety have left many feeling powerless. Manifesting offers a sense of agency in shaping one’s destiny.

Star-Studded Trend

It’s not surprise that Bollywood, always at the forefront of culture, has picked up on this trend. Celebrities like Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have long been open about their mental wellness journeys, and lately, they’ve been using “manifestation” as their secret sauce. Deepika has frequently spoken about the power of visualization. Priyanka, whose global success seems almost too perfectly timed, often shares posts about believing in your dreams.

Social Media Buzz

Manifestation has truly found its magic wand on social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have given this word the spotlight. Everyone is talking about their “manifestation rituals.”

In India particularly, Tik-Tokers and Instagram influencers are leading the way with “manifestation challenges,” where they encourage their followers to write down their dreams and visualize their goals for 21 days. From fancy journal entries to posting affirmations every morning with the hashtag #ManifestingMyDreams, the trend has gone viral. You’ll see posts like “Today, I’m manifesting a big break in my career, and I know the universe will deliver.” or “Manifesting my ideal love with a side of biryani!” Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.
“The word ‘manifest’ is sometimes attached with not requiring actual work and simply imagining a positive future,” Jain points out. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and, in some cases, exacerbate feelings of inadequacy when results don’t materialize.

A Gamechanger

So, what’s all the hype about? What makes manifestation so appealing, especially in India? In a country like India, where opportunities sometimes seem scarce and dreams feel out of reach, the idea that we can control our destiny with our thoughts is incredibly empowering. For young Indians, especially millennials and Gen-Z, manifestation offers a new way of thinking about their future. It says: “You don’t have to wait for things to happen to you. You can create your own reality, one positive thought at a time.” In a world where the pressure to succeed can sometimes feel unbearable, having a tool like manifestation offers a sense of hope and personal control.

Jain notes, “The upside of this is people being more optimistic about their overall life, which is good.” Visualization exercises, affirmations, and gratitude journals — common tools of manifestation — help individuals focus on positive outcomes and reduce anxiety.

Stay Focused

Manifestation doesn’t mean you can lie on your couch all day and wait for good things to land in your lap. You still need to put in the effort. The idea is to focus your energy and intentions on your goals. Mindfulness, the practice of staying present and fully aware of one’s thoughts and actions, helps prevent the pitfalls of over-reliance on visualization.

“Manifestation can help one become more positive and hopeful, whereas mindfulness helps an individual be more resilient and practical,” Jain explains. Together, these practices offer a balanced approach to personal growth. For example, visualizing a future career success can be paired with mindful, focused work on daily tasks. This combination helps maintain motivation while staying rooted in the reality of what needs to be done.

The Flip Side

The line between positive thinking and wishful thinking is thin, and without a balance of effort and planning, manifestation can backfire. The downside is an individual putting in all their hopes to pure imagination and failing to put in the effort.

A 2021 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people who relied solely on visualization without taking actionable steps were 18% less likely to achieve their goals.

So, is manifestation just a passing trend, or has it found a permanent home in our lives? The concept has proven to be a unifier in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. Whether you’re in a city or a quiet village, the idea that you hold the power to shape your future resonates deeply.

If manifestation gives people a reason to stay optimistic, why wouldn’t it remain part of our lives? The practice speaks to a universal desire for hope, agency, and connection, things we need now more than ever.

Word Power