Neville Goddard's Law of Assumption: Complete Guide
Neville Goddard's Law of Assumption: Complete Guide
Neville Goddard's Law of Assumption: A Complete Guide
Introduction to Neville Goddard and His Philosophies
Neville Goddard, more commonly known simply as Neville, was one of the most influential metaphysical teachers of the 20th century. His teachings, rooted in the mystical and practical application of scripture and his profound understanding of human consciousness, remain significant to this day. Among his key teachings is the Law of Assumption, a concept that suggests that an individual can create their reality through the power of assumed thoughts and feelings.
Understanding the Law of Assumption
The Law of Assumption posits that whatever you assume with conviction becomes your reality. According to Neville, the external world is a reflection of the internal state; what you assume to be true within will manifest externally. This law operates on the belief that there is no separation between the internal state of a person and their external reality. Therefore, by changing one's internal state, a person can change their external experiences.
The Theoretical Foundation of the Law of Assumption
Neville’s teachings draw heavily from Biblical scripture, yet they are not tied to any religious doctrine. Instead, he interprets these texts metaphysically to underline his ideas. For instance, he often referenced the concept that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" to back the Law of Assumption.
His interpretation suggests that the heart represents the subconscious mind and that by planting seeds (thoughts and feelings) in the subconscious, you can create your experienced reality. He believed that imagination is God in man and that by using our divine ability to imagine, we shape our world.
Practical Steps to Apply the Law of Assumption
1. Clarify Your Desire
The first step in applying the Law of Assumption is to have a clear and specific desire. What exactly do you want to experience in your life? Clarity helps in focusing your energy and imagination towards your desire.
2. Enter a State Akin to Sleep (SATS)
Neville emphasized the importance of the state akin to sleep, a meditative state where the body and conscious mind are deeply relaxed but the subconscious mind is alert. This state is particularly receptive to suggestions.
3. Assume the Feeling of the Wish Fulfilled
Begin to live in the assumption that your desire is already fulfilled. How would you feel if you had already achieved your goal? Neville taught that you must inhabit the feeling of the wish fulfilled to bring it into reality.
4. Sustain the Assumption
Consistency is key in the Law of Assumption. You must persistently live in the state of the wish fulfilled, regardless of external circumstances or sensory evidence to the contrary.
5. Let Go
While it may seem contradictory, letting go is an essential part of the manifestation process. This means releasing the desperation and allowing the subconscious to handle the complexities of how your desire will manifest.
Common Misconceptions and Challenges
Instant Results
Many people assume that results should be instant. However, the manifestation might take time and can be influenced by the depth of the belief and other subconscious blocks that might exist.
Misalignment Between Desire and Belief
If there's a deep-seated belief that contradicts the desire, it can prevent the assumption from manifesting. For example, wanting wealth while subconsciously believing that money is the root of all evil creates a conflict.
Underestimating the Role of the Subconscious
The subconscious mind plays a crucial role in the Law of Assumption. It is where all assumptions are impressed and from where they manifest. Underestimating its role can lead to half-hearted practices that yield no significant results.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Throughout his lectures and books, Neville shared numerous anecdotes of people who successfully applied the Law of Assumption. These range from simple desires like obtaining theater tickets to significant life changes such as healing illnesses or achieving financial success. These stories serve both as instructional and inspirational tools, illustrating the practical application of his teachings.
Conclusion
Neville Goddard's Law of Assumption offers a transformative approach to life that empowers individuals to enact change from within. By assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled, individuals can align their internal states with their desires, thereby manifesting them into reality. While the principles may seem simple, their application requires dedication, imagination, and a deep understanding of one's own internal world. For those willing to delve into and apply these principles, the rewards can be profound and life-changing.
In embracing Neville's teachings, we not only transform our own lives but also gain a deeper understanding of the nature of reality itself—a reality where we are the architects of our own fate, capable of creating our destinies through the power of assumption.
