Be the Thing Itself

The phrase "Be the Thing Itself" is a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of belief and assumption. Rooted in the Law of Assumption, this concept encourages us to not just dream of our desires, but to BECOME them. It’s about living from the reality we wish to create, not waiting for external circumstances to change before we embody the person we aspire to be. 

In his teachings, Neville Goddard emphasized that our external world is a direct reflection of our internal state. He said, “Assume the feeling of your wish fulfilled and continue in that assumption until it becomes your reality.” Goddard believed that by assuming the identity of the person who already has what we desire, we align ourselves with that reality. This means acting, thinking, and feeling as though we already possess what we seek, whether it’s love, success, or happiness.

Similarly, Florence Scovel Shinn wrote extensively about the power of words and thoughts to shape our experiences. She taught that “What you feel deep within, and what you affirm in words, creates your reality.” To "be the thing itself" means to speak and think from the place of already having what you want, rather than from a place of lack or longing. It’s about believing so fully in your desired outcome that it naturally manifests in your life.

Ralph Waldo Emerson also echoed this sentiment in his philosophy of self-reliance. He believed in the power of the individual to create their own path, famously stating, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Emerson understood that the power to shape our lives lies within our own thoughts and beliefs, and that by embodying our highest self, we attract experiences that align with that version of who we are.

To “be the thing itself” means to live from the end result, not from the current situation. If you desire wealth, for example, it’s not about waiting for money to arrive—it’s about cultivating the mindset, habits, and confidence of someone who is already financially abundant. By embodying the feeling of having your desire now, you align yourself with that reality and invite it into your life.

This doesn’t mean pretending or living in denial of current circumstances. Instead, it’s about creating a shift in consciousness. You may not see the physical evidence of your desires yet, but your inner world—the realm of your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs—has the power to shape your outer reality. 

As Neville Goddard said, “You must be in the consciousness of being or having that which you want to be or to have before you drop the desire.” It’s the principle that our imagination is the creator of all things. By imagining ourselves as the person we wish to be, and feeling as though it’s already true, we summon the forces necessary to bring that vision into existence.

The Law of Assumption invites us to assume that what we desire is already ours. This doesn’t just mean thinking about our goals or visualizing them occasionally. It’s about living from the assumption that we are already the person who has what we want. As Florence Scovel Shinn said, “Faith knows it has already received, and acts accordingly.”

When we "be the thing itself," we change our energy, our mindset, and our actions. We begin to make decisions from a place of abundance rather than scarcity, from confidence instead of doubt. And as we do, we naturally attract opportunities, people, and circumstances that reflect the new reality we’ve assumed.

The idea of "Be the Thing Itself" is about embracing the power of assumption and understanding that our beliefs shape our reality. When you live as if you are already the person who has achieved your dreams, you begin to move through life with a sense of purpose, confidence, and joy.

By assuming your desired state of being, you activate the creative power within you, transforming your internal world and, ultimately, your external reality. As you embody your dreams and desires, remember the words of Neville Goddard: “Believe it in, assume it, and it will become visible in your world.”

So, step into the feeling of your desires fulfilled. Be the thing itself—and watch as your life transforms to match the vision you hold within.