PDF Summary:Be What You Wish, by Neville Goddard

In Be What You Wish, author Neville Goddard expounds on the remarkable power of the human imagination. He asserts that our inner being, not external circumstances, shapes our reality. By harnessing our ability to visualize and wholeheartedly embrace our aspirations, we can manifest our deepest desires.

Goddard draws upon symbolic interpretations of religious texts to illustrate his principles. His teachings emphasize the significance of emotions, self-perception, and personal transformation in manifesting our dreams. Through practices like meditation and visualization, we can awaken our divine essence and unlock limitless creative potential.

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• Some psychological perspectives argue that change comes from behavioral action and reinforcement rather than from internal visualization alone.
• The emphasis on vivid sensory details and strong emotional engagement might not align with certain meditation traditions that advocate for detachment and the observation of experiences without emotional reactivity.

To alter the course of our existence, it's imperative that we surpass our restrictive convictions and cultivate an enhanced perception of our potential.

Goddard recognizes that personal transformation often involves confronting and dismantling limiting beliefs that hold us back from experiencing our true potential. He encourages us to challenge and alter these beliefs, embedding convictions that align with our ambitions. He advocates for the cultivation of higher aspirations through the visualization of our ideal selves and dedicating ourselves to the realization of that image.

Practical Tips

• Partner with a friend for a "Belief Swap" where you exchange one limiting belief you each hold and spend a week finding and sharing examples of people who have overcome similar beliefs. This can provide external inspiration and proof that your limiting beliefs are not universal truths.
• Create a vision board that represents your ideal self by collecting images and phrases from magazines or printing them from online sources. Place this board in a space where you'll see it daily, such as your bedroom or home office. The visual cues will serve as constant reminders and inspiration for your aspirations, subtly influencing your daily actions and decisions toward that ideal.

Emotions play a crucial role.

Neville Goddard emphasizes the critical role that emotions play during the manifestation process. He contends that emotions actively shape our reality, rather than being simple reactions to events that happen around us.

Our emotions significantly influence our perception.

Neville Goddard advocates that the state of our internal being significantly influences the world around us. He proposes that the emotions and sensations we experience serve as attractors, drawing similar events into our existence. Neville Goddard's teachings stress the importance of aligning our emotional state with our aspirations to bring them to fruition.

Our outlook and feelings not only mold our perception of the world but also attract specific circumstances into our existence.

Goddard underscores the influence of our prevailing emotional condition in determining our perspective of the world and in attracting specific occurrences into our life. He argues that our emotional conditions mold our perceptions of occurrences and exchanges. Fostering emotions like happiness, appreciation, and affection, we establish an inner tranquility that magnetizes similar circumstances into our existence.

Context

• Past experiences can shape our emotional responses, which in turn influence how we perceive current situations and anticipate future events.
• This idea is often linked to the belief that the universe responds to the energy we emit, aligning our external reality with our internal state.
• Experiencing positive emotions can lower stress hormones like cortisol, leading to reduced anxiety and promoting a state of calmness in the body.
• Inner tranquility can enhance resilience, allowing individuals to cope better with challenges and setbacks, which can lead to more stable and positive life circumstances.

Controlling your emotions and fostering a positive mindset is essential.

Goddard emphasizes the importance of emotional self-mastery as a cornerstone of personal transformation. He counsels us to carefully monitor our emotional reactions, understanding that our responses to situations sculpt our broader state of being. Through deliberate practice, we can learn to choose our emotional responses rather than being ruled by unconscious reactions, thereby directing our creative power towards desired outcomes.

We ought to direct our creative energy to foster the feelings we wish to feel, rather than fixating on our current circumstances.

Goddard advises that we redirect our attention from the external situations to our internal emotional states. Rather than allowing everyday events to dictate our emotional state, he suggests that we consciously choose the emotions we desire to experience and use our imagination to bring them to life. By fostering the feeling that our wishes have already come to fruition, we plant powerful seeds destined to grow in our lives.

Other Perspectives

• This approach may inadvertently promote a form of escapism, where individuals might neglect taking actionable steps to change their circumstances.
• It may not be feasible or healthy for individuals with certain mental health conditions to simply choose their emotional states without addressing underlying issues that might be influenced by external factors.
• Emotions are often automatic responses to stimuli, and while we can try to influence them, it's not always possible to choose them consciously.
• Relying solely on imagination to manage emotions might lead to avoidance behaviors, where individuals escape into a fantasy rather than dealing with the complexities of their real-life situations.
• This approach could result in disappointment if reality does not align with the imagined outcomes, potentially harming mental well-being.
• The concept of planting seeds for outcomes can be overly simplistic when dealing with complex situations that are influenced by many external factors beyond one's control.

We have the power to regulate our reactions to daily events and the people we encounter.

In guiding us toward emotional mastery, Goddard underscores the importance of managing our reactions to external events. He acknowledges the natural tendency to react emotionally to challenges and setbacks but invites us to practice responding consciously rather than reacting impulsively. By choosing our responses, we keep control of our emotions, which in turn safeguards our capacity to manifest our desires. He emphasizes the importance of deliberately selecting our emotional reactions, as each profound emotion we experience acts as a gateway to the spiritual realm.

Practical Tips

• Use a "Mood Meter" app on your smartphone to regularly check in with your emotions throughout the day. By rating your mood at different times, you'll become more aware of how external events influence your emotional state. This awareness can empower you to take proactive steps to manage your reactions before they escalate.
• Implement a "pause and reflect" rule before responding to emails or messages. Set a timer for 5 minutes after reading a message that requires a decision or action from you. Use this time to step away from the device, breathe, and consider your response. This helps in reducing knee-jerk reactions and promotes more deliberate communication.
• Develop a personal "Emotion Response Plan" that outlines specific steps to take when you feel overwhelmed by emotions. For example, if you're feeling anxious about an upcoming presentation, your plan might include deep breathing exercises, a short walk, or a few minutes of meditation to regain composure and focus on your desired outcome.
• Create a "reaction card deck" with various emotional responses to use in hypothetical scenarios. Write down different emotions on cards, shuffle them, and draw one in response to a challenging situation you imagine or encounter. This can help you explore alternative emotional reactions that you might not typically consider and can expand your emotional repertoire for real-life situations.
• Engage in creative expression, like painting or writing poetry, immediately following an intense emotional experience, using the emotion as the driving force behind your art. This process can transform your profound emotions into a tangible form, potentially revealing spiritual truths or insights that were not initially apparent. As an example, after a heartfelt encounter with a loved one, you might create an abstract painting that captures the essence of the connection you felt, exploring the spiritual dimensions of love and relationship.

The metaphysical realm

The teachings of Neville Goddard delve beyond the surface of self-improvement, exploring the profound depths of spirituality and metaphysical understanding. He views the principles he shares as more than mere tactics for wealth creation; they are pathways to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe.

Scripture abounds with symbols that represent psychological truths.

Goddard offers a distinctive interpretation of religious scriptures, especially the Bible. He emphasizes their symbolic and allegorical nature, suggesting that they should not be interpreted literally, but rather as profound metaphors for universal spiritual principles. He contends that by focusing solely on the superficial aspects of these texts, we limit their possibilities and prevent ourselves from discovering the deep wisdom they hold.

Literal interpretations miss the deeper spiritual meaning and purpose

Goddard advocates for a more profound investigation into biblical stories, highlighting their wealth of psychological insight and metaphysical wisdom. He urges us to look past the time-bound and societal frameworks of these narratives, aiming to uncover the profound mystical knowledge they contain. By interpreting the symbolic language in these texts, we gain access to a wealth of actionable advice for self-improvement and enhancing our inner being.

Other Perspectives

• It can be argued that the search for deeper spiritual meaning should not discount the value of the literal narrative, which can also offer profound insights and lessons.
• Focusing solely on mystical knowledge can lead to subjective interpretations that may not be consistent with the intended messages of the texts.
• Relying on symbolic interpretation for inner growth assumes that the symbols within the text are universally understood and relevant, which may not be the case across different cultures or personal backgrounds.

Visualization, meditation, and assumption are pathways to spiritual growth

Goddard introduces practices such as visualization, meditation, and assumption, emphasizing their role not only in manifesting material desires but also as spiritual exercises that enhance personal development and strengthen one's spiritual bond. He regards these methods as conduits that bridge our conscious mind to the most profound levels of our subconscious, thus enlivening the latent spiritual forces inherent in us. By regularly honing our inner skills, we develop a heightened consciousness of our inherent spiritual essence.

To uncover the profound significances concealed in allegorical stories, we must engage our inner perceptions.

Goddard advocates for nurturing our internal perception to grasp the profound significances embedded within spiritual scriptures and teachings. He firmly believes that intuition is a powerful navigator, steering us towards understanding and veracity. By cultivating our internal perception, we can decode the esoteric vernacular of sacred teachings, revealing profound understandings and practical guidance concealed within the explicit narrative.

Other Perspectives

• Some allegorical stories are crafted with universal themes that are meant to be understood at face value, without the need for deep internal perception.
• There is a risk of overemphasizing personal experience and undervaluing the communal and traditional aspects of understanding spiritual teachings.
• Intuition is not always reliable, as it can be influenced by personal biases, emotions, and preconceived notions.
• Decoding esoteric language often requires an understanding of historical and cultural contexts that may not be accessible through internal perception alone.

We inherently understand our unity with the divine.

Central to Goddard's philosophy is the profound recognition of our inherent divine essence. He proposes that rather than existing separately from a divine force, we embody the holy spirit that resides internally. Neville Goddard's philosophy posits that at the heart of every individual lies a boundless creative power.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer for a cause that resonates with your sense of unity, such as environmental conservation or community service. Engaging in activities that benefit the larger community can reinforce your understanding of being part of something bigger and contribute to a sense of shared purpose and connection.
• Create a personal mantra that affirms your divine nature and repeat it during meditation or moments of stress. For example, "I am a manifestation of divine love and wisdom." Use this mantra to center yourself and to remind you of your essence when facing challenges.
• Volunteer for community service projects that align with your values to experience the holy spirit through acts of kindness and compassion. By helping others, you may feel a deeper connection to the holy spirit as you see the impact of your actions. Choose a local food bank or shelter where you can contribute regularly.
• Implement a 'creative hour' into your weekly routine where you focus on exploring new hobbies or skills without any pressure to be productive. This could be anything from doodling, trying out a new recipe, or even daydreaming about a fantasy world. The key is to allow your mind to wander without constraints, which can lead to unexpected bursts of creativity.

The principles are applied within the context of holy texts, notably the Bible.

Goddard advocates for a transformative perspective on the Scriptures, urging a shift from literal interpretations to a deep appreciation of their symbolic and psychological importance. He suggests that holy texts, such as the Bible, are guides for personal transformation and spiritual growth, providing practical guidance to align with our innate divinity and achieve our dreams.

The Bible imparts spiritual truths using symbolic language that includes allegories as well as personifications.

Neville Goddard emphasizes the frequent employment of metaphorical expressions within the scriptures. He explains that stories like the origin myth, the Ten Commandments, and the miracles of Jesus are not to be taken as factual historical events; rather, they are metaphorical representations of spiritual principles and stages of individual development. He encourages an interpretation of the Bible as a rich tapestry woven with symbolic narratives and allegories that hold deep levels of meaning.

Focusing on the symbolic meaning and psychological importance, rather than the precise historical specifics.

Goddard advises focusing on the timeless psychological understandings and spiritual teachings within the narratives, rather than getting caught up in debates over their historical accuracy. He suggests that the Bible's power lies in its pertinence to human life, offering profound insights into the nature of awareness, the dynamic relationship between desire and its fulfillment, and the path to spiritual awakening.

Other Perspectives

• Some biblical narratives may reinforce outdated or harmful ideologies if not critically examined in their historical specificity.
• The pertinence of the Bible to human life can be subjective and vary greatly among individuals, with some finding it deeply relevant and others not at all.
• The dynamic relationship between desire and its fulfillment is a complex psychological topic that may not be fully addressed by the biblical narratives, which are open to interpretation and may not provide clear guidance applicable to modern life.

Viewing Scripture with an understanding that emphasizes creative affection and personal growth.

Goddard presents a deeply insightful interpretation of biblical texts, perceiving them as narratives centered on the theme of 'creative love.' He suggests that the fundamental lesson from Scripture is the inherent bond we share with the divine, which ought to be manifested in our thoughts, feelings, and actions. He inspires us to acknowledge our divinity and to interact with others through nurturing understanding, compassion, and committing to the enhancement of our spiritual development.

We should acknowledge the good and advantageous characteristics inherent in us and those we encounter, as advised by religious teachings.

Goddard underscores the importance of the biblical instruction to "love thy neighbor as thyself," proposing that this principle acts not merely as a moral imperative but also as a practical method for embracing one's preferred reality as if it were already present. By acknowledging the commendable traits in others, we initiate a chain of events that may shape our view of them and could possibly affect their behaviors and life experiences.

Other Perspectives

• This perspective might not take into account the complexity of human nature and the importance of understanding and integrating the full spectrum of human characteristics, including those that are not inherently good or advantageous.
• This approach assumes that loving others will inherently lead to positive changes, which may not account for complex social dynamics where positive intentions do not always lead to positive outcomes.
• Focusing solely on positive traits might lead to a biased view of a person, potentially overlooking areas where they may need support or improvement.

Our evolution from "stone" to "water" to "wine" is propelled by a transformation in our perception.

Goddard illustrates the different stages of spiritual awakening by comparing the transformation from stone to water, and ultimately to wine. Neville Goddard uses the analogy of a "stone" to represent a literal understanding of Scripture, "water" to depict an intellectual comprehension of its profound messages, and "wine" to express the profound transformation these lessons bring about when fully integrated into our lives. He encourages a profound exploration of his teachings, guiding us to engage in an inner transformation that aligns with our highest potential.

Practical Tips

• Create a visual representation of a metaphorical concept using art supplies like paint, clay, or collage materials. Choose a concept or a story element, such as a "mountain" to symbolize a personal challenge, and create an artwork that expresses your interpretation of overcoming that challenge. This activity helps you visualize and internalize the metaphorical lessons in a tangible form.
• Engage in small group discussions with friends or family members who are also interested in exploring profound scriptural messages. Organize a weekly meet-up where each person brings a passage they've found meaningful and discuss the different layers of interpretation. This collective exploration can lead to a richer understanding as you'll gain insights from the perspectives of others, which can often reveal aspects of the text you might not have considered on your own.
• Create a "lesson pairing" ritual where you match a new insight with a specific action or habit you want to develop. For example, if you learn about the importance of patience, pair that lesson with the habit of deep breathing exercises whenever you're in a queue or waiting for something. This helps to solidify the lesson in a practical, everyday context.
• Develop a daily meditation practice focusing on the elements of transformation. Spend the first few minutes visualizing yourself as a solid stone, grounded and strong. Transition to imagining yourself as water, flexible and flowing. End with visualizing yourself as wine, representing your evolved and refined state. This meditation can help you embody the qualities of each stage and recognize them in your daily life.
• Start a personal exploration journal to document your reflections and insights on a daily basis. By writing down your thoughts, you can track your progress and notice patterns in your understanding. For example, after reading about a new concept, write about how you see it manifesting in your life or how you might observe its effects in the world around you.
• Develop a daily affirmation practice to reinforce your commitment to personal growth. Write down a series of positive statements that reflect the person you aim to become, such as "I am capable of achieving my dreams" or "I grow stronger and more focused every day." Repeat these affirmations each morning, or record them and listen to them throughout the day. This can help to reprogram your subconscious mind and encourage behaviors that align with your highest potential.