Manifesting & Vision Boards: The Surprisingly Scientific, Slightly Woo-Woo Art of Making Your Life Less “Meh”
- dustingoffmysoul
- Nov 27
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever stared at a vision board wondering whether you’d accidentally created a collage of magazine clippings and delusion, you’re not alone.
Vision boards and manifesting have earned a reputation somewhere between “life-changing magic” and “Pinterest hobby for people avoiding their real problems.”
And yet — surprise! — beneath the crystals, moon cycles, and gold-foil inspirational quotes lies actual science that says manifesting might not be as woo-woo as your skeptical Debbie Downer friend insists.
🌟Manifesting: The Woo, the Science, and the Stuff No One Tells You
✨ The Woo-Woo bit…
Manifesting is about:
* Asking the Universe (capital U)
* Believing the Universe will deliver
* Receiving what the Universe has Amazon-Primed to your door
🔬 Now for the science bit…
1. The Reticular Activating System (RAS)
This tiny brain network filters incoming information.
When you focus on a goal, the RAS starts noticing opportunities that match it.
It's like when you buy a green car and suddenly everyone drives a green car.
(They didn’t — you just finally tuned in.)
Manifesting = programming your RAS.
2. Neuroplasticity
Your brain rewires based on what you repeatedly visualise, think, and emotionally rehearse.
Visualising success makes your brain behave as if success is already happening — which makes it easier to take aligned action.
Manifesting = training your brain
3. Behavioral Activation
When you believe something is possible, you’re more likely to take small actions toward it.
Small actions snowball.
Snowballs become momentum.
Momentum becomes your future.
Manifesting = a habit formation.
✨+🔬 = The Real Magic
Manifesting works best when you combine intention, emotion, and action.
Think of it like ordering from a restaurant:
* Woo: You place the order.
* Science: Your brain organises resources.
* Action: You get up and grab the ketchup yourself because no server is psychic.
🌟Vision Boards: Your Brain LOVES These More Than You Think
A vision board is not just a pretty collage. It’s a visual goal-encoding device (science term for “pictures that trick your brain into helping you”).
Why vision boards work:
* Your brain thinks in images, not paragraphs.
* Images spark emotional responses faster than words.
* Emotions accelerate learning and habit formation.
* Consistent visual reinforcement keeps goals “top of mind,” boosting awareness and motivation.
Basically, a vision board is Pinterest but supercharged for personal growth.
🌟How to Make a Vision Board That Actually Works (Not Just Looks Cute)
1. Get Clear on What You Want
Not the vague:
* “Be happier”
* “Make more money”
* “Live my best life”
Better:
* “Feel calm for at least 1 hour a day”
* “Earn €5k a month doing work I don’t resent”
* “Have a home that sparks joy, not allergies”
2. Choose Images That Make Your Brain Go ‘Oooooh Yes’
Pick photos that create a visceral reaction.
If your stomach flutters? Good.
If you feel nothing? Next.
3. Include Words That Support Your Future Identity
Examples:
* “Capable”
* “Magnetic”
* “Creative”
* “I can do hard things even when I’d rather nap”
4. Add a Dose of Woo (Optional but fun)
* Moon phases
* Affirmations
* Gold glitter if you’re not the one tidying up afterwards!
5. Place It Where You’ll Actually See It
Some ideas:
* Bedroom wall
* Laptop wallpaper
* Phone lock screen
* Inside of your wardrobe
6. Connect With It
Not in an obsessive “WHY ISN’T MY DREAM LIFE COMING YET?!” way.
More like:
* Pause
* Smile at your future
* Feel what it would feel like
* Take one tiny step today … alignment is key!
🌟Manifesting Without the Toxic Positivity
Here’s the part everyone skips:
You don’t need to be happy 24/7.
You don’t need perfect vibes.
You don’t need chakras aligned permanently.
You just need:
* Intention
* Attention
* Action
* Self-compassion
* Patience (ugh, I know)
Your emotions don’t block manifestation — your inaction does.
🌟What Happens When You Start Doing This
Slowly, weirdly, and almost annoyingly:
* You notice opportunities that match your goals.
* You meet people aligned with your path.
* You make decisions that feel “intuitive.”
* You stop apologising for wanting more.
* Your life starts looking like the inside of your vision board.
Magic?
Science?
Who cares.
It works.
🌟You’re Not Asking the Universe — You’re Asking Yourself
Manifesting isn’t about convincing cosmic forces to rearrange your life.
It’s about convincing you to show up for the life you actually want.
The vision board is the map.
You are the driver.
The Universe is… the friendly Google Maps that occasionally reroutes you when you make a questionable turn.
Curious? Ready to give it a go??? We have options to suit every budget x
Our Clear Intentions workshop is now booking for Jan in Bayside Dublin 13 which includes fully guided and supported vision board making, sound bath, intention setting, cacao and meditation!
Or…
Our Vision Board Workshop is now booking for The Bungalow Ballyfermot which includes intention setting meditation and vision board.
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