The Truth Behind Manifestation: Truth Or Myth?

 

Why Manifestation Is a Myth (Or at Least, Not What You Think It Is)

 

Let it be known: I am the most un-spiritual spiritual person there is—well, when it comes to new age mumbo jumbo, at least. The truth is, I was obsessed with the Law of Attraction and manifestation for years… until I realized it was just another cleverly packaged sales pitch. So many "teachers" promise success with their classes, books, or programs, dangling the carrot of endless abundance. “You too can learn the secrets to wealth—if only you follow their method.”

 Let me be clear: if someone tells you you're not doing “it” right, that you're not positive enough, or that you haven’t tapped into the “real” manifestation formula—run. That person is not your guide. They’re likely a marketer disguised as a mystic.

 Many of these so-called spiritual influencers tout their “best life ever,” but let’s get real. They either come from money, built businesses the traditional way, or caught a lucky break. Their “success” wasn’t manifested; it was strategized, inherited, or sweat-earned. Yet, the moment they sold their first course, they shifted from seekers to sellers. Welcome to Capitalspiritualism—where spirituality is a product and enlightenment has a price tag.

 Yes, I’m whistleblowing. Someone has to.

 Now, don’t get me wrong: the concept of manifestation, at its root, is based on real universal laws. “Thoughts become things” and “like attracts like” aren’t entirely false. But that’s just the surface of a much deeper, more complex truth—an iceberg few can truly speak on with any certainty. The simplified Instagram version of manifestation is a distortion of something far more nuanced.

 As someone who works closely with people in pain—clients navigating trauma, depression, and CPTSD—I’ve seen how this misinformation can do more harm than good. For many, getting out of bed is a win. For others, systemic barriers make jobs or stability feel out of reach. Yet these are the people who are most often drawn to spirituality, hoping to find peace... and instead, they’re told they’re failing at “manifesting” their dreams. I was one of them.

 So I ask: is this version of new age spirituality just a playground for the privileged? Is it a luxury belief system for upper-class women in white linen, sipping matcha in Malibu while talking about “aligning their vibration” over lunch? Is access to transformation reserved only for those who can afford a Tony Robbins weekend?

 Are they more worthy than you or me just because they can pay their way in?

 The spiritual world is being exposed just like every other system—and it’s about time.

 Let me say it louder for the ones in the back: spirituality is not a tool to get rich. It’s not a shortcut to your dream car, your luxury vacation, or your fantasy partner. Lighting candles, chanting mantras, or breaking coconuts won’t magically bring you what’s not aligned with your path. Abundance is spiritual—but it comes in many forms. Money is the least important of them.

 If you’re fortunate enough to have time and space to pursue your desires, then stop looking up and start looking forward. Take real action. The Universe doesn’t hand out freebies—not even to the faithful. Every cause has an effect. Every rise has a fall. This is not punishment; it’s balance. As Rumi said, “Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.”

 Manifestation isn’t a wishlist—it’s a way of being. But to truly manifest anything, you must reach such deep mindfulness that the future disappears. The desire must dissolve. You forget you even wanted it. That’s when it comes—if it’s meant to.

 That kind of detachment comes from inner work: therapy, trauma healing, self-love, discipline. And ironically, the people who walk this path with integrity often realize manifestation isn’t the goal at all.

New age influencers love to talk about all the miracles they’ve manifested—but if you scratch the surface, what you’ll usually find is hard work, privilege, and opportunity. Not magic. Not vibes. Coincidence and synchronicity are real, yes—but they aren’t a business model.

Ask yourself: have you ever heard a detailed, verifiable story of someone completely transforming their life solelythrough manifestation? I haven’t. Most of the time, the proof is a book deal or a retreat sold out on Instagram. But guess what? You can write a book too. You can build a business. All it takes is time, drive, and a solid plan. (Notice I didn’t say passion. That’s optional.)

 I’m writing this because I believe in real spirituality. I believe in truth. I believe in showing up authentically and doing the inner work—not bypassing it with vision boards and wishful thinking.

 So instead of manifesting, I invite you to study the Tao. Read Buddhist philosophy. Dive into existentialism. Find the teachers who want to help you live, not sell you an escape hatch. The ones who help you process your pain, not bury it under a false smile and a “high vibe only” sticker.

 

Forget manifestation.

 

Start believing that you’re enough as you are. Know that you are worthy of living a beautiful, meaningful life. Then—go live it. Do the work. Build the thing. Make the call. Write the page.

 A healthy mindset helps, sure. But plenty of people who never picked up a crystal or wrote an affirmation are out there living their dreams. How’d they get there? Luck? Hard work? Alignment? Maybe all three. Maybe none.

What matters is that they did it. You can too.

Just don’t wait for the Universe to do the heavy lifting.

 

Happy Un-manifesting,

 James Bene 

Intuitive, Spiritual Coach & Teacher

www.benemudra.com