Neville Goddard's Sleep Method for Law of Assumption

Neville Goddard's Sleep Method for Law of Assumption

Neville Goddard, a profoundly influential New Thought leader and mystic, provided a philosophical framework that has inspired millions to harness the transformative power of their own imaginations. His teachings, focused on the Law of Assumption, suggest that an individual can create their reality through the power of assumption. One of the core techniques he advocated for actualizing these assumptions is what is commonly referred to as Neville Goddard’s Sleep Method. This technique involves the practice of entering into a specific mental state at the time of falling asleep.

Understanding the Law of Assumption

Before delving into the Sleep Method, it's crucial to grasp the foundation of the Law of Assumption. According to Goddard, the Law of Assumption states that an individual can bring something into their physical reality by assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled. In simpler terms, if you firmly assume that you are what you want to be, you will eventually become that. This ties into the broader philosophical notions of reality creation, where the subjective state of your mind directly influences your external circumstances.

The Significance of Sleep in Goddard's Teachings

Sleep plays a pivotal role in Goddard’s methodologies. He believed that the state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep, often referred to as the hypnagogic state, is particularly potent for impressing the subconscious mind. The subconscious, being non-critical, accepts as true whatever the conscious mind impresses upon it, especially in this state. Therefore, this phase of consciousness serves as an ideal moment for practicing the Law of Assumption.

The Sleep Method Explained

Neville Goddard’s Sleep Method involves a few key steps:

1. Define Your Desire: Clearly identify what it is that you want to manifest or assume. It could be a job, a relationship, health, or any other personal achievement. The clarity of your desire is crucial as it defines the specificity of the assumption.

2. Create a Scene: Imagine a scene which implies that your desire has been fulfilled. This scene should be something that occurs after the fulfillment of the wish – for example, if you desire a new job, imagine going to work at your new office and feeling fulfilled and appreciated.

3. Enter the State Akin to Sleep (SATS): This technique involves relaxing deeply and entering a meditative state just before sleep. It's a state where you are aware but deeply relaxed; your body feels heavy and your mind is focused inward.

4. Enact the Scene: In this relaxed, borderline sleep state, start enacting the scene you have imagined. It’s important to involve all senses – what you see, hear, touch, and feel in this scene. The more vividly and sensory detailed the scene, the more effective it will be.

5. Feel the Emotion: As you enact this scene, feel the emotions that you would feel if your wish were truly fulfilled. This could be happiness, gratitude, or a sense of accomplishment. Engaging your emotions is crucial as it is the language the subconscious understands.

6. Repeat Until Asleep: Continue to hold onto this scene and feeling as you drift off to sleep. The goal is to take the assumption to sleep with you, letting it be the last thing you impress on your subconscious mind.

Why Does the Sleep Method Work?

The effectiveness of the Sleep Method can be attributed to several factors:

• Subconscious Impression: The subconscious mind is more receptive in the state akin to sleep, making it an optimal time for suggestions.
• Emotional Amplification: Emotions are powerful drivers for the subconscious. Engaging in vivid, emotional imagination as you fall asleep amplifies the impact.
• Repeated Reinforcement: Repeating the scene nightly helps deepen the impression on the subconscious, reinforcing the assumption.

Practical Tips for Practicing the Sleep Method

• Consistency is Key: Practice nightly. The more consistent you are with the practice, the more natural it will become.
• Simplicity in the Scene: Keep your imagined scene simple and easy to replicate. Complexity might lead to a loss of focus.
• Avoid Negativity: Before you begin your practice, ensure that your mind is clear of negative thoughts. This might involve some preliminary meditation or relaxation techniques.

Conclusion

Neville Goddard's Sleep Method is a powerful tool within the Law of Assumption, leveraging the potent state of consciousness at the brink of sleep to transform desires into reality. By vividly imagining and emotionally feeling the reality of your wishes as you drift off, you impress your desires upon the subconscious mind, setting the foundation for them to manifest in your waking life. This practice not only offers a method to achieve personal goals but also suggests a profound, transformative journey towards understanding and mastering the power of your own mind.