Law of Growth in Manifestation

Have you ever felt that despite your best efforts, forcing outcomes only leads to more resistance, while some things just seem to unfold naturally when you let go?

Welcome back. In Part 5 of this modernization of Thomas Troward’s Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science, we unraveled the intricate relationship between our conscious decisions and subconscious beliefs. We explored how this dynamic duo shapes everything from personal growth to the very fabric of the universe, and how understanding our connection to the universal subconscious mind unlocks the potential to consciously influence our reality.

In Part 6, we'll delve deeper into the Law of Growth, a fundamental principle that governs how our thoughts and intentions manifest into real-world results. We'll discover why trying to force things often backfires and how aligning with this natural law leads to true success. This isn't just theoretical—it's about learning to plant the seeds of your desires in the fertile ground of your subconscious mind and trusting the natural process to bring them to fruition.

But this is more than just a lesson in patience. We'll explore practical ways to nurture your goals without anxiety or doubt, ensuring that you don't sabotage your own efforts. By understanding how to work with the universal laws rather than against them, you can transform the way you approach your aspirations.

So get ready to cultivate a deeper connection with the natural rhythms of creation. We're about to embark on a journey that could change not just how you think, but how your thoughts shape your reality.

Buckle up. We're diving into the heart of how growth truly happens.

Understanding the Law of Growth

Understanding the Law of Growth is crucial for anyone studying Mental Science. The key thing to realize about Nature is that it's natural—it follows its own course. We might try to bend or disrupt Nature's order, but in the end, it always prevails. As the poet Horace said, even if you drive Nature out with a pitchfork, she'll come back in through the window. The essence of Nature's law, from beginning to end, is the principle of growth stemming from an inner vitality inherent in each entity.

If we grasp this from the start, we won't sabotage our own efforts by trying to force things to become something they're not meant to be. That's why the Bible says, "Whoever believes will not make haste" (Isaiah 28:16). This teaches us a profound natural principle: success comes from working with the universal law of growth, not against it. Sure, the more vitality or belief we put into the seed—what we've called the spiritual prototype—the quicker it will sprout. That's because a stronger, more vivid conception gives the seed more power to grow than a weaker one.

Our mistakes usually boil down to not trusting the law of growth. Either we think we can speed it up by forcing things from the outside, leading to stress and anxiety (and sometimes even to unethical actions), or we lose hope altogether and deny the seed's power to germinate. In both cases, we're essentially planting a new spiritual prototype that's opposite to our original desire. This new, conflicting thought neutralizes the first one, dismantling it and taking its place. The law remains the same: our thoughts form a spiritual prototype which, if left undisturbed, will manifest in our external circumstances. The only difference lies in the kind of prototype we create. That's why negative outcomes come to us through the same law as positive ones.

Reflection Point: Can you recall a time when impatience or doubt undermined something you were trying to achieve? How might trusting the natural process have led to a different outcome?

The Consequences of Distrust and Doubt

These insights can greatly simplify how we view life. Instead of considering two opposing forces, we realize there's only one force behind everything—the difference between good and bad results comes from the direction we give this force. It's a universal law that if we reverse the action of a cause, we also reverse its effect. For example, with the same equipment, we can use mechanical motion to generate electricity, or use electricity to produce mechanical motion. In simple math, if 10 divided by 2 equals 5, then 10 divided by 5 equals 2. Similarly, once we recognize that thought has the power to produce results, we'll see that the same law by which negative thinking produces negative outcomes is the one by which positive thinking yields positive results.

Therefore, any distrust we have in the law of growth—whether it's shown through anxious efforts to force outcomes or by letting despair replace hopeful expectation—is actually reversing the original cause and, consequently, reversing the nature of the results. That's why many spiritual teachings emphasize the power of faith and the destructive impact of doubt. Likewise, all wisdom traditions strongly warn us against allowing doubt or fear into our minds. These negative emotions invert the principle that builds up, effectively becoming the principle that tears down. But remember, the law itself never changes, and it's this unchanging nature of the law that forms the foundation of all Mental Science.

Aligning with Universal Laws

We're used to recognizing the consistency of natural laws in our everyday lives, so it shouldn't be hard to realize that the same unchanging laws apply on the unseen side of nature as well. The variable factor isn't the law; it's our own choices and willpower. By combining our personal choices (the variable) with the unchanging law (the constant), we can create the different results we desire. The principle of growth relies on the inherent vitality within the seed itself. The gardener's work has a direct parallel in Mental Science. We don't give the seed its self-expanding vitality, but we do need to plant it. We can also "water" it by quietly and confidently contemplating our desire as an already accomplished fact.

However, we must carefully remove any notion of straining or forcing the seed to grow through our effort. The effectiveness of our contemplation lies in helping us keep out negative thoughts of doubt that could sow weeds among our wheat. So instead of exerting effort, our contemplation should be accompanied by feelings of pleasure and relaxation as we anticipate the certain fulfillment of our desires. This aligns with the timeless wisdom found in Philippians 4:6-7, where we're encouraged to “make our requests known with gratitude.” The scripture reminds us that we don't need to be anxious—everything we desire can be brought forth through prayer and thanksgiving. It’s the same with the Law of Being. The law is already complete and perfect; it only requires our recognition. When we approach it with a heart of gratitude, trusting its unfailing nature, we allow it to work for us, bringing peace that transcends all understanding. We can use this law to any extent we wish, simply by acknowledging its power and aligning with it.

Reflection Point: How can you cultivate a mindset of trust and gratitude while waiting for your goals to manifest? What practices might help you maintain a positive focus?

The Power of Visualization and Mental Engagement

Visualization, like any other skill, can be improved with consistent practice. Some people may naturally find it easier to create vivid mental images, which can serve as a helpful tool for understanding how the law operates. For these individuals, being able to 'see' their goals mentally can strengthen their belief in the unseen forces at work. But if visualization doesn't come easily to you, there’s no need to worry—there are other ways to tap into the law’s power.

Improving your ability to visualize is like developing any other mental or physical skill. The more you engage with it—by focusing on specific images, practicing relaxation techniques, or even working with guided imagery—the clearer your mental pictures will become. Visualization isn't about perfection; it's about creating a mental space where you're actively engaging with your desires. Over time, with practice, your capacity to visualize can grow sharper and more defined.

However, visualization is just one approach. If you're more logically or scientifically inclined, you can relate to the Law of Growth by seeing it as the creative force that operates behind everything in nature. Just as seeds grow into plants without us seeing the process, the law works on our desires and intentions on an unseen plane, bringing them to fruition over time.

For those with a mathematical mindset, you can think of this process in terms of geometry—where all solid shapes are generated from the movement of a point. As Euclid tells us, a point has no parts or magnitude, existing purely as an abstract idea. Similarly, the spiritual essence or nucleus from which all things arise is an unseen, intangible force. It may be abstract, but with focus and practice, we learn to recognize its effects as it shapes our reality, just as a point moves to form tangible shapes.

Ultimately, whether through visualization, logic, or abstract thought, the principle remains the same: by engaging with the law on the mental or spiritual plane, you activate the forces that manifest your desires in the physical world. With time and effort, anyone can strengthen their ability to connect with this unseen creative power.

Trusting the Unseen Creative Power

As Hebrews 11:1 puts it, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We need to develop a mindset where we not only perceive the reality of this unseen substance but actively engage with it, recognizing that we are working with the very essence from which all visible things are merely expressions. Our mental creations are not fleeting thoughts, but spiritual realities in the making. By trusting the Law of Growth, we release control and allow the process to unfold, knowing that just as seeds grow in silence beneath the soil, so too do our desires take root and blossom in their own perfect time. Our task is to have faith, stay aligned, and let the invisible forces work in our favor.

Next Steps: Embracing Receptivity

Now that we've explored the Law of Growth and learned how trusting the natural process leads to the fulfillment of our desires, it's time to take our understanding even further. We've seen how patience, faith, and aligning with universal principles can transform our thoughts into reality. By nurturing our mental seeds without forcing or doubting, we've set the stage for true manifestation.

But here's where things get even more interesting—the next crucial element is Receptivity. You might be diligently planting and nurturing your desires, but are you truly open to receiving them? Sometimes, the very barriers that prevent our manifestations from materializing are the ones we unknowingly put up ourselves.

In Part 7—Receptivity, we'll delve into how being open and attuned to the universal intelligence can make all the difference. We'll discuss how recognizing the infinite personalness of the universal mind allows us to tap into a wellspring of wisdom and opportunity. It's about realizing that we're not separate from this vast intelligence but intrinsically connected to it.

We'll uncover how shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of expansive receptivity enables us to not only anticipate but also recognize and embrace the avenues through which our desires come to fruition. By understanding and aligning ourselves with this universal consciousness, we open the floodgates to infinite possibilities.

Until then, keep nurturing your inner garden with patience and positivity. The universe is poised to respond—are you ready to receive?