Episode 31: The Neuroscience of Manifestation: Why Presence Matters More Than Visualization - Entreé

Manifestation is everywhere right now—but most of what we’re taught keeps us stuck in the future, chasing outcomes we don’t yet feel safe to hold.

In this episode of Relish, Alyssia Sheikh demystifies manifestation and reframes it as a practice of presence rather than projection. Drawing from neuroscience, nervous-system work, and lived experience, she explains why manifestation fails when it’s treated as magical thinking—and how it becomes effective when grounded in identity, embodiment, and conscious action.

You’ll explore why subconscious beliefs drive behavior more than intention, how future-focused manifestation reinforces shame and scarcity, and why your nervous system must feel safe before you can take the actions required to create change. Alyssia introduces the Be → Do → Have framework, explains how attention and identity shape perception (including the role of the Reticular Activating System), and shares real-life examples of manifestation as identity-aligned action—not wishful thinking.

This episode offers a grounded, compassionate approach for anyone who wants to manifest without bypassing pain, hustling for worthiness, or escaping the present moment.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why manifestation is not about the future—but about the present
• How subconscious beliefs shape action and outcomes
• The difference between magical thinking and embodied manifestation
• Why nervous-system safety determines what you can receive
• How identity drives perception, attention, and opportunity
• Why presence is the missing ingredient in manifestation
• Practical ways to begin manifesting from alignment instead of scarcity

💭 Reflection:
What feeling do you believe your future will give you—and how might you begin practicing that feeling now?

Follow & Connect:

• Join the Newsletter
• IG: @alyssiasheikh
• TikTok: @alyssiasheikh
• YouTube: Alyssia Sheikh
• Email me: [email protected]
• Call our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬
• Book a Self-Trust Session with Alyssia

• The Hoffman Institute (Alyssia is a Hoffman Process teacher; podcast is not affiliated)

Relevant Episodes: 

• Episode 26 — Why Resolutions Don’t Stick (Entreé)
• Episode 28 — Why There Is No Map — And Why You Don’t Need One (Quick Bite)

Relevant Links & Resources:

• James R. Doty, MD — Mind Magic
• Reticular Activating System (RAS) — Overview https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549835/