What do you do when the world around you is falling to pieces? When you can’t see your friends due to a pandemic that seems never-ending? How do you get a handle on things when you aren’t in control of all the chaos happening around you?

You get to manifesting.

At least that’s what TikTok and a handful of spiritual celebrities have told us ever since the world went on lockdown in the early Spring of 2020. The practice of manifestation surged in popularity on social media, with videos on Instagram and TikTok feeds urging users to manifest and “claim” the things they want most in life. Whether it’s short-term goals, like getting a text from your crush, or long-term desires such as achieving your career goals, many believe that manifesting can get you there. By the end of the summer, it was a widespread and well-known subject, particularly among Gen Z, but what does it mean to manifest something and where do you start? There’s no guarantee that manifestation will produce the results you want, but that’s not to say that it’s pointless to practice mentally manifesting your desires.

Manifestation is majorly based on the Law of Attraction, but it finds its roots in meditation practices stemming from Eastern Asia. Buddhism, which strongly encourages meditative practices, emphasizes the value of manifesting your enlightenment. The early 20th-century novel, Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, exemplifies how manifestation has been present throughout history within many religions and cultures. Christianity also discussed manifestation in various bible verses, such as Ephesians 3:20-21. However, some modern denominations of Christianity that emphasize predestination consider the practice to be a sin.

So, does manifestation work? Well, maybe not in the ways you’re expecting. There is no scientific evidence that supports the claim that “speaking it into existence” actually produces the promised results. However, that doesn’t mean that manifesting is a complete waste of time; there are many benefits of practicing manifestation and self-reflection. 

Meditation and journaling are two highly popular techniques for manifesting more achievable (but just as valuable) goals, such as keeping a hopeful mindset during a particularly challenging time or gaining more confidence in the face of insecurities. Spending a few minutes each day directing your energy towards something you want in life is a very admirable and beneficial habit to incorporate into your routine. In that practice, you find the foundation of manifestation, which is mindfulness.

Mindful meditation seems to have a plethora of benefits. At least, those who participated in a controlled study by Jaume I University in Spain reported being in a better mental state after mindfully meditating compared to those who did not. Participants reportedly experienced less stress after performing a mindful meditation exercise. If the goal of your meditation is to manifest something into reality, the keyword here is “mindful.” Being intentional with your thinking is what it’s all about, regardless of what intentions you have for yourself.

The simplest way to start manifesting is to sit down in a quiet space and focus your mind on where you want to be in the future. Try burning incense or laying in bed to make yourself more comfortable and settle into a relaxed and positive headspace. A silent meditation might be more within your comfort zone, but speaking your goals aloud is the most recommended method. The beauty of manifestation is that you can practice it in a way that works best for you, as no one else is involved and there are quite literally no rules.

Even if you don’t believe in the power of manifestation, there is no denying that many have reaped some of the good luck they’ve wished for themselves. Whether that “luck” is due to the positive mental effects that push a person towards success or the magical energy that some envision emanating from their bodies, the result is still the same: calmness and contentment. To be content is the ultimate goal, and how you get to that point is up to you. Meditation is a proven method of calming yourself; it can help reduce anxiety, lower stress levels and subsequently aid with physical problems such as high blood pressure. Beloved artists and celebrities like Solána Imani Rowe (aka SZA) can attest to this feeling of joy that comes from manifestation.

“Manifesting things that I believe in is definitely a gift, because I literally don’t expect something that is other than what I want. I don’t,” SZA said in an interview with Cosmopolitan, just after releasing her most successful album to date in 2017. “I also don’t accept that something may happen another way.”

It’s easy to dismiss the practice of manifestation as naive or delusional, especially because it’s becoming so popular among younger generations. However, just because someone is young does not mean that their methods of self-reflection and growth are invalid. If you benefit from manifesting in any way, what’s the harm in reminding yourself of little or big goals daily? It might serve you well to ignore those who doubt your “delusional” methods of self-care.

You might be a millionaire before 30. The love of your life might ask you to marry them next week. You might get that job you’ve been gunning for. Might. There is no telling what anyone’s future holds. Everyone possesses the power to change their lives and work towards their goals. Manifestation doesn’t replace the hard work that it takes to achieve those goals, but it can be a helpful source of motivation and self-assuredness. Once that is understood, the perceived power of manifestation becomes a bit clearer. When nothing is certain, we cannot be certain about anything, including the debate surrounding the validity of manifesting. It might not give you everything you’ve ever wanted, but then again, it just might.