Wishing & Hoping: Abeginner's Guide To Manifestation

Is it possible to fantasise your way to an improved existence? Vogue Singapore examines the wellness phenomenon powered by the notion of wishful thinking.

- EMILY HENG

In a time before Goop, tarot card readings and sound baths, there was The Secret. Written by Australian television producer, Rhonda Byrne, in 2006, it was touted as a self-help tome discussing the pseudoscientific law of attraction. That is, the belief in the development of positive circumstances and situations if you emit good, uplifting thoughts. While it was never explicitly stated, the message behind the book's teachings was clear: the only hurdle to happiness lies within yourself.

The Secret's meteoric rise to fame was quickly overshadowed by criticisms of its overly simplified maxims and lack of scientific foundation. In its heyday, however, it sold over 30 million copies and was translated into 50 languages. And while the buzz surrounding The Secret has since died down, its core principles remain within our current zeitgeist. Enter: manifestation.

Mind over matter

"Manifestation is the deliberate process of defining and visualising goals or changes one wishes to bring into their life," explains Alexandra Chomat, a clinical and educational psychologist with Psychology Blossom. "Interestingly enough, the term 'manifestation' has its roots in Latin, and its etymology suggests an origin that involves making something evident through a deliberate act."

Indeed, much of manifestation is performative in nature. For some, it simply involves crafting aspirational statements and vision boards in the hopes of eventually making them a reality. Then there are others who think of it as a lifestyle; a conscious showcase of the diverse slew of terms derived from the manifestation lexicon.