Is manifesting narcissistic? Uncover how manifestation and New Age practices can foster spiritual narcissism and self-centeredness.
Is Manifesting Leading to Self-Centered Spirituality?
Manifestation and other New Age practices are often seen as pathways to empowerment, but they can actually foster narcissism and a self-focused spirituality. By prioritizing personal desires over God's will, these beliefs distort our true purpose, pushing individuals toward unhealthy self-centeredness.
In this video, Teresa Yanaros examines the impact of New Age and New Thought practices, like manifestation, on spiritual beliefs, highlighting their potential to foster narcissism. This discussion is part of her Faith Under Fire series.
Understanding the Dangers of New Age Ideologies
In the Faith Under Fire series, Teresa Yanaros addresses how Catholics and Christians can stand firm in their faith amid the rise of New Age beliefs. In this particular video, she dives into the modern-day distortions of spirituality, such as manifestation, and explains how these practices may subtly encourage narcissistic tendencies.
While many are unaware of the spiritual dangers, these teachings have a profound impact on individuals' relationships with God and their personal spiritual journey.
Teresa begins by exploring how manifestation has become a popular concept, with many people believing that through their thoughts and intentions, they can manifest their desires.
She highlights how the belief in "manifesting" can lead to an inflated sense of self-importance, as it suggests that individuals can control the outcome of their lives through sheer willpower. Teresa argues that this focus on self is dangerous because it places personal empowerment over surrendering to God's will.
Is Manifesting Narcissistic? The Connection Between Manifestation and Self-Centeredness
One of the key points Teresa makes is that manifestation can become narcissistic. This is because it elevates the self to a position of power, where an individual believes that their desires and intentions alone can shape their reality.
Manifestation is often intertwined with the idea of controlling external events, which ultimately leads to an unhealthy fixation on personal success and material gain. In contrast, the Catholic faith teaches that our desires and plans should be aligned with God's will, not driven by selfish ambitions.
In the video, Teresa explains that manifestation isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about aligning one’s thoughts with the belief that what you desire is already yours as if the universe is obligated to grant your wishes. This self-centered approach can shift one’s focus away from spiritual growth and communion with God, instead fostering a mindset where achieving worldly success becomes an indicator of spiritual progress.
The Dangers of Witchcraft and New Age Practices
Teresa further discusses how manifestation is often connected with occult practices, such as witchcraft. People who seek to manifest things like wealth or relationships might turn to crystals, charms, or rituals in an attempt to control their reality. For example, someone who wants to manifest money might buy a crystal associated with financial success, and then use it in rituals while believing it will bring them wealth.
This seemingly innocent practice opens the door to witchcraft and the occult, shifting people’s worldview toward a belief in supernatural control rather than in trusting God’s plan.
It’s not uncommon for people who are drawn into the New Age movement to gradually adopt more occult practices as they seek more power over their lives. This spiral away from faith in God can ultimately lead to spiritual isolation and a false sense of empowerment.
The Narcissistic Shift: Manifestation and Personal Empowerment
The biggest issue with New Age beliefs like manifestation is the focus on personal empowerment. While it’s not wrong to have goals or to strive for personal development, Teresa warns against turning these desires into idols.
In New Age spirituality, the belief in manifesting tends to make self-improvement the ultimate goal, rather than living a life aligned with God’s will.
Teresa explains that when individuals place too much importance on personal achievement and self-enhancement, they can fall into narcissism. This is because their focus shifts away from service to others and from glorifying God, and instead centers on what they can achieve for themselves.
Surrendering to God’s Will
Throughout the video, Teresa emphasizes the contrast between New Age self-centeredness and the Christian call to surrender to God’s will.
The Catholic faith teaches that we should seek to align our desires and actions with God’s purpose for our lives. Rather than trying to control our circumstances through manifestation or self-empowerment, we are called to place our trust in God’s divine plan and to live in humility.
Teresa brings up a key passage from Philippians 2:3-4, which states
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.
She stresses that Christian spirituality is about serving others and humbling ourselves before God, rather than elevating ourselves in pursuit of personal success.
The Spiritual Dangers of New Age and Self-Improvement Programs
The dangers of narcissism through manifestation aren’t limited to material desires; Teresa also discusses the rise of self-improvement programs, which often promote personal development as the ultimate goal.
These programs encourage individuals to focus on their potential and achievements, making personal growth their primary aim. While personal development isn’t inherently wrong, Teresa points out that when it becomes an idol, it leads people further away from living according to God’s will.
Self-improvement, when done for the glory of God and with the intention of serving others, can be a positive thing. However, when personal growth becomes the focal point of one’s life, it can become an obsession with self that fosters narcissism. Teresa warns that this misplaced focus can cause individuals to lose sight of their true purpose, which is to glorify God and serve others.
Conclusion: Is Manifesting Narcissistic?
The video serves as a timely reminder of the dangers of New Age ideologies, particularly how they can distort our understanding of spiritual growth and lead us toward narcissism.
Manifesting, along with other New Age practices, falsely promises empowerment and control, but in reality, it promotes self-centeredness and a break from communion with God.
Teresa calls on Christians to examine their beliefs and practices, reminding us that true spiritual growth comes from surrendering our will to God, not from seeking control over our circumstances.
In the end, Teresa encourages viewers to remain anchored in faith and trust in God's plan for their lives, rather than chasing after worldly desires and false empowerment.
The message is clear: while it’s okay to set goals and work toward personal development, our ultimate focus should be on glorifying God and living according to His will.
ABOUT TERESA YANAROS
Teresa Yanaros, a degreed journalist and devout Catholic, is dedicated to exposing occult deceptions and upholding the truth of Christ. Raised Catholic, Teresa's path led her through new age and occult beliefs after straying from the faith in college, which she explored in a book reconciling these beliefs with Catholicism (spoiler: they don’t). After a transformative deliverance experience from occult bondage, she now coaches Christians transitioning from the new age to faith in Jesus and teaches Catholics how to best minister to and reform ex-newagers. Through SpiritSanctified.com, Teresa offers resources on occult bondage, deliverance, and spiritual warfare. Her YouTube channel, with a global reach, provides insights into spiritual warfare and occult traps in media. Teresa has attended seminary classes, continues ongoing research, and conducts workshops to help Catholics understand their personal stories and maximize their impact through online ministries.
ABOUT SPIRIT SANCTIFIED
Spirit Sanctified educates Christians on spiritual warfare through multi-media productions and products. We comprise advocates and creators who work together to help Christians stand against occult worldviews by purifying their beliefs and practices.
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