The Science Behind Manifesting and How Your Brain Builds the Way to Your Desires
- Mar 10, 2025
- 4 min read
Emilia Valdez is the co-founder of DeMente, a mental health start-up focused on personal and professional development through workshops, group therapy and community reach-out programs. She works as a clinical psychologist in her private practice and collaborates as a professional in a foundation specialized in child abuse.
Have you ever wondered why after deciding you want a certain type of car, you suddenly see it everywhere? Or after you just learned about something new you’ve never heard of before, it now appears frequently?
For the last few years, the idea of manifesting has gained popularity as spiritual interest increased the importance of the Law of Attraction. Nevertheless, behind this idea there is not only spiritual talks, but an actual scientific basis that explains why focusing on our goals and desires can make them real.
The search engine in your brain
In the deepest part of our brain, more specifically in the anterior-most segment of the brainstem, lies a complex neural formation that becomes a key component in manifesting: The Reticular Activating System (RAS). This system acts as a filter for all the information received through the spinal cord, sensory pathways, thalamus, and cortex (Arguinchona JH, Tadi P. Neuroanatomy, Reticular Activating System. 2023 Jul 24). The RAS filter helps the brain to focus on what we consider important. In other words, when you set a goal and firmly believe in it, this filter gets activated by the brain to focus on identifying opportunities, connections, or experiences that will bring you closer to achieving your goal.
Think about the time you wanted to get a specific type of car, and suddenly, you saw it everywhere you looked. It is not because everyone decided to get the same car as you or because you began a new trend. The RAS in your brain got activated with that information and decided, from all the input received by your senses, to notice that pattern more than before. Same thing applies when we focus on manifesting something for ourselves, your brain is going to activate your RAS and make it become a reality.
How does the law of attraction relate to neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to recreate and rewire pathways based on changes, new experiences, thoughts, and learning as we go through life.
Each time you focus on what you are manifesting, repeat your affirmations, or visualize your goal, you are rewiring and strengthening the pathways regarding that goal. This practice will not only boost your self-confidence but also program your brain to act accordingly with your desires.
Science and spirituality
From a spiritual perspective, to manifest, we must align our energy with the universe’s energy, and that way, we attract what we desire. To do this, we must build a connection with the universe first: meditate, vibrate in positive energy, and challenge ourselves to reach our higher versions. The notion that our brains create our reality based on how we observe (and perceive) our surroundings has been studied by quantum physics, psychologists, theology, and pretty much every other subject of human interest throughout the years. When we combine these principles from spirituality and neuroscience, we can find a powerful connection: our conscious mind sets an intention, our RAS filters the opportunities to get there and our neuroplasticity creates and reinforces the pathways needed to make it a reality.
So, manifesting is a practice that combines science and spirituality through an intricate dance between mind, energy (spirituality) and action.
How to apply the science of manifesting in your daily life
The three main steps if you are trying to manifest something in your life:
Visualize: Define a clear and precise goal and visualize it in great detail. The more realistic and clear it is in your mind, the easier it will be for your RAS to identify every opportunity to achieve it.
Focus on affirmations: Repeating positive affirmations about your goal will rewire your brain and strengthen the pathways to "believing" your goal is possible and making it real.
Consistency in actions: Manifesting is not only wishful thinking. To truly make the Law of Attraction work for you, you must work for it! Take small actions that align with your goals and trust that your mind and the universe are working in your favor.
Start your journey to manifesting today
Manifesting is not magic or merely positive thoughts: it's a combination of science, intention and action to achieve a goal. Our brain is designed to help us find what we are searching for, as long as we correctly focus our search engine. Next time you set a goal, remember that science and spirituality are on your side, ready to help you create the desired reality.
Book a one-to-one session today if you´re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and mastering the art of manifesting. Let's work together to achieve your highest self and manifest your way into the life you dream.
Read more from Emilia Valdez Münchmeyer
Emilia Valdez Münchmeyer, Msc. Clinical Psychologist
Emilia Valdez Münchmeyer is a leader in mental health. Primarly focused on neuroscience she invests her time on learning and teaching how to understand, rewire and reach full potential of the mental, emotional and spiritual development. Her love for animals inspired her to be certified as an animal assisted therapist to further connect with her patients and encourage healing in all areas needed. ¨Your true potential is hiding behind your fears and everything everyone told you you are¨.
