Acceptance vs. Manifestation: Navigating Between Letting Go and Taking Charge

‘Woh uparwala ishara dikhayega (He will show you signs)’ said Madhuri Dixit in Dil Toh Pagal Hai. I fiercely believed in this concept until life taught me better. This is how Bollywood plays with innocent impressionable minds, check-in with my generation. True story. 

And then a decade later you have books like ‘The Secret’ that further play with your minds. Making you believe that the power actually resides within you, and you aren’t magnetic enough if you haven’t yet received what you want. These are so contrary to the concepts of acceptance that are deeply culturally ingrained in us. Like my mom would say ‘Samay se pehle aur kismat se zyada kisi ko nahi milta’ (No one receives what’s meant for them before time or more than their fate).

“Whether to accept or manifest” I often get overwhelmed by these two contrasting concepts. Reading definitely improves one’s ability to understand self and the world around, but contrasting concepts can lead you to a state of confusion, at least it did for me, these two contrasting yet complementary concepts: acceptance and manifestation stood at opposite ends. Acceptance focuses on embracing the present moment and letting go of resistance, manifestation emphasizes setting intentions and actively working towards desired outcomes. I have learnt that understanding the interplay between these two forces can be the key to unlocking a life of peace and purpose.

Acceptance: The Gateway to Inner Peace

Eckhart Tolle, in his renowned book “The Power of Now,” emphasizes the importance of accepting the present moment as it is. He argues that clinging to the past or yearning for a different future is the root of all suffering. Acceptance, on the other hand, allows us to release negativity and experience a profound sense of inner peace.

Neuropsychologist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett supports this view in her book “How Emotions Are Made.” She explains that emotions are not simply reactions to external events but rather interpretations we create in our minds. By accepting the present moment, we shift our perspective and allow ourselves to experience the world with greater clarity and detachment.

Ancient texts from various cultures echo this sentiment. In Buddhism, the concept of “anicca” emphasizes the impermanence of all things, encouraging us to let go of attachment and embrace the present moment. Similarly, the Bhagavad Gita speaks of “sthitaprajna,” a state of unwavering wisdom achieved through tranquility and acceptance.

Manifestation: The Power of Intention and Action

While acceptance invites us to surrender to the present, manifestation empowers us to actively shape our future. Rhonda Byrne, in her book “The Secret,” popularized the Law of Attraction, which suggests that our thoughts and intentions can influence our reality. And I must confess, I tried, to a certain degree of success. 

Dr. Joe Dispenza, a neuroscientist, delves deeper into the science of manifestation in his book “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself.” He explains how neuroplasticity, our brain’s ability to change and adapt, can be harnessed to create new neural pathways that support our desired outcomes.

Manifestation practices like visualization, affirmations, and gratitude are tools that can help us focus our energy and attract what we desire. However, it’s important to remember that manifestation is not about controlling the universe but rather aligning ourselves with our deepest desires and taking inspired action.

Finding the Balance: A Tango Between Surrender and Action

Acceptance allows us to release resistance and find inner peace, while manifestation empowers us to take charge and create the life we desire. The true path to fulfillment lies not in clinging to one concept over the other but in finding a balance between the two. A situation or conundrum may demand a specific approach which could be either Surrender or Action. 

Tosha Silver, in her book “Outrageous Openness,” beautifully describes this balance as a dance between surrender and action. She encourages us to surrender to the present moment while simultaneously taking inspired action towards our dreams. This is easier said than done, however, having read many books, articles and listened to expert podcasts, this could be the best way to live a rational life. 

By cultivating both acceptance and manifestation, we can navigate the waves of life with greater resilience and purpose. We can embrace the unexpected twists and turns while actively pursuing our passions and aspirations. So the next time you sit down to list out your have-nots, could-bes, and to-bes… choose the path you want to take. 

Embrace both acceptance and manifestation as tools in your personal toolbox, and discover the unique rhythm that brings you peace, joy, and fulfillment. I am still navigating between the two to find a balance.