Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Imagination: Your Mind Creates Reality
"There is no God outside of the creative powers of the imagination; and that those who wrote Scripture never intended to communicate that there was a God outside of the individual's imagination."
The core of Neville's philosophy is that human imagination is God itself. He believed that the entire world and all within it is man's conditioned consciousness objectified. This radical idea suggests that our thoughts, mental pictures, and emotional states create our concrete reality at every moment of existence.
Practical application:
- View your imagination as the ultimate creative force
- Recognize that your inner world shapes your outer experiences
- Understand that changing your thoughts and feelings can change your reality
2. Desire as the Voice of God Within You
"Desire is the language of God."
Neville emphasized the importance of identifying and embracing our deepest, most sincere desires. He believed that desire is not something superficial or to be ashamed of, but rather the very voice of God within us, guiding us towards our true potential.
Key points:
- Honest self-reflection is crucial to uncover genuine desires
- Embracing our desires, even uncomfortable ones, is essential for growth
- Viewing desire as divine guidance can transform our relationship with our ambitions
3. The Three-Step Miracle Formula for Manifestation
"Lie flat on your back with your head on a level with your body. Feel as you would were you in possession of your wish and quietly relax into unconsciousness."
Neville's practical method for manifestation consists of three simple yet powerful steps:
- Identify an intense and sincere desire
- Enter a state of physical immobility (preferably the drowsy state before sleep)
- Mentally enact a scene implying the fulfillment of your desire
This formula emphasizes the importance of combining clear intention, relaxed focus, and emotional alignment to bring desires into reality.
4. Entering the Hypnagogic State for Effective Visualization
"Sleep is the time when the male or conscious mind turns from the world of sense to seek its lover or subconscious self."
The hypnagogic state, the drowsy period between wakefulness and sleep, is considered by Neville to be a powerful time for manifestation. In this state, the rational mind's defenses are lowered, making the subconscious more receptive to new impressions.
Utilizing this state:
- Practice visualization just before falling asleep or upon waking
- Use this time to impress desired outcomes on the subconscious
- Recognize that this state naturally occurs twice daily, offering regular opportunities for practice
5. Persistence and Emotional Alignment in Manifestation
"Faith is feeling. 'According to your faith (feeling) be it unto you.'"
Neville stressed the importance of not just visualizing desired outcomes, but feeling them as if they were already real. This emotional alignment, combined with persistence, is key to successful manifestation.
Essential elements:
- Cultivate the emotional state of your desire fulfilled
- Persist in your practice, even if external reality hasn't yet changed
- Understand that your current feelings shape your future experiences
6. The Influence of Mystical Teachers and Hidden Masters
"Abdullah said to him, 'Neville, you're six months late.'"
Neville's teachings were influenced by his own mystical experiences and purported tutelage under a mysterious figure named Abdullah. This concept of hidden spiritual masters has a long history in esoteric traditions.
Historical context:
- The idea of hidden masters is prevalent in many mystical traditions
- Neville's experience mirrors other spiritual leaders who claimed guidance from unseen teachers
- The search for Abdullah's identity highlights the blend of myth and reality in spiritual narratives
7. Scientific Support for Mind-Power Metaphysics
"Rhine noticed...that the correlation to a high success rate of hits on the Zener cards was usually a feeling of enthusiasm, positive expectation, hopefulness, belief in the possibility of ESP, and an encouraging environment."
Modern research in psychical phenomena and neuroscience provides some intriguing parallels to Neville's teachings. Studies in ESP and neuroplasticity suggest that our minds may have more influence over reality than previously thought.
Scientific connections:
- J.B. Rhine's ESP experiments showed correlations between positive mental states and higher success rates
- Charles Honorton's ganzfeld experiments demonstrated increased ESP abilities in relaxed states
- Neuroplasticity research reveals how repeated thoughts can physically change brain structure
8. Quantum Physics and the Nature of Reality
"Scientists will one day explain why there is a serial universe, but in practice, how you use the serial universe to change the future is more important."
Quantum physics offers fascinating insights that resonate with Neville's teachings about the nature of reality. The idea that observation influences the manifestation of subatomic particles aligns with the concept that consciousness shapes reality.
Quantum concepts related to Neville's ideas:
- The observer effect in quantum experiments
- The possibility of parallel realities or a "serial universe"
- The concept of "information leakage" as we move from quantum to macro scales
9. Neville Goddard's Impact on Modern Thought
"Take my challenge and put my words to the test. If the law does not work, its knowledge will not comfort you, and if it is not true, you must discard it. I hope you will be bold enough to test me."
Neville's legacy continues to influence modern spiritual and self-help thought. His emphasis on practical application and personal experimentation set him apart from many other teachers of his time.
Neville's enduring influence:
- His ideas have been adopted by numerous modern self-help authors
- The simplicity and accessibility of his methods continue to attract new followers
- His challenge to "test" his ideas empirically resonates with a scientifically-minded audience
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FAQ
What's "Feeling Is the Secret" about?
- Core Concept: "Feeling Is the Secret" by Neville Goddard explores the idea that the human imagination is the true God, and that our feelings and thoughts shape our reality.
- Mechanism of Creation: The book explains the relationship between the conscious and subconscious mind, emphasizing that feelings are the medium through which ideas are impressed upon the subconscious.
- Practical Application: Goddard provides a method for realizing desires by controlling feelings and using imagination to create the desired reality.
- Philosophical Foundation: The book is rooted in the belief that the external world is a reflection of one's internal consciousness.
Why should I read "Feeling Is the Secret"?
- Transformative Potential: The book offers a practical guide to transforming your life by harnessing the power of your imagination and feelings.
- Simplicity and Clarity: Goddard's teachings are straightforward, making complex metaphysical concepts accessible to readers.
- Empowerment: It empowers readers to take control of their destiny by understanding and applying the law of consciousness.
- Timeless Wisdom: Despite being written in 1944, the principles in the book remain relevant and applicable to modern life.
What are the key takeaways of "Feeling Is the Secret"?
- Imagination as God: The human imagination is the creative force behind all experiences and realities.
- Feeling is Crucial: Feelings are the only medium through which ideas are impressed upon the subconscious mind, leading to their manifestation.
- Conscious and Subconscious: Understanding the relationship between the conscious (male) and subconscious (female) aspects of the mind is essential for creation.
- Control of Emotions: Mastery over one's feelings and emotions is vital for achieving desired outcomes in life.
How does Neville Goddard suggest we use our imagination?
- Assume the Feeling: Goddard advises assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled, as if the desired state is already a reality.
- Enter a Drowsy State: Use the hypnagogic state, a drowsy condition before sleep, to impress the subconscious with your desires.
- Simple Mental Scenes: Create simple, clear mental scenes that would naturally occur if your wish were fulfilled, and feel them as real.
- Persistence is Key: Continuously practice this method until the desired reality manifests in your life.
What is the "law of consciousness" according to Neville Goddard?
- Consciousness as Reality: Goddard posits that consciousness is the only reality, and everything in the world is a manifestation of it.
- Two Aspects: Consciousness is divided into the conscious (personal and selective) and subconscious (impersonal and non-selective) minds.
- Impression and Expression: The conscious mind impresses ideas onto the subconscious, which then expresses these ideas into reality.
- Control Through Feeling: By controlling feelings and ideas, one can control the subconscious and, consequently, their reality.
How does "Feeling Is the Secret" relate to sleep?
- Sleep as a Gateway: Sleep is described as a natural door into the subconscious, where the conscious mind can impress desires.
- Pre-Sleep Ritual: Before sleep, assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled to influence the subconscious during sleep.
- Unconscious Influence: The state of consciousness before sleep defines the subconscious impressions that manifest in waking life.
- Creative Union: Sleep is a time when the conscious and subconscious minds are creatively joined, allowing for the realization of desires.
What role does prayer play in "Feeling Is the Secret"?
- Prayer as a State: Prayer is seen as a state of relaxation and receptivity, akin to the hypnagogic state before sleep.
- Feeling of Fulfillment: Successful prayer involves assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled, believing it as an accomplished fact.
- Yielding to the Wish: Prayer is about yielding to the wish, not forcing it, and creating a passive state to sense its reality.
- Belief in Realization: The only condition for prayer is the belief that your prayers are already realized, leading to their manifestation.
What is the significance of the subconscious in "Feeling Is the Secret"?
- Womb of Creation: The subconscious is described as the womb of creation, receiving ideas and giving them form.
- Non-Selective Nature: It is impersonal and non-selective, accepting as true whatever the conscious mind feels to be true.
- Impression Through Feeling: Ideas are impressed on the subconscious through feelings, which then manifest in the outer world.
- Faithful Servant: The subconscious faithfully serves man, giving form to his feelings and beliefs without alteration.
How does Neville Goddard's philosophy compare to other metaphysical teachings?
- Unique Perspective: Goddard's philosophy is unique in its emphasis on the imagination as God and the central role of feeling.
- Influence of Hermeticism: His ideas share similarities with Hermetic principles, focusing on the creative power within individuals.
- Contrast with Traditional Religion: Unlike traditional religious teachings, Goddard's philosophy dismisses the idea of an external God.
- Alignment with Modern Theories: Some of his concepts prefigure modern theories in quantum physics and neuroplasticity.
What are the best quotes from "Feeling Is the Secret" and what do they mean?
- "Feeling is the secret." This encapsulates the book's core message that feelings are the key to manifesting desires.
- "The subconscious never fails to express that which has been impressed upon it." It highlights the reliability of the subconscious in manifesting impressed ideas.
- "You are already that which you want to be." This quote emphasizes the idea that realization comes from assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled.
- "Your world in its every detail is your consciousness objectified." It underscores the belief that the external world is a reflection of one's internal consciousness.
How can "Feeling Is the Secret" be applied to everyday life?
- Daily Practice: Regularly practice assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled, especially before sleep, to influence the subconscious.
- Emotional Awareness: Be mindful of your emotions and feelings, as they directly impact the subconscious and, consequently, your reality.
- Visualization Techniques: Use simple mental scenes to visualize desired outcomes, reinforcing them with strong emotions.
- Persistent Application: Consistently apply these principles to various aspects of life, from personal goals to relationships and career.
What impact has "Feeling Is the Secret" had on modern spiritual thought?
- Influence on New Thought: The book has significantly influenced the New Thought movement, emphasizing the power of the mind in creating reality.
- Resurgence in Popularity: In recent years, Goddard's teachings have gained renewed interest, aligning with contemporary spiritual and self-help philosophies.
- Inspiration for Authors: Prominent authors like Wayne Dyer and Carlos Castaneda have drawn inspiration from Goddard's ideas.
- Alignment with Science: Some of Goddard's concepts resonate with modern scientific theories, such as quantum physics and neuroplasticity, bridging spirituality and science.
Review Summary
Feeling is The Secret receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its concise and powerful message about manifesting desires through feelings and beliefs. Many find it life-changing and appreciate Goddard's explanations of consciousness and the subconscious mind. Some readers note its religious content and interpretations of Biblical concepts. Critics argue it promotes unrealistic thinking and lacks scientific basis. Overall, readers value its insights on positive thinking, prayer, and the power of imagination, though some find it overly simplistic or bordering on pseudoscience.
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