The more we chase, push and try the convince, the less success we have. This sounds contrary to some of the most widespread cultural beliefs we have, at least here in the West.
The idea is that the more effort you put in the more you get in return, this is true to an extent. However there is a point where the more we try the less we get back, and we have to start working smart instead of hard.
This is what I want to explore today regarding the ‘backwards law’. An idea that is prevalent in many Law of Attraction teachings – that once we let go and surrender everything is ours.
What is the backwards law?
Here is quote that I think summarizes this idea best:
“The desire for more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience.”
Mark Manson The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Have you ever ended a friendship or relationship on bad terms and noticed that as soon as you got yourself together and moved on, the other person suddenly gets into contact?
This is an example of the backwards law in effect. The minute we take someone or something off of a pedestal, or take our energy out of a situation, things flow.
This is just how energy operates. You’ll notice the same thing if you’ve ever created a piece of writing or art that didn’t feel like a lot of work, only for it to be one of your best received pieces.
These experiences can sometimes be frustrating, because they feel/seem quite random, however with the right focus we can use this law to our advantage.
The backwards law & self concept
In my own work I find that effort is required. I cannot sit about doing nothing and expecting all of the results in the world.
This might work for some people’s personality types, circumstances etc. but has never been a way I see real progress.
However, what I do know is that the effort I put in much be reasonable, practical and come from a grounded place.
Charging ahead and taking tons of action for the sake of it or overworking myself has the opposite effect.
Whether we take a lot of action or not much at all, having the right mindset and approach is incredibly important.
So, one of the ways you can start seeing the effect of the backwards law in your own life is through affirmations.
Everything must come from an idea first. Beforehand we build a home we have to create the correct plans so that our action is properly guided.
Similarly, if we take action but our mind is not properly primed, we can become tired, lost, demotivated and regretful.
I have found Abraham Hicks’ teachings about the ‘self concept’ to be particularly helpful in this area. Our self concept is the idea we hold of ourselves and capabilities. If we do not hold a high self-concept, it doesn’t matter what we do, our results we mirror back our insecurities or doubts or we’ll self-sabotage our progress.
The first step is to truly understand your goals and intentions. You need to know what you want, but most importantly, why you want it.
As an example, you might want to be a millionaire. This is a goal for many, but it is rarely properly examined. Why exactly do you want to be a millionaire and what purpose would this serve?
What would you do with a million dollars if you had it in your hands right now? What sort of routines would you need to manage, maintain, even grow this sort of financial abundance?
What needs would having this one million dollars fulfil for you?
Writing an intention down on paper and having it in front of you can bring a lot of clarity. You might find that what you need/want is not the achievement of a specific goal but something else associated with it – freedom, security, community etc.
Take some time to figure out what you want, and what you are actually willing to put energy towards in the long-term.
Self-concept affirmations
Then create or listen to some affirmations that will help support your self-concept in that direction.
Some of my favorite affirmations:
I manage abundance well
I trust myself (my intuition)
I am deeply supported
I attract the highest timeline
I welcome positive surprises big and small
I created a guidebook & journal to walk you through the entire intention setting process.
Letting go during manifestation
Another important part of the process is to have a practice of letting go.
Often when we set intentions but so no clear result it is because we haven’t mastered letting go.
The Universe will make us wait for a good opportunity or path until we let go of the heavy expectations and ideas we have about how things should go.
A practical way I let go in intention setting is by lighting a candle, writing out what I want to attract and what it would feel like to get it and then closing the page and blowing out the candle.
This acts as a physical reminder that my work is done. Once the candle is out and page is closed, I no longer focus on exactly how I want something to be and prioritize feeling positively and uplifted about things. The Universe will figure out the rest.
As you recite your affirmations day by day (I recommend spending at least 10-20 minutes on them daily) release any expectations.
If you do not see any immediate changes in your physical reality, know there is better timing and continue with your usual rituals and routines.
Stepping back allows your energy to build up consistently, to the point where it can pull in (attract) what it is you’ve asked for.
So often we are coming to our intention setting sessions feeling disheartened or drained, and it take some time to build the morale and motivation necessary to see success.
Have you seen the impact of this Law in your life?