Hello everyone, I've not commented before, but I've been trying LOA for a few years. I just wanted to share something that might benefit other people, because I didn't realise it until yesterday, so maybe many other people haven't realised it also!
All my life, I have suffered with chronic stress and anxiety, which of course makes LOA hard because you can't feel confident and dynamic. Just yesterday, I realised that I have always physically felt the world pressing in on me - actually felt it in my body, the sense of being crushed and of needing to physically tense to keep the outside world at bay. I didn't notice this until I recently dealt with a bad situation in a confident way, and my feeling suddenly shifted: I felt like *I* was the bigger force, not everything else - like I had a glow right inside me, and it was glowing out of my body and through my skin, out into the world around me.
It took this happening to realise the contrast in how I usually felt. Sometimes the glow gets dim and I feel tense and pressured again, but now that I know what it is, I can focus on regaining my glow and shining into the outside world, rather than having it crush me.
I hope this is making sense, it sounds kind of insane when I write it out. But just give it a try! Realise that there is a golden light inside you (for me it's behind my breast bone) and picture it shining out of you, like a star. Make it glow out around your body as far as it can go - intrude on the world, don't let it intrude on you!
I hope this helps someone.
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I'm off to read the first thread, but have a question. I need a good friend (or two) who live local to me. I have friends on the other side of the earth and a bit nearer to home but there's no longer anyone who lives close. Is it okay to manifest a friend, or would that be off limits for some ethical type reason?
I've been in this exact situation for years, but in the past year have managed to make a lot of local friends. Just some advice from me, sorry if it's stuff you already know, but it's what's worked for me...
1) Join a hobby group. People become friends if you meet them on a regular basis. It doesn't matter if you don't like the group initially, your feelings will warm up as you get to know people. It doesn't have to be a hobby you're MEGA interested in, just one that allows for talking with other people. For example, a cinema group involves sitting in the dark not talking to people, but a walking group allows for lots of talking.
2) Look people in the eye, while taking notice of their eye colour. This sends the signal that you are paying attention and trying to get to know them. (Obviously don't tell them what you're doing!)
3) Say their names when you greet them. If you walk into a room full of people from your hobby group, say "Hi Pete! Hi Mary!" etc. People like feeling special, and it fosters a connection with them. They will feel special if they feel like you are happy to see them specifically.
4) Keep your feet and shoulders turned towards whoever you are talking to. It signals interest in what they have to say.
5) Mirroring is a big one. Try to subtly mimic their movements. Sit with your legs crossed if they are, touch your hair when they do, etc. It sounds creepy, but it's a big big factor in getting people to subconsciously feel in tune with you.
6) Wait a few weeks or 2-3 months before you ask anyone to hang out one-on-one. People will feel put off if they think you are just looking for a friend, any friend. But if they feel like you have gotten to know them a bit and you like them, they will be happy to try a friendship.
7) After 2-3 months when you have identified someone you'd like to see one-on-one, ask them for coffee or pub. People will rarely say no! But ask them generally, so they don't feel pressured. e.g. say "Would you like to get coffee some time?" rather than "Would you like to get coffee next week?" This makes them feel less pressured, and if they pick the date themselves, they will feel more like the meeting was their idea (thus making them feel like THEY are pursuing YOUR friendship, rather than the other way around.)
8) When you ask them, give them a general theme of conversation, so they know it will be a fun low-stakes meeting. Like "Hi, I was wondering if you want to get a coffee some time and talk sports?" or whatever your interest is.
9) Believe that people want to be friends with you! This can be difficult at first, but it's crucial. Think of the nastiest people you know - they have friends, right? So you're much more likeable than them, so of COURSE people will want to be friends with you!
Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
