“Feeling a state produces that state.” ― Neville Goddard

When we look at this quote we can easily get all the fuzzy feelings and think: “All I need to do is feel and I can create the state I want!”

But for most men, we have been told not to feel, to suppress our feelings. The messages we’ve received are to be strong, that men don't cry, and to just suck it up and keep going.

A couple of weeks ago I held a men's manifestation information night as a way to connect with men and inquire about the struggles they may have with goal-setting, manifesting, and creating a daily practice to support them on their journey.

Some of the things that came to the surface included:

  1. Men are taught that anger is one of the only feelings we are free to express.
  2. Crying is weak — unless you are crying over a sporting event.
  3. Asking for help is a sign of weakness.
  4. Most men have very broad goals such as financial freedom, family security, free time with family, friends, and loved ones, and job advancement.

As we dive into the teachings of Neville Goddard (author of The Feeling is the Secret)  and Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich), we discover that a person must feel as if your wish has already been fulfilled to allow that manifestation to come to life.

So how do we do that?

When it comes to manifestations, you need to be specific.

You need to create a timeline for your goals, then find a balance between letting go and allowing, and putting in the inspired action to bring it all to life. You need to be grateful and enjoy the journey, and move into the feeling of the wish already being fulfilled.

What I've discovered in my work is that many men are starting from a place of low vibration, typically from a space of anger. We’re talking about feelings like:

  • I hate my job
  • I hate my boss
  • I want to punch my whole office in the nose!

If we are spending most of our time in anger, guess what we are attracting?

MORE ANGER!

We are energy, in constant motion vibrating with our emotions and feelings. David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D. developed a Map of Consciousness, which presents a diagram of vibrational states of being in his book Power vs. Force. Most men are in the force or hyperactivity area of the Map of Consciousness that can lead us to try too hard, which in turn has a way of blocking everything we actually want.

So how do we as men move from force into power, happiness, and productivity... ascending up the Map of Consciousness?

Start small!

You don't have to give up sports, or beers and wings with friends. Instead, we start by bringing more awareness to the present moment. That usually begins by developing a daily practice of mindfulness to support you.

What does a “daily practice” look like?

1) Sleep

You're not a stronger man if you only sleep 3 hours a night. Your body needs rest to function at peak performance. The average adult needs between 7-9 hours of sleep each night to be at our best. For most of us, it means that anything less puts us in a deficit before the day even begins. If we go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, we can reinforce the circadian rhythm, which will in turn make going to sleep at the same time easier. This helps ensure that we are ready for the day.

2) Meditation / Breathwork

We are learning more and more every day about the power of the breath and the benefits of meditation. You don’t need to sit cross-legged on a pillow for 30 minutes every morning to get the benefits. A 2-5 minute daily practice is a fine way to start.

3) Journal

Take five minutes every morning to check in with yourself in writing. Ask yourself: who do I need to show up for today? How do I need to show up for myself? Then move into gratitude for the day, and make note of all that you have. Every night look back on your day with gratitude for all you learned and accomplished and be kind to yourself.

4) Inspiration

Give yourself 5-10 minutes of inspiring content in the morning. This could be from a book, podcast, YouTube video, or other source. Anything that will give you a shot of inspiration for the day.

Give it a try for 7 days.

Notice how you feel when you start the day off with an intentional morning practice.

Pressed for time? The entire thing can take less than 15 minutes if that’s all you have. Whether it’s ten minutes or an hour, give what you can. With each day you’ll discover more about yourself, which will allow you to get more specific with whatever it is that you want for yourself in this life. It all starts with giving yourself time to know yourself and your feelings.

This article first appeared on JRNI.co.

Guest post by studio BE Senior Facilitator Joe Longo.

You can join Joe for weekly live classes on studio BE. He teaches Kundalini yoga at 6 -7 PM ET on Wednesdays and a short breath work class on Fridays from 9-9:15 AM ET. He also offers a robust library of on-demand offerings including a class on Manifestation Tips.

From college football player to a photographer to an executive-level manager at the university level to a self-employed creative to an intuitive manifestation coach — it’s safe to say Joe Longo has lived many lives. It's these real-world experiences that pushed him to study with JRNI, and dive into an evidence-based coaching style using Positive Psychology, mindfulness, and the power of intention and practice to create our best life and achieve our goals.

A 2020 graduate of the JRNI Coach Training program, Joe is focused on helping others find the LIGHT WITHIN and help awaken a deep desire and passion to live with a sense of purpose for something greater than yourself.

Alongside his life coaching practice, Joe is also a freelance photographer, and a yoga and meditation teacher focused on manifestation and mindset.

You can follow his work on Instagram @inspirecreatemanifest, TikTok, or by visiting his website www.inspirecreatemanifest.com.

Feature photo by fizkes/Adobe Stock