In the past two years, I have read and re-read several of Neville Goddard’s thought-provoking books about manifestation and mind-mastery. With each re-reading a portion stands out to me, grabbing my attention by illuminating a concept that I had not previously considered or noticed. I remember learning that Edgar Cayce used to read the Bible every year from start to finish, always finding fresh parts to amaze and instruct him.
Goddard generously scattered bible verses throughout most of his writings. He referred to the Bible as “the greatest psychological text ever written”, explaining how every story represents a psychological drama taking place in the consciousness of man. In his many widely-available books and lectures, Neville interprets specific biblical verses and tales as to how they relate to the tenets of Law of Attraction.
The essence of Law of Attraction is that we are capable of deliberately creating all that we wish to manifest, once we understand how the principles of this law unfold. According to LOA, the process of manifestation begins once you ask the Universe for something. From this point, one is meant to remain receptive, believing that one’s wish — or something better — is on its way. My favorite modern writer on LOA, Richard Dotts, depicted this brilliantly by likening it to placing an order on Amazon; How, when we do that, we just know it’s on its way.
The Secret Behind the Secret
Law of Attraction principles also state that, so long as one doesn’t “muddy the waters” by constantly worrying about the when’s and how’s of the manifestation, providing one does not micro-manage Spirit with fears, dis-beliefs or doubts-about-one’s-deservedness — the dream, wish or intention will certainly be realized.
If you’ve watched “The Secret” or follow any of the popular Law of Attraction teachers like Abraham (via Esther Hicks) you may have learned the formula for deliberately creating what you desire: Ask, Believe, Receive.
Evidently this Believe step is the hardest one to sustain, because so many books, courses, and sold-out appearances etc. wouldn’t be as wildly successful as they are if it were that easy-peasy to manifest. How does one just trust and let go, knowing that it’s all just going to unfold in the divine right timing?
The Double-Minded Person
I had seen this quote about “the double-minded man” in at least 3 of Neville’s books, all of which I have re-read multiple times, but only recently these words stood out to me, a quote from James 1:5-8
You should ask God…and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…that person should not expect to receive anything…Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
I don’t believe that double-minded in this reference was meant to be a judgment call on hypocrisy, insincerity, or being two-faced. Or to liken “unstable” to being unreliable or untrustworthy. It’s more about someone who has not mastered his/her doubts, or may be inadvertently sabotaging or neutralizing his/her best intentions. Belief wavers because there exists a kind of duality or struggle going on inside of them. This could be occurring even inadvertently or subconsciously.
Breaking down the meaning of double-mindedness (as it relates to doubt and the “Belief” phase of the LOA Formula) into 3 categories makes Neville’s admonition much clearer:
1. Conscious
I know now that the double-minded phrase suddenly jumped out because of my own struggles between asking the Universe for things and then “hedging my bets” by having Plan B in place. This denotes a duality of faith vs. mistrust. And maintaining that mindset will most certainly sabotage or neutralize my best intentions. As I penetrate deeper into my own resistance to spiritual surrender, I need to be consciously aware of how I need to trust more and embrace the unknown, as this will surely bolster Belief.
2. Unconscious
Beneath consciousness there is always a rumbling; It is the running commentary, often negative or critical, that was formed as a result of deeply-rooted belief systems and upbringing. The double mind can be described as: the undercurrent, the drumbeat, the incessant babble, the soundtrack, the inner voice that is always judging, nagging, comparing unfavorably, knocking down, criticizing, belittling, demeaning, blocking, impeding, distorting. Even while the intention of the inner critic may be to protect us, it’s usually running a program that undermines our Belief that having/doing/being something different is possible. Sabotage can be going on deep below the surface of consciousness, like a subterranean river.
3. Ambivalence (a little bit of both)
Defined as having opposing views or feelings, the state of ambivalence sometimes gives us a vision of the potential world where we have achieved that which we deeply desire, while at the same time providing a glimpse of how much of a dramatic shift in responsibility or accountability will be required. And we’re not sure we are up to that task. Ambivalence creates in inner struggle because, on the one hand you desperately want change, but on the other hand, a part (or parts) of you may be resisting. Again, a mixed message to the Universe is not going to allow for an effortless manifestation of our desires.
Single-Minded Solution
If double-mindedness is the foe of deliberate creation, it would stand to reason that, in order to manifest more of what you desire, you must develop more of a single-minded aim, where you remain focused and goal-oriented, willing to go to battle with any part of your mind/being that disagrees with your intention. You are less likely to be taken off course or distracted when you maintain a single focus.
Single-mindedness can come through asking yourself pointed questions and considering what factors may be limiting or inhibiting your manifestation. Here are some ideas to consider or journal with:
Are you holding onto outdated belief systems that may be holding you back?
Should you pay more attention how the inner commentator operates, and be willing to go to battle in order to gain more ground?
Are you ambivalent about what you may need to accomplish in order to achieve your desire?
My 3 favorite books by Neville Goddard:
The Wealth Mindset
The Power of Awareness
Faith is Your Fortune
3 of my favorite books by Richard Dotts:
Playing in Time and Space: The Miracle of Inspired Manifestations
Dissolving the Problem
It is Done!
May you single-mindedly pursue your precious intentions!