Wishcraft:
The Art of Consciously Creating Your Life

Earlier today, as I drove beneath an underpass, an old habit kicked in. As my vehicle entered the small tunnel, a train sped overhead and I lifted my feet, crossed my fingers and quickly made a wish. It’s a ritual from my childhood.

Sometime during those magical years when the tooth fairy still came and a bunny of unknown origin still left baskets of chocolate eggs, my mother had told me that it was lucky to drive beneath an underpass when a train was going overhead. What’s more, according to her, if you lifted both feet and crossed fingers on both hands - simultaneously, mind you - then any wish may be granted.

Of course, it couldn’t be a silly wish, or an impossible to grant wish. But if a discerning child were to wish for a reasonably priced new toy or a sunny day for example, then it was quite possible for that wish to be granted. As an adult, I still yearn for magic in my life and I still believe in the power of wishes. But more so, I have come to believe in the power of manifestation - the focusing of one’s intention and attention so that our wishes, dreams and all that we long for in our lives, may be willfully brought into being. With Sarah BanBreathnach, Wayne Dyer, and many others leading the way in the reintroduction of this ancient and high art of wishcraft, more of us are discovering - and believing - that we certainly have a say in the quality of our lives.

So now, as Winter ebbs and Spring at last draws near, I ask you: if you could have one wish, one reasonable wish, what would it be? If you could train your mind to wish into being anything you desire, what would materialize? That cottage by the lake? A plane ticket to take that trip around the world? Cold, hard cash in your bank account (and by the first of the month, please)?

Or do you long for farther-reaching manifestations, for deeper gratification? Would you perhaps wish for good health and wellness for the rest of your days? For prosperity to come and live both in your home and at your place of business? For love and harmony to rein supreme among members of your family?

Well, there’s a magic formula required. I’ll share it with you. Take note: a balanced mind (clear, positive thoughts and focused intentions), wellness of body (nurturing your health, tending to nutrition and exercise) and a centered spirit (grateful heart, correct attitude, love for ourselves, others and the planet encompassed by a strong connection to our personal definition of the Divine), create the belief and the energy required to fulfill our own wishes. Yes, you heard right - you can grant yourself any of your wishes by living holistically, spiritually (translation: with attention, reference and grace). Because when we strive to create and maintain a good balance of mind, body and spirit, we absolutely create the kind of energy flow within our lives, and around us, that results in positivity. And you know what they say - like attracts like. So cultivate balance of mind, body and spirit, and good things are already on the way. Use the power of your mind, thoughts and intention to convey to the Universe what your preferences are, and you stand directly in the path of an oncoming wish come true.

I talk to a lot of people, and I meet a lot of people. I get lovely emails and notecards, I am privileged to meet people out in the community. I get to hear all the stories. So I know firsthand that when someone has just seen for themselves that meditation and yoga combined have served to lower their blood pressure, or that an ounce of wheatgrass juice each day has boosted their antioxidant and energy level - well then, you bet they feel capable of anything! And when our emotions and thoughts are flowing harmoniously, how willing we are to offer those random acts of kindness that have become so popular to talk about. You see, when we begin to shape and mold our lives, we realize that there is no door we cannot open if we really try or want to. In other words, there is rarely a wish we cannot have.

Oh, but it doesn’t stop there. Something even more magical than realizing your own self-empowerment to direct and enrich your life happens as well. We discover our Spirit-given directive to help others. I do not know of one single balanced and centered person who does not jump at any opportunity to serve others. Indeed, these individuals often seek out or create ways to help others! And you know what they say about the energy we put out - it comes back to us three-fold. In a phrase, your output dictates what the Universe sends for your input.

But if you find yourself in a place where you’re feeling discouraged that your life isn’t quite what you imagined - or wished - it would be, that you haven’t been able to get the funds coming in as quickly as they seem to go out, or that you haven’t yet been able to permanently address your health concerns, I have two very serious suggestions. First, think long and hard about the phrase “balance of mind, body and spirit.” Say it a few times, let it roll over your tongue and define what it means to you. See if there are shifts you should and can reasonably make to bring greater balance about. Maybe it’s time to try something new, or bring back something old. Maybe it’s time to get out more, help others more or nurture yourself more.

Last, I want you to get in your car and go for a drive. The landscape this time of year is lovely; marvel at pine boughs heavy with snow, take a deep breath and detect the undertone of rising sap and awakening buds, in the chill air. And now, as you drive, keep your eyesight keen. You’re looking for something special, you’re looking for a magical underpass that also happens to have train tracks on top. With a bit of luck, some wishful thinking and your good intentions, a train will thunder overhead just as your vehicle approaches. You know what to do next: lift your feet, cross your fingers and make a wish. Know that it can come true; know that anything is possible when your mind, body and spirit are working as one.

Until next time, may you live abundantly and brilliantly. And as the Spring Equinox approaches, may all your wishes come true.

- Jo Lynne

Jo Lynne gianvecchio-Valerie
Publisher & Executive Editor,
Nature’s Wisdom Magazine