PDF Summary:Thoughts that Move Energy, by Julie Merrick

Are you ready to embrace the fullness and unpredictability of life? In Thoughts that Move Energy, Julie Merrick offers a transformational approach to living. She guides readers to go beyond their mind's limited narrative and tap into a heightened awareness. By accepting reality as it unfolds, appreciating the present moment, and trusting the Light of your true essence, you can shape your desired experiences.

Merrick explores energy principles like permission, embracing what is, and recognizing unseen assistance and guidance. Her wisdom reveals a magical world awaiting our presence and explains how aligning your creative power can manifest your deepest desires.

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Recognizing Compassionate Help From Unseen Realms

Trusting the Light of Our Essence

Merrick encourages us to embrace the possibility that the force supporting us is not an external God, who makes judgments and grants or denies requests, but the Light of our own being. She emphasizes that we're not pieces in an unfamiliar puzzle, but that we're like creators in our own universe, crafting stories that reflect our focus, will, and intent.

The author offers wisdom from the 12-step recovery program, explaining that when we acknowledge our Story-self sometimes needs help, we open to a higher power that can heal us and return us to clarity. The author conveys that we possess "supporters from beyond" who are ready and willing to assist us. We form a connection with these friends by recognizing they are an extension of our narratives, not a separate force imposing agendas.

Other Perspectives

• Traditional religious believers might counter that the existence of an external God is a fundamental truth in their faith, and this external deity provides support and guidance in a way that an internal Light cannot replicate.
• While we have significant influence over our personal narratives, external factors beyond our control also shape our lives, suggesting that we are not the sole creators of our universe.
• The concept may not resonate with those who have had negative experiences with organized religion or spiritual practices, potentially alienating individuals who do not connect with the idea of a higher power.
• Recognizing supporters as an extension of our narratives might limit the perception of their autonomy and the potential richness they bring from being truly separate entities with their own experiences and wisdom.

Guided by Greater Forces

Releasing Control and Embracing Support

Merrick encourages us to surrender control and yield to our Light, trusting she knows our needs and has the capacity to guide us there. We welcome this guidance when we release expectations about how things "should" unfold and remain open to the creative force shaping our lives. We can "ask for a way," knowing the path offered may not match what we envisioned but will align with the underlying essence of our desire.

The author cautions us against a negative mindset—a focus on eliminating unwanted situations. This approach often creates more resistance and leads to discord, as the energy we're giving off is at odds with a positive outcome. She offers the advice to "get centered" and embrace acceptance, recognizing contrast is required to create. Accepting reality will shift our perceptions and reveal opportunities to move forward more effectively, leaving us less frustrated.

Other Perspectives

• The concept of a guiding Light is subjective and may not resonate with individuals who prefer evidence-based decision-making or who have different belief systems.
• Expectations can be based on personal values and insights, and releasing them might mean ignoring one's intuition or personal wisdom.
• Relying on an external force for positive life changes can create a passive attitude, where individuals wait for things to happen rather than actively pursuing their goals.
• Being open to any path can result in a lack of focus, making it difficult to recognize or commit to a direction that truly aligns with our desires.
• The act of eliminating unwanted situations can be empowering and provide a sense of control, which can be psychologically beneficial for some people.
• Acceptance and getting centered may not always be the best approach in situations that require immediate, decisive action or assertiveness.
• While contrast can indeed stimulate creativity, it is not the only catalyst for creation; inspiration can also come from harmony, synergy, and continuity.

Cultivating Generosity, Service, and the Flow of Helpful Energy

Recognizing True Support Involves Empowerment and Building Bonds

Merrick describes being supportive as an opt-in energy that grows through generous, thoughtful, and respectful choices in how we interact with both our personal and public landscape. Giving isn't necessary for receiving. Those ideas are rooted in a lack mentality and impede the flow of supportive energy. Our actions matter because opting out diminishes the network of support while opting in enlarges it. This dynamic applies to even seemingly insignificant choices, like tipping a waiter, contributing to a charity, or communicating with a cashier; to our willingness to acknowledge, value, and connect with people we encounter daily.

The author counsels us to examine our own motivations in offering things and discard any righteous, self-interested beliefs. We must release the urge to control outcomes, to make sacrifices, or engage in charity—a misguided form of giving that fosters a feeling of superiority and makes us judgmental. To offer a hand-up is different from joining hands to support a world where we're all part of the journey. The author believes the kind and compassionate energy of support can drive an energetic revolution and alter the underlying reality.

Other Perspectives

• There may be situations where being supportive involves setting boundaries or saying no, which could be misconstrued as a lack of generosity or thoughtfulness.
• Giving can be seen as an expression of abundance rather than a lack mentality, as it often reflects a person's desire to share what they have, not a fear of not having enough.
• Opting in without proper coordination and communication can lead to redundancy and inefficiency within the support network.
• While small actions like tipping and contributing to charity can be expressions of support, they may not always lead to the building of meaningful relationships or long-term support networks.
• The idea that self-interested beliefs should be discarded assumes that such beliefs are inherently negative, which may not always be the case.
• Attempting to control outcomes isn't always negative; it can stem from a desire to ensure that help is effective and reaches those who need it most.
• The distinction between a hand-up and charity might be artificial or oversimplified, as both can be part of a continuum of support that helps people in need.
• The notion of an energetic revolution could be too vague or abstract to implement practically, making it difficult to measure or achieve tangible outcomes.

Cultivating Thankfulness and Positive Energy

This section explores the transformative power of appreciative energy. Merrick emphasizes that these energies act as a "mystical formula" for manifesting desirable experiences and are essential for experiencing authentic happiness. She encourages a mindset where we emphasize the good in our lives, shifting our focus away from problems and toward prosperity and gratitude.

Emphasizing the Positive Aspects of Experience

Shift From Focusing on Problems to Practicing Gratitude

Merrick suggests that a major obstacle to leading a satisfying life is a tendency to focus on what is wrong. She invites us to instead curate a "collection of positives" and watch it grow. To notice the seemingly insignificant, everyday details of our existence that are pleasurable and enhance our lives.

The author explains that appreciation and thankfulness, while helpful energies, tend to rely on a contrast with negative experiences. They drag us into a past/future dynamic that isn't fully releasing us. Stand-alone appreciation, however, is a more powerful force for shaping reality. It encourages us to pause and focus on what's pleasant, giving our attention to everything that gladdens us in the now moment.

Practical Tips

• Start a "Good Things Jar" where you write down positive events or thoughts on slips of paper and collect them in a jar. At the end of each week, read through them to remind yourself of the good that happened. This tangible collection of positivity can serve as a physical reminder of the good in your life, especially on days when it's harder to see.
• Start a digital photo album dedicated to capturing moments of joy and success. With smartphones, it's easy to snap a picture of a moment that makes you smile. These can range from a beautiful sunrise to a job well done at work. Reviewing this album regularly can reinforce positive feelings and remind you of your accomplishments.
• Set daily "Detail Discovery" alarms on your phone. Use these alarms as reminders to pause and observe your surroundings for something pleasing that you might typically overlook. It could be the pattern of leaves on a plant, the texture of a fabric, or the sound of laughter nearby. This habit can help you become more present and appreciative of your environment.
• Start a "Thankfulness Reflection" routine before bed, where you think of one difficult moment from your day and then identify three things that moment made you appreciate. This could be as simple as appreciating your home's comfort after being stuck in traffic or valuing your health after hearing about someone else's illness.
• Create a 'gratitude art piece' by choosing a medium like painting, drawing, or digital art to visually represent what you appreciate. This could be a weekly project where each piece reflects a specific element of your life you're thankful for, helping to solidify the concept of appreciation through creative expression.

Appreciation as a Creative Force, Not Merely a Feeling

Appreciation Bonds Positive Elements Together

Merrick explains that gratitude is not merely a feeling we cultivate to make ourselves happier; it's a force that shapes reality. She believes appreciation operates like glue, holding on to the desirable elements of our lives and attracting more into our experience. As we focus upon what we like about our world, we strengthen the connection to what we want to be part of our storyline. We cultivate a welcoming environment for joyful energies to thrive.

The author cautions against rigid expectations, urging us to cultivate a mindset where we appreciate our current reality without holding unreasonable requirements for how things should unfold. She suggests that maintaining a feeling of awe is a key to unlocking the magic and mystery of existence, and it's not exclusively for children.

Other Perspectives

• The belief in appreciation as a force that shapes reality could be challenged by the randomness and unpredictability of life events.
• While maintaining a positive outlook can be beneficial for mental health, it is not a foolproof method for manifesting specific goals or outcomes.
• The concept of attracting joyful energies could be seen as overly simplistic, as it may not account for the complexity of human emotions and the multitude of factors that influence our well-being.
• Rigid expectations, when managed healthily, can lead to high achievement and can push individuals to reach their potential.
• Appreciation of the present does not preclude the necessity for planning and preparing for the future, which may require setting certain reasonable expectations.
• Maintaining a constant feeling of awe may be psychologically exhausting, as it requires a high level of emotional engagement.
• The ability to unlock a sense of magic and mystery may require time, privilege, and resources that not everyone has, due to economic or social constraints.

Curating Realms to Embody Desired Energies

Using Vision Boards, Bucket Lists and Games to Shape Reality

Merrick provides practical advice on using intention to shift our attention to appreciation. She recommends creating "Pinterest boards" as a creative outlet for visualizing specific energies. Whether a particular board highlights a love for nature, a favorite author, a fondness for travel, or simply portrays beautiful images that stir our souls, such a focus lets us better appreciate reality and deepen connection with what we wish to attract.

The author suggests making a "bucketed list" where we acknowledge every positive aspect of our lives, savoring a past, present, and future overflowing with abundant benefits. She also recommends regularly playing the "What do you enjoy about?" game. This playful mindset prompts us to release any judgmental energy that could be interfering with our ability to fully appreciate life's joy and awe.

Other Perspectives

• While focusing on appreciation is beneficial, it is also important to acknowledge and address negative emotions and experiences rather than potentially overlooking them through a singular focus on the positive.
• Relying on visual aids like Pinterest boards could potentially lead to a form of escapism or excessive daydreaming, where individuals might spend more time imagining their desires rather than taking actionable steps to achieve them.
• The practice assumes that individuals have the time and mental space to reflect and write down their positive experiences, which might not be feasible for those with demanding schedules or those in distressing circumstances.
• The game's effectiveness could be limited if it's not accompanied by other supportive practices or therapies, especially for those with more entrenched negative thought patterns.

Claiming Personal Power and Responsibility As Creators

This final section of the book motivates us to access our vast personal power as creators, reminding us that ultimately we are the authors of our lives. Merrick urges us to claim our inherent role as Gods in our personal worlds and embrace our ability to shape reality.

Architects of Our Realities

Welcoming Our Role as a Major Power in the Universe

Merrick reminds us that accepting responsibility for molding our experiences is different from having power over them. She cautions us to release any efforts to control situations to eliminate differences or demonstrate our worth. While we can affect our reality, we don't control every detail. We can influence, but not control, the multitude of complex systems at play in this world.

The author teaches that perfection doesn't serve as a starting point for creating anything. This reality is not paradise, but a dynamic unfolding of potential, offering countless possibilities for expression and exploration. Our concentration, however, is of critical importance. We mold our experience by choosing which aspects will be highlighted. The unexpected will always show up; however, we can expand our power by aligning more deliberately with our desires.

Other Perspectives

• The distinction between molding experiences and having power over them could be seen as artificial or semantic, since molding could be interpreted as a form of power.
• In certain professions, such as event planning or risk management, controlling situations is a core part of the job and is necessary for success.
• The notion of not controlling every detail could be seen as a way to avoid accountability for the consequences of one's actions, as it implies a limit to the responsibility one has over the outcomes of their choices.
• Some may argue that through collective action, humans can exert a greater degree of control over complex systems than is suggested, particularly in the context of social or political movements.
• The pursuit of perfection can sometimes lead to innovative solutions and breakthroughs, as the challenge to achieve the best possible outcome can foster creativity and problem-solving.
• The emphasis on potential and possibilities may inadvertently downplay the significance of actual achievements and the hard work required to realize them.
• Overemphasis on concentration might lead to neglecting the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of unexpected events.
• Highlighting certain aspects can lead to confirmation bias, where we may ignore or undervalue information that contradicts our focus, potentially leading to a skewed or incomplete understanding of our experiences.
• The idea that the unexpected will always show up may not account for the role of expertise and experience in anticipating and mitigating potential surprises.
• Aligning with our desires doesn't guarantee an expansion of power; external factors and circumstances can limit the effectiveness of such alignment.

Cultivating Courage and Self-Trust to Make Bold Life Choices

Pursuing Our Deepest Desires Unwaveringly

Merrick explains that a common impediment to feeling empowered is the fear of the power within us. We fear failing, being unworthy, disappointing others, losing control of outcomes, and attracting more negativity. But when we shrink away from owning our decisions and taking responsibility for what manifests in our lives, we diminish our power.

The author reminds us that the reality-shaping creative medium responds to our focus, not our demands, and that claiming our own desires is the basic essence of empowerment. To wholeheartedly affirm ourselves—leaving no room for doubt. To release all self-doubt and boldly pursue what truly lights our soul on fire. There's no script to follow. No standard to achieve. No path is correct or incorrect—only our authentic choices freely expressed.

Practical Tips

• Develop a personal empowerment mantra based on your aspirations and repeat it during daily meditation or mindfulness sessions. Craft a short, positive affirmation that counters a specific fear you have, such as "I trust in my abilities and welcome challenges with confidence." By focusing on this mantra regularly, you can start to internalize a sense of empowerment and reduce the impact of fear on your actions.
• Start a "Positivity Pact" with friends or family where you commit to calling out and reframing each other's negative self-talk. Whenever someone expresses a fear of attracting negativity or feeling unworthy, the group gently challenges this by offering a positive reframe or reminding them of their value. This mutual support system can create a more positive environment and help members break the habit of negative self-perception.
• Create a personal "power moments" collage. Gather images, quotes, or mementos that represent times when you felt powerful and in control due to owning your decisions. Place this collage somewhere you'll see it daily, like on your fridge or as your phone wallpaper. This visual reminder can serve as a motivator to embrace responsibility more often in your life.
• Practice mindful observation instead of forceful thinking. Spend a few minutes each day observing your surroundings without trying to change anything. This helps you understand the power of focus over demand by noticing how life unfolds when you're not pushing for a specific outcome.
• Set up a monthly "Desire Accountability" meetup with friends where each person shares a desire they're working towards and the progress they've made. This creates a supportive environment that encourages you to keep moving towards your goals. If your desire is to run a marathon, sharing your training progress and challenges with the group can provide motivation and potentially useful advice.
• Start a 'no doubt' journal where you only record positive outcomes. Each day, jot down instances where your confidence led to a successful outcome, no matter how small. Reviewing this journal regularly will reinforce the idea that wholehearted self-affirmation can lead to positive results and help crowd out any doubts.
• Develop a "Skill Swap" with a friend where you teach each other something you're each confident in. This exchange allows you to step into a role of expertise, which can boost your self-assurance, while also learning something new from your friend in a supportive environment. If you're good at cooking and your friend is great at public speaking, you could give them a cooking lesson, and they could coach you on speaking skills.
• Implement a "30-Day Challenge" where you commit to spending at least 30 minutes a day on an activity that you believe could be your passion. Document the process through a journal or a blog. This could be anything from writing poetry to learning a new language. The key is consistency and reflection, which will help you gauge the depth of your interest and the joy it brings over time.
• Start a "Day of Authenticity" where, once a month, you dedicate a day to making choices solely based on what feels most authentic to you, without considering societal expectations or norms. This could involve choosing activities, clothing, or even the way you communicate with others based solely on what feels right to you. For instance, you might spend the day exploring a hobby you've been curious about but haven't tried because it's not seen as "productive" or "usual" in your social circle.

Align Energy to Manifest Desires

Embody Energies to Manifest Desires, Not to Prove Worthiness

Merrick urges us to move beyond the paradigm of testing and proving we deserve it, releasing the need to validate our beliefs or measure our success in manifesting. She recommends that we concentrate on embodying desired energies rather than controlling outcomes. By confidently, consistently, and clearly directing our attention and intentions, we align with the fulfillment we seek.

The author teaches that this process doesn't require us to silence the conflicted part of our being but to "stop equivocating". To quell all doubts and fears and courageously express our truth. To realize that we aren’t frauds pretending to be powerful but deities in our personal cosmos. When we understand this, the game changes and we're free to explore everything this remarkable human experience has to offer.

Other Perspectives

• This approach could downplay the value of critical thinking and the role of healthy skepticism in personal development.
• Measuring success in manifesting can provide feedback that is essential for personal growth and adjustment of strategies.
• Consistency in attention and intentions is challenging to maintain, and occasional deviations should not be seen as failures.
• Equivocation might sometimes serve as a protective mechanism that allows individuals to navigate complex social situations without conflict.
• The idea of quelling doubts and fears could be seen as an oversimplification of complex emotional experiences, which might require more nuanced approaches such as therapy or counseling.
• Understanding a concept alone may not be sufficient to change the game; practical application and consistent effort are often required to see tangible changes in one's life.