The Science of Manifestation

Welcome to The Exploration Hour with your host Kate. Today, we're diving into the fascinating intersection of science and soul to explore the art of preparing for a new year. We’ll touch on how to open your mind, expand your horizons, and understand the science behind manifesting your dreams. I host this space on weekday nights were we ask ourselves big questions, and together we show up to answer them as well. So grab a cup of tea or a glass of wine tonight, sit back, and let’s get nerdy and inspired together.

With a new year knocking at the door, it’s a perfect time to talk about fresh starts and intentional living. Whether you're a resolution junkie or the "I’ll just wing it" type, there’s something here for you. With that said, this space is a collaborative, interactive one— so I encourage you to come up and share— share your life, your experience, or hurt, and your joy, quotes, perspectives— anything that comes to mind that is real, kind, and/or helpful. We are all in the world together—so you never know who is out there that needs to hear from you— and yes, you in particular. This space is yours as much as it is mine.

With that said,, let’s talk about beginnings. And to do that, I thought we could highlight the wonderful Author Alfred Lord Tennyson. Born in 1809, Tennyson was one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era. His ability to capture the universal human experience—loss, hope, love—cemented his legacy. But what made him extraordinary wasn’t just his talent. It was his vision and his willingness to look ahead.

Tennyson faced significant setbacks early in life, including the death of his close friend Arthur Hallam, which inspired his famous poem "In Memoriam A.H.H." Despite these challenges, Tennyson believed in the power of renewal and perseverance. His words,

"The shell must break before the bird can fly,"

speak to the necessity of struggle for growth. It’s not hard to imagine that Tennyson practiced his own form of manifestation by consistently putting pen to paper, envisioning a world where his words resonated across generations.

His commitment to his craft and his ability to channel life’s adversities into art remind us that looking ahead isn’t just about planning—it’s about believing in possibilities. So, as we step into 2025, let’s take a page from Tennyson’s book. Let’s channel our struggles, our hopes, and our dreams into something meaningful.

Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote, "Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier.'"

Isn’t that beautiful? It captures the essence of the new year—this universal pause, brimming with possibility. A threshold moment.

Let’s start with the concept of opening our minds. Why is it so important, and how do we do it? Think about the brain like a sponge. Neuroscience tells us that our brains are remarkably plastic, which means they’re capable of forming new neural pathways well into adulthood. The key is to create the right conditions for growth.

Here’s a quick, nerdy science tidbit: the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for planning and decision-making—works hand-in-hand with the hippocampus, which governs memory. When we learn something new, especially in an area outside our comfort zone, these two regions light up, forming new connections. So, if you want to open your mind in 2025, try something completely novel: learn a new language, take up a strange hobby, or even read a book outside your typical genre.

And that brings us to expanding our horizons. Here’s a fun fact: did you know the term "horizon" comes from the Greek word "horizōn," meaning "limit"? So, expanding your horizons is literally about pushing your limits. It’s easy to get stuck in the same routines, but science shows that exposing ourselves to new environments and experiences increases our brain's neuroplasticity.

Let me give you an example. Researchers at the University of Texas did a study where they asked adults to pick up unfamiliar activities—like quilting or digital photography—for three months. They found that those who pushed themselves into new territories showed improved memory and cognitive function compared to those who stuck to familiar tasks. So, maybe 2025 is the year you embrace the unfamiliar.

Now, let’s dive into the juicy stuff: the science of manifestation. I know the term "manifesting" can sometimes feel like it belongs in a crystal shop, but there’s solid psychology and neuroscience behind it.

Here’s the basic premise: your brain has a built-in filtering system called the Reticular Activating System, or RAS. It’s like a bouncer for your conscious mind. The RAS determines what’s worth your attention based on what you focus on consistently. If you’re always thinking about opportunities—say, growing your business—your RAS will start noticing patterns, people, and resources aligned with that goal. It's not magic; it's focus and intention.

Dr. Joe Dispenza, a neuroscientist and researcher, explains that when you combine clear intention with elevated emotion—like excitement or gratitude—you prime your brain and body to act in alignment with your goals. This isn't just self-help talk; it’s grounded in neurochemistry. When you visualize your future and feel the emotions of achieving it, your brain begins to "rehearse" those actions, strengthening neural pathways and making the goal feel achievable.

Supporting this, a 2009 study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that individuals who visualized their goals alongside actionable steps were significantly more likely to achieve them than those who simply "wished" for outcomes. The combination of visualization and action sets up a feedback loop in your brain. Dopamine gets released when you make progress, which motivates you to keep going. See? Science backs this up!

Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on mindset also adds an important layer. She found that people with a "growth mindset"—believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed—are more likely to persevere and succeed. When paired with manifestation practices, this mindset encourages not just dreaming but doing.

So how can you use this in your life? Start with clarity. Write down your intentions—and I mean specific ones. Not "I want to be healthier" but "I want to run a 5K by April" or "I want to cook two homemade meals a week." Then, visualize. Picture yourself achieving those goals, but don’t stop there. Visualize the steps: lacing up your sneakers, chopping vegetables, or blocking time on your calendar.

Finally, act. Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman emphasizes the importance of dopamine as a motivator. He suggests celebrating small wins—even just showing up at the gym or researching that new hobby. Dopamine loves momentum.

Let’s also talk about soulfulness, because the science is cool, but we’re more than our brains, right? A new year isn’t just a calendar shift; it’s a ritual. Take time to reflect. Journal about what you’ve learned this year. Maybe even write yourself a letter about where you want to be next year.

Here’s a small exercise to take with you after this podcast: Write down three big, audacious goals for 2025. Then, break them down into smaller milestones. Ask yourself, "What’s one thing I can do this week to move closer to this goal?" Remember, small steps lead to giant leaps.

And as Tennyson said, "Dreams are true while they last, and do we not live in dreams?"

Let this be the year you dream big and live boldlyBefore we wrap up, here’s one final thought. Alfred Lord Tennyson once wrote, "Dreams are true while they last, and do we not live in dreams?" As we step into a new year, let’s carry that spirit of possibility and imagination with us. Keep dreaming. Keep exploring.

That’s it for today’s episode of The Exploration Hour. I hope you’re feeling inspired to approach the new year with a little more intention, a little more curiosity, and maybe a sprinkle of nerdy excitement. Thanks for spending this hour with me, and I’ll see you next time. Until then, stay curious and keep exploring!

If you’re new to this space, I host the Exploration Hour weekday nights on Noom Vibe and we dive into topics that overlap our minds, bodies, and souls and together we figure out how to grow through it all. With that said, this podcast is a collaborative, interactive one, so it may differ drastically from the text in this newsletter. Additionally, this is a live interactive show, so if you’d like to come up, join in the conversation, share a quote, share a story, ask a question, or just take up space because it is calling you, then this is your stage as much as it is mine. Lets explore our outer and inner universes here together. If that sounds like your kinda jam, give me a follow, or listen to some of my other talks underneath the talk tab in my profile.

In-talk links from listeners Dr. Gigi Sabbat: Poetry Night with Dr. Gigi Sabbat