Gratitude and Manifestation

01 Jan 2025 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , ,

“When you appreciate what you have, then you will receive more. When you are in this moment feeling gratitude for this moment you actually up your vibrational signal to attract more things to be grateful for.”-Joe Vitale

Oftentimes we think manifestation is simply visualizing what one wants, taking action, and awaiting results.  We often forget that one component of manifestation is being grateful for what you already have.  And in doing this, you receive more of that, your heightened vibration attracts other high vibration things and people.  Often we want to jump to the next thing we are desiring, without taking in what is already in our lives. 

This tendency we have as humans to move quickly to the next thing reminds me of the time when I lived in England, and tried to participate in the 3 Peak Challenge.  The true nature of this challenge is one tries to climb the highest mountain in Scotland, England, and Wales in 24 hours.  This includes travel time once arriving at the first mountain.  The group I went with, we tried to complete this in 3 days versus 1.  It was interesting to note the competitors who were invested in the spirit of the challenge. They were intent of rushing to get to the peak in as fast as possible, then the bottom of the mountain with as quick of speed.  Although they were exponentially quick, their pace didn’t allow them space to take in the view.  They wanted to get down to the next task at hand.  In reality that day, my friends and I made it up and down 2/3 mountains, and chose the day in between as one of rest and leisure.  That was more our speed, and in that we were able to explore the quaint little town we were staying in Wales.

I admit I am one who tries to prepare for the next accomplishment in my life.  If I am in an undesirable situation in my life, I want to jump forward to the next best thing.  Yet what the law of attraction teaches us is we must truly embrace our current reality before we manifest what is next.

This holiday season was going to be quiet for me.  Spent cleaning, decluttering, as I had minimal time off.  I was spending it focusing on how I want the next part of my life to go.  My brother joked that I was being the Grinch.  He invited me to his fiance’s family house on Christmas Eve and we spent Christmas with our dogs on the beach.  He and his fiancé bought me a purse that I had my eye of for years. Receiving this was a form of manifestation.  The Rive Gauche Yves Saint Laurent one, as each time I looked at it, it reminded me of my year in Paris residing on the Left Bank.  He told me use the purse that day at the beach.  I declined, as I didn’t want to get it dirty.  I wanted to wait for a special occasion to premiere the purse.  He reminded me that on a daily basis he wears nice luxury items just for himself, not for anyone else or any special occasion.  “You need to wear nice things even if it’s just for you.”

And so today, as I sit in a local coffee shop, I am wearing my new purse.  I am noticing how I manifested this into my life.  At the same time, I am appreciating what I have right now.  What I brought into my life at this current moment, taking this in before I jump into what’s next. 

Small Manifestations

28 Dec 2024 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

“Everything you seek and everything you experience – everything– is inside you. If you want to change anything, you do it inside, not outside. The whole idea is total responsibility. There’s no one to blame. It’s all you.”-Joe Vitale

I’ve always been a fan of the film and book The Secret, created by Rhonda Byrne in collaboration with numerous other teachers.  At the time, I was exposed to it, I was working at a homeless shelter in the Bronx.  I was so inspired by it, I bought the DVD, and had a screening at the shelter with a mini workshop. I shared it with friends and parents, who implemented it into my life. And that was the initiation of vision boards in my life. 

Manifestation is a tool I’ve continued to intentionally dabble with in my life, generally at this time of year.  There had been some lashback over the years with the film, because of it’s focus on material things.  I admit that it’s not always on the forefront of my mind of manifesting the life I want.  I sometimes go by the mantra a client once said to me, “life just lifes.”  Yet, over time what is becoming to become apparent is we are constant manifestors, although often unintentional.

The past several days, with preparation for the new year, with fresh goals and intentions I have been listening to interviews with manifesting teachers such as Emma Mumford, Joe Vitale, and Pam Oslie.  There is a reminder that manifestation is a process, but also we are constantly manifesting without even being aware of this. Our thoughts create our reality. The reality we are living (even all that we are complaining about) we manifested this.

I had all this in my mind lately, prior to walking my dog Bella yesterday. A passing thought came of her poop bag by the side of the outside door. I kept it there and didn’t throw it away, because it was a small poop and thought I could add to it, by reusing the bag.  As I opened the front door, the poop bag moved several feet to be on my doorstep waiting for me. I manifested it. It made me laughed but reminded me we manifest on all layers.  However small or large. Our thoughts create reality.

Several weeks ago, I was in Santa Fe New Mexico, inspired by the communal creative vibe that exuded from that city. I went home, wanted create art, and was on the hunt to find a canvas.  I stepped into various everything store shops, and couldn’t find the perfect size.  After having lunch with a friend in Silverlake, in the parking lot was a new canvas and a chair, with a note from the previous owner offering his blessing of creative possibilities to the new owner. I manifested this! 

If I can manifest canvases and poop bags, what else can I manifest?

I share this because the stories we hear of manifestation don’t just have to be big dramatic shifts and changes.  They can, but they start with witnessing and acknowledging the small ways we manifest.  It’s easy to get frustrated with what life seems to throw at us, we seem to be living the motto “life just lifes.”  But we have the power to shift things.  When we complain or act as the victim, we are simply bringing more energy to that situation and remain in it versus taking action. We do have the right to vent, but do we want to live in it?

And so as I write this, what will you manifest?  I will end with a question one spiritual teacher Cynthia Sue Larson asks herself daily…

“How good could it get?”

Returning Home Pilgrimage

03 Dec 2023 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , ,

This past week, when having a farewell coffee meetup with a friend, she said to me that this return home would be a pilgrimage.  Although I have visited America nearly annually, I haven’t lived here in 10 ½ years.  Those words “it’s a pilgrimage” repeated with me over the past 20 hour voyage home. 

I’ve been prepping to move back for nearly six months in some ways, and everyone has been asking me “how are you feeling?” In truth, so many emotions, but the final months with non-stop international and Spanish travel, visitors, or packing, I haven’t been able to process.  I can only be present to the next task ahead of me. 

“Life is like driving in the dark. Your headlights show you the 200 feet in front of you and as you move forward, the next 200 feet are shown to you. You don’t need to see the entire path in order to reach your destination.”-Jack Canfield

         On one of my last nights, as I lied in bed prepping to sleep, my thoughts began to ruminate over what all had to be done and I realized in that moment I had a choice.  I was making an international move with a pet, buying a condo, starting a new job, and shipping belongings.  I could choose anxiety and restless sleep or know that everything was already working out.  My question became,  “why wouldn’t it work out?”  All was unfolding and being divinely guided, I just had to trust and focus on the next task at hand.  Don’t focus on the larger picture but the next thing that was being asked from me.

         My friend Isabella reminded me I was fortunate enough to not be alone. She was right, as both her and my mother would be present to help make this journey possible.  I ordered a van from Uber the day prior, hoping it would fit the three of us and Bella and all of our luggages. We each had two check-in luggages, a carry on and personal item.  And it did.  As we made the Uber ride, I realized my carry on and personal item were over stuffed and I should pay additional money for my carry on, and buy another carry on to distribute the weight. I hoped in the van ride it would be comped, but was willing to pay.  Upon reaching the counter to check in at the gate, I informed the staff member of my luggage predicament. She looked at me, my belongings, and Bella in my backpack.  She told me this would be too expensive, and she grabbed the credit card machine.  “240 euros,” she said .  She then proceeded to say, “I’m doing this for the dog.” It was comped!  She happened to be a fellow dog owner, and had empathy for us. Perhaps she knew flying with a pet internationally was massive work. 

         With each little step, I repeated gratitude verbally and internally, like a mantra.  “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”  Everything was working out.  I definitely had to have a “pilgrimage” mindset during this.  For a short amount of time, physically and energetically I would have to be managing a lot. But I could do this.  I could harness my internal wonder woman as I embarked on this journey.  Having actually done the camino was helpful.  I reflected on the state I was in for those specified days.  I questioned at times what the heck I was doing walking so many kilometers, remind myself of the intention, and the fact that so many have walked that path before.  I also knew it was temporary and that magical things could happen to assist all peregrinos.  And so these flights would be a different camino.   It was fitting that the first film I watched on the extended journey would be The Camino, a Danish film that came out this past year.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24177444/

         I heard a quote once that “it ends as it begins.” And I thought of this as we flew from Malaga to Paris in the 2 hour journey, the city I lived in last year.  In the three hour layover, I felt horrible for Bella as there were no pet relief areas.  My mom bought her the cutest diaper skirt and diapers for the journey.  I walked her during this break, she lifted her leg and half peed in the diaper and a wall.   I grateful to have Isabella and my mom to assist me as I cleaned it up, and Bella made her own makeshift pet relief area.  I was so surprised and grateful that Bella had no accidents on the 10 ½ hour flight from Paris to Los Angeles.

         There was more relief and gratitude as my brother picked us up from LAX in a SUV, and had Filipino food waiting to feed us.  His girlfriend had spent days cleaning the house in preparation.  And we could finally breathe and rest. 

         In the past, embarking on a pilgrimage like this would have been overwhelming.  I would have somaticized the pain, cried at various stressful trigger points, and had ruminating thoughts of anxiety.  This is all okay if these emotions arise, I once did this. But for some reason this move was different.  I was present to what was at hand, had assistance from friends and family.  It could have been the frame of mind I was in, the pilgrimages I’ve done, or the hundreds of hours of meditation practice I have done over the years.  Perhaps it’s in these moments that the results of accumulated practice are culminated.  Calm surrender and trust that the Universe, our guides, God, strangers, and the path are all supporting you on this pilgrimage of life. And with that all, thank you for everyone who has supported me on this journey.  

Hearts Everywhere I See

24 Mar 2023 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , ,

Today, as I sat on the beach with Bella.  I reflected on creating a video on manifestation.  I was thinking of all the ways things have shifted in me throughout the past week, when I opened up my heart more.  It was the final missing piece for manifestation, that I didn’t realize I was lacking.  I have been focusing on my heart chakra through doing heart opening yoga sequences and mantras, but also felt a sense of it being broken open the other day.  This was from the mere thought of fostering a dog.   I have yet to decide if and when I will do this, but the mere thought of this act of love shifted something in me.  After the grief of losing one dog, and being an emotional caretaker for numerous people and a psychologist, I felt there was no space in my heart for anyone and anything else.  This was a catalyst. 

After that thought occurred, I began to see changes in my reality.  The Law of Attraction was at work.  I received scholarships for two online courses I have been eyeing.  One is on the Black Madonna and the other is on Self Compassion.  Both I had applied for various scholarships from these organizations before and never received it.  And several other positive events occurred during the week.  It was a week filled of joyous unexpected abundance.  I wanted to share this news with others.  I had my bikini on, and was going to put my shirt back on to film the video. I looked down and saw this.

A bird had pooped on it, during the minutes my shirt was off.  And it wasn’t just any poop, it was in the shape of a heart.  It was hilarious to me.  I am already the type of person to believe that a bird pooping on you can be good luck.  It’s all in the reframing.   But  the fact it pooped on my shirt that was  in the shape of a heart, was more comedic.  

I posted this on social media, and my father noted “have fun getting the stain off.”  I had to share with him, you are missing the point.  It doesn’t matter what happens with the shirt.  It was seeing the blessing and humor in this situation versus getting upset.  In letting it go, perhaps it would create more space in my life for the next thing.  

New Moon Versus Full Moon Rituals

05 Feb 2023 2 Comments

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , ,

A Full Moon arises tonight, and I feel it’s been beckoning me.  I began to go down the rabbit hole of researching Full Moon Rituals versus New Moon Rituals.  Here is what I learned.

New Moons are best for setting new goals for the next month.  Creating new goals are not only reserved for the new year.  We can do this every lunar cycle.  Explore what it is you want to transpire in the next 28 days.  What areas do you want to shift and how can you make that happen.  This is the time to vow to make changes in your life and commit to taking action.  New Moons are for manifestations.  

  • Take time to create an intention of how you want the next month to go
  • Visualize attaining these goals
  • Work on a vision board, crystal grid
  • Verbalize your goals aloud to a trusted friend for accountability

Full Moons are best for cleansing.  Let go of what no longer serves you.  But there are mystical healing properties of a full moon.  So one can additionally cleanse crystals, water, or oneself under a full moon.  We are to reflect on the goals we began two weeks ago during the New Moon phase, but we don’t take action now.  Energy is focused on taking care of one’s self.  Self-compassion and slowing down.  Clean out what is stale in one’s home and rest.  It’s a time for grounding ourselves.  Our emotions may be heightened during this time, therefore it’s best to not make any rash decisions.  Full Moons are for cleansing and compassion.

  • Clean out and declutter your space
  • Sage and clear your atmosphere of stuck energy
  • Cleanse yourself and crystals under a full moon
  • Slow it down with some yin yoga and hygge self care

Regardless if you believe in the moon phases or not, this makes sense.  Once a month focus on manifesting/directing where you want your life to go.  Another aspect of the month, chill out and take care of yourself.  I hope you take time to demonstrate some compassion for you on this lovely full moon evening. 

Vision Board Synchronicity

26 Oct 2022 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: ,

“When you visualize, then you materialize. If you’ve been there in the mind, you’ll go there in the body.” —Dr. Denis Waitley

I’m in a coffee shop in my hometown, and this woman next to me is doing a vision board.  I comment on how I like her vision board, and she can’t believe I know what one is.  I’ve led many vision board workshops in my day, and have been doing them for nearly 15 years.  I take for granted that this is not part of everyone’s life and that the concept may be new to anyone.  But I appreciate her freshness about it and the excitement that goals can be manifested.  I offer some tips with regards to vision boards: to put images of herself in them, to do them with friends as they can enhance each others’ dreams and goals, and that it is a process. 

I want to also add that vision boards aren’t the only way to manifest and it isn’t always about the end result.  It’s not what we just want to achieve but how we want to feel.  And how attainment of goals doesn’t always make you happy.  What are your values and how do you want to feel emotionally and energetically? But this is a good start. 

She is surprised I have taught them and asked if I am a teacher.  I respond that I am a psychologist.  But perhaps in some ways I am a teacher.  I try to teach other people aspects of living a balanced healthy life, and I have transitioned from individual work to group work.  So, yes a teacher. 

I let her get back to her vision board.  This year I’ve already created two vision boards, because my life has been redirected.  What I thought I wanted has shifted.  I realize this is another aspect of goal setting.  Allow oneself to surrender to what unfolds.  Although we set goals and there is determination, there must also be fluidity and flexibility for this to shift.  This is something I am still learning.  This middle way of fluid achievements.  Let go of my stubborn nature to achieve, and give space for the universe to guide me.  Free will and guidance: how do we balance this?  This is what I am navigating.  

Observing her detailed interest in the manifestation board in front of her, I watch with a smile on my face.  She mirrors for me a reminder to seek clarity within in what I want to attain.  Could I today quantify my desires for the upcoming year on one board?  Perhaps.  Her vision board is on a cork board not glued down to construction paper, therefore malleability is possible.  Maybe there are some things I can learn from her in manifesting this next phase of my life.