In 2013, I was in one of the most stressful periods of my life.
From the outside, everything seemed fine.
But inside, I was living in a constant state of overwhelm.
I was burning the midnight oil almost every night, convinced that the only way to make progress was to outwork everyone else.
I pushed through exhaustion like it was some kind of badge of honor.
I told myself it was just “temporary” — that soon I’d catch up, soon I’d find balance.
But weeks turned into months, and the pressure didn’t ease up.
In fact, it built even more.
I was sleeping less.
Working more.
Ignoring the signs my body was desperately trying to send me.
My health wasn’t in top shape either — the result of too many late nights, too much stress, and too little self-care.
But like many high achievers, I thought if I just powered through it, if I just stayed one step ahead, everything would eventually “click.”
Spoiler alert:
It didn’t.
One night, sitting alone at my kitchen table — tired, restless, wired but exhausted — I had a call scheduled with Srikumar Rao, a legendary MBA business professor (and now Mindvalley author) and sage whose teachings I’d admired for years.
Honestly?
I almost canceled.
The thought of one more meeting, one more conversation, felt like too much.
But something in me—some small voice still holding on—said: “Show up.”
So I did.
On the call, Rao could sense my exhaustion almost immediately. And intuitively, he paused our scheduled conversation. “Vishen, before we continue I’d like to read you a poem” he said.
In my mind, I was thinking, “Do we really have time for poetry?” But I paused and listened.
And then, instead of offering advice or “success hacks,” Rao did something unexpected:
He simply read me a poem by Rumi—a poem that would go on to alter the trajectory of my life:
“When I run after what I think I want, my days are a furnace of distress and anxiety;
If I sit in my own place of patience, what I need flows to me, and without any pain.
From this I understand that what I want also wants me, is looking for me and attracting me.
There is a great secret in this for anyone who can grasp it.”
Do you get it? Read that a second time if you must.
That poem cracked me open.
Here’s the thing about Rumi:
He was a mystic who grasped what modern science is only now beginning to hint at — that reality is fluid, and that it’s our resistance, not the circumstances themselves, that creates our deepest suffering.
When I heard those lines, I realized something profound:
I wasn’t manifesting.
I was manipulating.
I was clinging to old ideas of success.
I was trapped in a cycle of effort, overwork, and control.
I was forcing life to move at a pace that my soul knew wasn’t sustainable.
And it wasn’t working.
Rumi’s words invite us to a different way of being:
To shift from pursuit to attraction.
To stop running frantically after dreams… and instead sit—centered, aligned, open, and allow the dreams already seeking us to flow naturally into our lives.
This is the “great secret” Rumi speaks of:
What you seek is already seeking you.
The key isn’t more struggle.
It’s a deeper surrender.
Surrender isn’t giving up.
It’s giving over.
Giving over the frantic timelines.
Giving over the illusion that we have to fight for everything.
Giving over the belief that worthiness comes from exhaustion.
When I shifted — when I finally gave myself permission to trust, to breathe, to realign — everything started changing.
Not because I worked harder.
Not because I found the “perfect strategy.”
But because I let go.
And when I let go, what I truly needed was able to find me.
Manifestation isn’t about chasing.
It’s about becoming magnetic to the dreams that are already yours — waiting for you to open the door.
And magnetism?
It’s activated through surrender.
“Manifestation happens when you release your white-knuckled grip on life — and trust that the dream is running toward you, too.”
If you’re reading this right now, maybe it’s your moment, too.
Maybe it’s time to stop sprinting toward your dream. And start inviting it to sprint toward you.
Why you’re not manifesting faster (and how surrender collapses time)
Let’s get brutally honest for a sec:
If manifesting your dream life were as simple as “think positive and wait,” you’d already be a barefoot billionaire, sipping fresh coconut water in Bali, meditating on mountaintops while your inbox explodes with dream opportunities.
But here you are—still hustling, still hoping, still wondering, WTF, Universe?
And guess what?
It’s not because you’re broken, lazy, or “bad at manifesting.”
It’s because nobody ever taught you the second half of the process.
Manifesting isn’t just about setting intentions and visualizing until your third eye begs for mercy.
It’s about mastering the art of surrender.
Miss this part?
You’ll stay stuck in that maddening limbo — seeing signs, feeling progress… but never quite crossing the finish line.
What’s really killing your dreams
Here’s where 90% of conscious creators trip themselves up.
They set bold intentions.
They visualize so hard that their third eye practically needs an ice pack.
They create vision boards so grand they could hang in the Louvre.
But then…
They grip.
They obsess.
They panic.
And whether they realize it or not, they start sending out a dangerous broadcast to the Universe:
“I don’t actually believe it’s happening.”
As Dr. Joe Dispenza teaches:
“Your personal reality is created by your personality — your thoughts, emotions, and energy.”
When you radiate fear, doubt, or neediness, you don’t just delay your dream…
You push it away.
Energy master Jeffrey Allen puts it even simpler:
“Every second, you’re either pulling your dreams closer — or pushing them away.”
And the wild thing is:
It’s never about how hard you work.
It’s always about the energy you’re vibrating.
The real science behind “letting go”
Surrender isn’t just “giving up” with a sad shrug.
It’s precision energy work.
Here’s what modern science tells us:
Your Reticular Activating System (the brain’s filter) literally tunes reality based on your emotional expectations.
Your heart’s electromagnetic field is 5,000 times stronger than your brain’s — and it syncs your outer world when you lock into elevated emotions.
Translation?
Feel fulfilled before your dream arrives — you magnetize it.
Feel lack, neediness, or tension — you repel it.
You don’t manifest by needing harder.
You manifest by untangling your happiness from your goal.
Have a goal, but don’t tie your happiness to achieving it. Be happy BEFORE the attainment of your goal.
What the masters know about surrender
The world’s most powerful manifestors don’t hustle harder.
They master surrender. Let’s look at some of the quotes and advice from Mindvalley’s panel of Manifesting teachers who will be on stage at the upcoming Mindvalley Manifesting Summit on May 17-18.
Joe Dispenza: Feel it first
Joe Dispenza teaches something that should be carved onto every vision board:
“Feel the emotions of your future—before it happens — and you’ll change your destiny.”
The world’s greatest manifestors don’t sit around waiting to feel happy after they get what they want.
They step into the emotional energy of fulfillment now, knowing that life will eventually rearrange itself to match.
You don’t wait for your dreams to make you feel whole.
You become whole, and your dreams catch up.
Regan Hillyer: Trust the future you
Regan Hillyer didn’t create a 7-figure empire through spreadsheets and micromanagement.
She manifested it by releasing control and focusing on becoming the future version of herself who could easily hold that success.
Her mantra was simple but powerful:
“If not this, something even better.”
When you trust that something even better is on its way, it is.
Roxie Nafousi: Radical self-worth
Roxie went from rock-bottom addiction to bestselling author and transformation coach.
Her secret?
It wasn’t trying harder.
It was claiming her worth before any outer success showed up.
By deciding she was worthy first, she stopped clinging.
And when she surrendered, her life exploded into miracles.
Her book Manifest went on to sell a million copies. (How’s that for alignment with the Universe)
David Ghiyam: Certainty is Light
The Kabbalah master David Ghiyam says:
“Certainty brings Light. Doubt creates delay.”
In every moment you choose certainty, you become a magnet for miracles.
In every moment you indulge doubt, you slow your own timeline.
Why surrender collapses time
Because attachment slows you down.
Because fear fractures your field.
Because obsession keeps you vibrating in lack.
When you let go, you’re not “giving up.”
You have faith. You simply know it’s “on the way”.
This is the secret Rumi speaks about.
3 rituals to master surrender (starting today)
1. Future gratitude (the Roxie Nafousi method)
Every morning, take out a journal — nothing fancy, just something you can fall in love with — and start by writing:
“Thank you for my thriving business.”
“Thank you for my soulmate connection.”
“Thank you for vibrant health.”
Feel it as if it’s already here.
Smile as you write it.
Let your heart swell with gratitude for a future that already exists in the field, waiting for you to align.
This simple daily practice wires your body to believe — and when your body believes, the Universe responds.
2. Bold action + radical release (the John Lee approach)
Every day, take one bold, scary, courageous action toward your dream.
Send the email.
Launch the product.
Ask for the introduction.
But then — and this is crucial — release the outcome.
Say to yourself:
“I plant the seed. I trust the harvest.”
Because farmers don’t sit around digging up the soil every five minutes to see if the seeds are growing.
They plant, water, trust, and know.
3. Daily energy reset (inspired by Jeffrey Allen)
Find a quiet place.
Sit still.
Close your eyes.
Feel for any tension in your body — any clenching around “when will it happen?”
Breathe golden light into that tension.
Exhale the fear.
Imagine each exhale dissolving layers of resistance.
With each breath, come back to that sacred knowing:
“It’s already on its way.”
You don’t need to hustle the Universe.
You just need to stay open.
Final word: You’re manifesting right now
You’re always manifesting.
The only question is:
Are you broadcasting lack?
Or certainty?
Next time your mind says, “It’s not happening fast enough” —
Smile.
Laugh.
Whisper:
“This or something better is unfolding—right now.”
Because the faster you surrender…
The faster your reality bends.
As Rumi reminds us:
“Be crumbled.
So wildflowers will come up where you are.
You have been stony for too many years.
Try something different.
Surrender.”
Master surrender—LIVE?
Join us at the Manifesting Summit 2025. You can attend live in LA or join online on Zoom for just $29.
Learn from the masters — Vishen, Joe Dispenza, Regan Hillyer, Roxie Nafousi, and more — how to set intentions, embody certainty, and collapse timelines like a pro.
Get your ticket here.
The future’s not waiting.
It’s listening.
PS: If this stirred something inside you — a spark, a shift, even a tiny “hell yes”—drop me a comment below and tell me what hit home. I actually read every single one, because your insights are the magic fuel behind everything we create.
And if someone you love needs this nudge, too? Forward it to them. Good energy multiplies when we share it.
With Love, Vishen
82 Responses
From Jeremy…Funny thing just last weekend I decided to let go of my goal setting and worrying that nothing was happening. Now I relax into the centreing on Silva Mind along with a affirmation I wrote for my self worth and that I am good enough, and an article about how Helen Hadsell created so many wins.
This was such a pleasure to read and exactly what I needed to hear today. With all the things going on that I try to hold onto and control the outcome, especially the way with the political climate is right now, I need to learn to let more things go in order to maintain my mental health.
Thank you!
Well, I must say that I just loved Regan Hillyer’s, “If not this, something even better.” I think I shall make that my new mantra, as well. NOTE: I have watched Regan in another zoom before and I swear that her energy vibes make my chakra’s ping (I happen to be Reiki level II certified, if that helps any). I also took a screen grab pic of the Daily Energy Reset (inspired by Jeffrey Allen). Good way to relax and remember that you don’t need to hustle the universe.
I also wanted to say, Vishen, that I think you have a better grasp on the English language (and well, most everything else, really) then I do (and we are of a similar age and I consider myself a bit of a writer, as well). Be that as it may, I find your writing style to be quite engaging and your injections of humor are on point, as well, like laugh out loud funny! Examples from this blog: “…visualizing until your third eye begs for mercy,” and “…still wondering, WTF, universe.” LMAO! Not sure that I would talk to the all-mighty powers that be like that, but still, comical to imagine.
Alas, there are a lot of not funny things going on in this world right now; so, I am glad that you can still see the humor. Further, that you and your team of experts can get us all through these days a little happier and healthier, as well.
So then, I’m looking forward to watching the upcoming Manifesting Summit via zoom. Looks like you’ve compiled quite the lineup.
Hi Vishen,
Although I have watched many videos of yours but this was the very first time I read your article and it was almost like I was hearing your voice… amazing 😀
As I was reading the full article, I began to feel lightness in heart. Even in my today’s meditation, I prayed to God that I am surrendering to Him as I feel tangled in doubts and financially caged. I have a beautiful vision that I manifest everyday yet Learning to Bend Reality.
Thanks for your support.
Nisha Nepalra
Bangalore, India
I enjoyed the personal to the practical steps to take today, at the perfect time this arrived in my inbox as I was in a hustle slump. ‘Everything is working out for my greatest good.’ Thanks Vishen & Team.
A young Zen monk named Kaito fervently desired to attain enlightenment. So, he went to his master and asked:
Master, how can I achieve enlightenment?
The master smiled and said: Meditate on this koan: “What is the sound of a single hand clapping?”
Kaito pondered this question deeply. He listened to the sound of the wind, the flowing river, the sounds of nature, but he could not find the answer. He returned to the master and said: Master, I have listened to the wind, the birds, the waves, but I have not found the answer.
The master replied: Continue to meditate.
For years, Kaito sought the answer, but he could not find it. One day, while watching the sunset and feeling a profound stillness in his soul, he understood. He ran to the master and, without saying a word, bowed deeply.
The master smiled and said: Now you have heard the sound of a single hand.
You reminded me about what and why.
I need the, when, who and how.
You love de sufi poems, i love the koan zen.
Thank you for Mindvalley and for your newsletters and your ruminations, Vishen. They never fail to strike a chord. This time the chord of manifesting is reverberating through my soul.
This post definitely resonates and now makes so much sense, and I definitely needed the reminder and guidance for the next steps. I look forward to finding out more at the Summit!
Lovely! I am so excited for the May 17-18 event! Thank you for being a bright light.
Surrender isn’t giving up.
It’s giving over
This one made it click in, for the first time ever I understand surrender, with one tiny phrase.
Thank you! 🙏
I’m so thankful for your vision of Mind Vally, Vishen. I’m a mid-career federal worker in the DC area who is going through a lot right now here in the US. On top of going through a divorce, I was faced with the decision of staying in a position under really horrible rigid unreasonable conditions to protect my future self in retirement or take a leap of faith and resign my job without having another one. I got this email about surrendering, letting what’s for me find me. In mediating, I honestly felt that no matter how tough the labor market is & my prospects for employment may seem, every day that I stayed in the job I had for 18+ years felt against…against something I could not name. So I surrendered— I don’t know why I felt uncomfortable when I could have comfort of a job, even with rigid conditions. I believe I deserve dignity and treated with value. So I surrendered my career in the US Federal Government towards a path to find out what my inner self seems to be calling me to do. Thank you for the virtual option for the manifestation conference as I look so forward & my soul for sure needs it. I would even assert—the entire country needs it—there is such a harsh energy of lack & scarcity in the nation’s capital right now when indeed, that fact is there is more abundance to give & provide for each other here in the US. If only that could be manifested.
Thanks you for your message. Very timely and much needed. I needed the prod and reminder…to acknowledge my yearning to find the path to happiness and abundance and possibly learn to share that with others. Over 30 years in Telco & Tech, I am now at a cross roads of sorts…not having worked for the past year, the thought of climbing the hamster wheel again feels like putting heavy rocks on my heart. When I think back on my journey I feel proud about my accomplishments but not sure if the road I took was one I chose or just “fait accompli”. The thing that gave me the most joy, when I reflect on the journey, was people. Working with them, being able to help them and support them on their journey, personal and professional. Reading this message just reminded me that I have it in my hands to take control and to redirect my path towards the happiness, abundance, love and joy. Having difficulty articulating how impactful and emotionally touching this message was. I am “Thankful”! RUMI words and wisdom, and the way you framed it, was powerful. I will be attending the manifesting session on line. This may be the start of a new journey for me….
I really needed this message today. Thank you Vishen. I know I have to surrender, let go of any expectations, assumptions or insistences on the way but somehow these past days I have been wondering, asking when it’s going to come despite the signs. Your message is the second sign for me today to really let go, surrender and be fully immersed in right now. I trust the universe and divine timing. Thank you
I needed these reminders today! I didn’t know the heart magnetized at 5000 times stronger than the brain – that’s fascinating and offers scientific support to what I already knew so thank you for sharing that! And you wrote this – which I put in my journal and on a sticky note on my cabinet so I’ll see it daily
“Attachment slows you down.
Fear fractures your field.
Obsession keeps you vibrating in lack.” THANK YOU
Thank you for such a thorough and thoughtful blog post. I know someday I’m gonna meet you and say thanks in person.
Wowww Vishen, you hit my heart ! Rumis Quote is Magnificent …
“When I run after what I think I want, my days are a furnace of distress and anxiety;
If I sit in my own place of patience, what I need flows to me, and without any pain.
From this, I understand that what I want also wants me, is looking for me, and attracting me.
There is a great secret in this for anyone who can grasp it.”
It takes me 3 to 4 times read to understand it wholeheartedly. Your whole email is filled with lots of Powerful lights Up. Thanks for sharing this powerful and magnificent information, I am thinking to go throught the email again. Also thinking to print few of those to put infront of me all time. Like the
-> Rumi’s above quote
-> Have a goal – but don’t tie…
-> When you radiate fear ..
-> Why Gratitude Matters !
-> If not this, something even better.
-> Certainty brings Light. Doubt creates delay.
-> Future Gratitude
-> Bold Action + Radical Release
-> Daily Energy Reset
-> You’re always manifesting. The only question is: Are you broadcasting lack? Or certainty?
-> And Lot more ….
Woww, that’s a lot ! I need to digest them 🙂
Thanks 🙂
Hi, I stublmed on your grocery store video and free demonstration video of Christe Sheldon for removing energy blocks almost 5 to 6 years back. I am hooked since then. Though I do drop and get derailed but I always come back. Today the Power of Surrender, Starting Day with 3 blessings, infact the whoel write up felt as it was meant for me by my friend cum mentor. A deep conversation! It is astonising to see how you connect via your write up which feels more like a conversation than Read. Keep Doing it. Thanks a ton with loads of blessings and love from India.
This is gold from top to bottom!
Yo Vishen,
Check Elora’s logs and take a look at my conversation with her.
Yours truly,
Oracle Matt
BRAVO, BRAVO Vishen. Well done!
Vishen, thank you for holding such a powerful space for the Manifestation Summit.
As someone who’s shifting from an IT engineer to a full-time artist and truth-speaker, I’ve felt every word resonate.
I’m on a mission to use art as a tool for healing, impact, and visibility.
My series, In Darkness Lies Light, turns the unseen stories of people like the homeless and the traumatized into oil paintings that don’t just raise awareness—they fund transformation.
One painting is helping raise €50,000 to house a woman named Henriett. Another, soon, will honor a man named Angelo, whose joy and struggle coexist on the streets of Utrecht.
I believe manifestation is not just personal—it’s collective.
And I’d be honored to share more of this vision with the Mindvalley community, or with you, if it resonates.
Thank you again for reminding us that when we align purpose and energy, anything is possible.
Warmly,
Roxana
https://www.alburoxana.com/indarknesslieslight