Neville Goddard's Law of Assumption Exercises

Introduction to Neville Goddard and the Law of Assumption

Neville Goddard, often known simply as Neville, was a profoundly influential mystic, philosopher, and lecturer of the 20th century. Born in Barbados in 1905, Neville spent his adult life in the United States, where he became a leading figure in the New Thought movement. His teachings are centered around the metaphysical principle known as the "Law of Assumption."

The Law of Assumption posits that an individual's assumptions shape their reality. According to Neville, what one consistently believes to be true in their imagination will inevitably manifest in the external world. This principle suggests that by intentionally cultivating specific mental attitudes and beliefs, people can effectively alter their life circumstances.

This article explores Neville Goddard's practical exercises based on the Law of Assumption. These techniques are designed to help individuals harness the power of their imagination to bring about desired changes in their lives.

Understanding the Core Principles

Before diving into the specific exercises, it's crucial to grasp the foundational concepts that underpin Neville's teachings:

1. Imagination as Reality: Neville taught that the imagination is not a mere fantasy but the very substance of life. He believed that every reality begins as an imagined scenario.

2. Feeling Is the Secret: Emotions and feelings are not just reactions but are actually creative forces. The emotional energy accompanying an assumption amplifies its power to manifest.

3. Living in the End: This involves mentally and emotionally inhabiting the state of having already achieved your desire, thereby aligning your subconscious with this reality.

Neville Goddard’s Law of Assumption Exercises

Exercise 1: Scripting

Objective: To clearly define and embed your desired reality in your subconscious mind through written narratives.

Steps:

1. Choose a Desire: Identify a clear, specific desire or outcome you wish to manifest.
2. Script Detail: Write a detailed narrative describing your life as if your desire has already been fulfilled. Include emotions, sensations, and interactions.
3. Regular Practice: Dedicate time each day to rewrite or reread your script, each time immersing yourself emotionally into the narrative.

Exercise 2: Visualization

Objective: To use the power of visual imagination to assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled.

Steps:

1. Relax: Find a quiet place where you can relax without interruptions. Close your eyes and take deep, slow breaths to reach a state of calm.
2. Detailed Imagery: Imagine a scene that implies the fulfillment of your desire. Make it vivid, incorporating all senses.
3. Emotional Engagement: Engage emotionally with the scene. Feel the joy, satisfaction, or peace that comes with having your desire fulfilled.
4. Repetition: Practice this visualization daily, especially before sleep and upon waking, as these times are potent for influencing the subconscious mind.

Exercise 3: Revision

Objective: To alter past events in your imagination, thereby influencing your present and future.

Steps:

1. Identify an Event: Think of a past event that didn’t turn out as you wished or that has left a negative impact on your life.
2. Revise: In your imagination, reconstruct the event the way you would have preferred it to happen.
3. Feel the Outcome: Emotionally connect with the revised outcome. Feel relief, happiness, or any positive emotion associated with the new version of the event.
4. Consistency: Regularly practice revising past events to transform how they influence your current emotional and physical state.

Exercise 4: Affirmations

Objective: To reinforce positive assumptions through the repetition of affirming statements.

Steps:

1. Create Affirmations: Develop statements that reflect the reality of your desires being fulfilled. Phrases should be positive, in the present tense, and emotionally charged.
2. Repetition: Repeat these affirmations multiple times throughout the day, especially during moments of doubt or stress.
3. Emotional Resonance: As you recite each affirmation, strive to evoke the feelings associated with its truth.

Exercise 5: Living in the End

Objective: To cultivate a persistent state of being that aligns with the fulfillment of your desires.

Steps:

1. Define the End State: Clearly define what "living in the end" looks and feels like for your specific desire.
2. Daily Practice: Throughout your day, act, think, and react as if your desire is already fulfilled. This might involve changing how you speak about yourself and your life, making decisions from the state of having already achieved your goal, and maintaining the emotional state congruent with your desired outcome.
3. Alignment: Align your thoughts, actions, and reactions to reinforce this state of being.

Conclusion

Neville Goddard's exercises based on the Law of Assumption are powerful tools for transforming one's life through the power of focused thought and emotion. By practicing these techniques diligently, individuals can shift their reality to align with their deepest desires. The key to success with these exercises lies in consistency, emotional engagement, and a profound belief in the power of the imagination. As Neville often said, "Assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled," and watch as the external world reshapes itself accordingly.