When Dreams Carry Shadows: The Paradox of Creative Power: Part 1
Part 1 — How Words, Belief, and Imagination Shape Your Reality
This is Part 1 of a two-part series exploring the hidden forces behind creation. Read Part 2: Shadows in the Garden.
Have you ever felt like you were at the mercy of external forces? Like you were drifting in an ocean with no direction?
What if your words, beliefs, and even your imagination are shaping far more than you realize? What if you had the power to influence your own life? The truth is—you do. Across different spiritual traditions, the belief that we create our own reality is not only a sacred teaching but also a practical guide for how we navigate life. From the Torah to the teachings of the Buddha, this principle runs like a thread through time. These ancient wisdoms remind us that our words, beliefs, and actions don’t just shape our outer world—they sculpt our inner world too. The power to create lies within you—and the keys to shaping your reality are already in your hands.
The Power of Words: A Torah Perspective
The Torah teaches that words hold the power of life and death, which mirrors our own inner dialogue. When we speak to ourselves with love and belief, we plant seeds of growth and healing. In the same way that God created the world with His words, we too have the power to create and shape our reality through the words we speak. This sacred truth reminds us that the language we use—both outwardly and inwardly—can either nurture our soul or limit our potential.”There are many sections in the Torah which support this. Proverbs 18:21 says: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This verse reflects the idea that words are not just sounds; they shape reality, influence outcomes, and even determine the spiritual quality of the world around us. This idea ties into the concept that the language we use, including the words we say to ourselves, shapes the way we experience life.
“In the same way that God created the world with His words, we too have the power to create and shape our reality through the words we speak.”
We see the idea of free will and the power to shape our destiny in Deuteronomy 30:19 which says: "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live." This passage reflects the idea that we have the power to choose our actions, and by extension, our future. Choosing life (making decisions aligned with goodness, growth, and positive values) actively shapes the course of our lives and impacts our reality. The idea that God created the world through the power of words, is in Genesis 1:3: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This suggests that speaking things into existence is a core principle not only in creation but also in shaping our reality. Furthermore Genesis 1:26 states "Then God said, 'Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.'" Judaism teaches that humans are created in the image of God, and this idea is often interpreted to mean that humans have the divine potential for creativity and co-creation. If God is the Creator, humans, too, have the ability to create, especially when aligned with divine purpose.
Other Religious Teachings on Manifesting Reality
The idea of creating our reality through words and belief is also echoed in other traditions. In Christianity, for example, we find Jesus speaking about the power of belief and faith to shape our world. In the bible, Mark 11:23, Jesus says: "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." This illustrates the power of belief and faith in shaping the world around us. It's not about external forces but the inner power of conviction. In Matthew 6:10 it says, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." So just as God in heaven has the power to will the universe into existence, we have the power to create the life we desire here on Earth. this is supported by Matthew 8:13, “Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.” This shows that through belief, and faith we have the power to shape reality.
“So just as God in heaven can will the Universe into existence, we have the power to create the life we desire here on Earth.”
We can see this belief in manifesting reality in other religions. The Buddha said, "The mind is everything. What you think, you become." This is a direct statement on the power of the mind to shape one's reality, and it emphasizes the importance of cultivating right thoughts to change your life. In Hinduism, the Upanishads and other ancient texts also teach that the mind has the power to shape reality. In particular, the Maitri Upanishad states: "As a man’s thoughts, so is his life; as a man’s life, so is his destiny." And in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, there is a strong emphasis on karma (action) and how one's intentions and actions shape one's future. Karma is the principle of cause and effect, where every action has a consequence. In this sense, individuals are seen as creators of their reality based on their actions and intentions.
Words, Thoughts, and Visualization — Not Separate Entities
Words are the tool needed to express ideas both to others and to ourselves. We can’t have an inner dialogue if there are no words to communicate thoughts. In the same way that the words we speak shape the world around us, the words we silently speak to ourselves shape our inner world. Our thoughts—spoken aloud or internally—are the very foundation of our beliefs and actions.
But here's the deeper truth: Words, thoughts, and visualization are not separate entities. They are interconnected forces that work together to manifest our desires. Let me explain:
Thoughts are seeds. Every idea you think, whether positive or negative, is like a seed being planted in your mind. You may not realize it, but your thoughts are continuously shaping your subconscious mind. This is why positive thoughts about your goals or dreams are so important—they plant seeds for success.
Words are the tools for growth. Words give life to those thoughts. If thoughts are seeds, then words are the water that nourish them. For example, when you speak affirmations or express your desires aloud, you are feeding your thoughts with the energy and intention they need to grow. Whether it's "I am capable of achieving my goals" or "I am worthy of success," these words are creating pathways for your thoughts to manifest into reality.
Visualization is the blueprint. Visualization is like the architectural design for the manifestation. It is not enough to simply think and speak; you need to see it. Visualization turns your thoughts and words into a mental image, a clear plan for what you want to create. This mental image provides the framework that guides your actions, helping you stay focused and aligned with your goals.
Belief is the catalyst. Belief is the fuel that powers your thoughts, words, and visualizations. Without belief, no amount of positive thinking or visualizing will lead to action. You need to believe that what you're visualizing and speaking is possible. Belief shifts your energy and opens doors that were previously closed, creating opportunities you may not have seen before.
The Power of Words and Manifestation: A Connected System
When these four elements—thoughts, words, visualization, and belief—are combined, they form a powerful system of creation. Imagine your mind as a garden, where thoughts are seeds, words are the water, visualization is the design, and belief is the sunlight. When all of these elements are working together, your garden can flourish into the life you desire.
But here's the catch: The process of manifestation isn’t just about what you want to create. It’s about aligning your inner world with your desires. If there’s discord between your conscious thoughts and subconscious beliefs, it can create resistance, preventing you from fully manifesting your desires. This is why it’s important to not just think about your goals, but to believe in them, speak them into existence, and visualize them as already being a part of your reality.
“If there’s discord between your conscious thoughts and subconscious beliefs, it can create resistance, preventing you from fully manifesting your desires.”
Practical Steps to Manifestation
To help you align your thoughts, words, and beliefs with your goals, here are some actionable steps you can take:
Write down your goals and speak them aloud each day. Affirm that these goals are achievable and that you are worthy of success. This practice allows you to turn your thoughts into concrete desires and sets the stage for action.
Visualize your success. Take time each day to imagine yourself living the life you desire. See it, feel it, and believe in it with all your heart. Visualization helps activate your subconscious mind and moves you toward the reality you’ve envisioned..
Live as if your dreams are already true. Begin to take actions that align with the life you are creating. Trust in your vision, and as you align your actions with your beliefs, you will begin to manifest the reality you desire.
How I Manifest My External Environment
I have found that thoughts focused on goal-setting have been crucial for me when it comes to building something substantial in my life. It’s like the old saying, “A ship, no matter how how well built, will just drift if it has no destination. You need to plot a course, and if you veer a little off, you can realign yourself. Why? Because you have a vision for your life, and you have goals for achieving that vision, with action steps to get you there. That’s why vision boards work, as long as you envison what is meaningful to you and you focus on it with emotional intensity. When we focus our thoughts on positive, meaningful goals, and speak them into existence, we are, in essence, beginning to shape the reality we wish to experience. This process goes beyond just wishing or hoping—it’s a purposeful act of creation.
One way I manifest the reality I want is through visualization of those goals. Professional athletes have used this technique as part of their training to achieve peak performance, and I incorporate this into my daily life. In great detail, I imagine myself giving talks about my book in front of a large audience, giving radio and television interviews, giving book readings and book signings. I visualize myself on the TEDx stage sharing my healing journey from childhood trauma. I even visualize myself responding with calmness when my children misbehave. I record these visualizations and played them back until they become embedded in my mind.
Also, when I use vision boards to visualize goals that are meaningful to me, and focus on those images with emotional intensity, it helps me to slowly pull them into the present. I actually have my kitchen cabinets filled with images of speaking in front of large audiences, images of people doing challenging yoga postures, and images of the TEDx stage. And these images have inspired me to take steps towards achieving my goals.
Visualization helps you to be consistent, and the momentum you build from consistency is very powerful. I used this technique with great success when strengthening my yoga practice. I would frequently imagine myself following a sequence of postures, and doing various breath work exercises. From doing yoga for many years, I completely changed my body, and I was able to control my anxiety and regulate my nervous system. I even used breath work to get me through a having a rather large cavity filled without any novocain. So it’s possible to train yourself to do amazing things with practice. Another method of manifesting reality is by using affirmations, which I also have on my vision board. If using affirmations interests you, check out my post How to Nurture Your Divine Seed with Positive Self-Talk.
Remembering Your Power
Just as God created the world with words, we too have the power to create the world around us. Choosing our words wisely doesn't just affect our external world; it has the power to transform our internal landscape—reshaping our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, our reality. The first step to healing is recognizing that the language you use holds power. Speak to yourself with love, speak your truth, and watch how it transforms your life. You are not just creating a life through passive hope—you are actively co-creating with the universe through the power of your thoughts, words, and belief. By consciously choosing what you focus on, speak about, and visualize, you are setting the stage for profound change in your life.
“Choosing our words wisely…has the power to transform our internal landscape—reshaping our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, our reality.”
