With the self-development world buzzing about a single book last year, “Manifest” by Roxie Nafousi has taken center stage. It’s not just any book but one flaunting an irresistibly chic, orange cover and minimalist vibe, making it a favorite accessory for top influencers like Niomi Smart, Rochelle Humes, and Bella Hadid. The question remains: Is this book more than just a trend? Let’s delve deeper.
The Manifestation Wave
It’s undeniable: Manifestation is the talk of the town. With its overwhelming presence on Instagram and an impressive 16.9 billion views on TikTok, the term has taken on a life of its own. But with its rising popularity comes the risk of misunderstanding and misuse.
We’ve seen influencers playfully claiming their latest purchase as a “manifestation” rather than the result of a shopping spree. This casual adoption of the term recalls the way “that’s so fetch” (Mean Girls, 2004) became a catchphrase.
Yet, it’s more than just a catchphrase. People are deeply intrigued by the idea of visualizing their desires and watching them materialize.
Who is Roxie Nafousi?
“Manifest” isn’t the only one enjoying fame; Roxie Nafousi is riding the same wave. Featured in notable publications and hailed as the “manifesting queen” by Forbes, Roxie and her book seem inseparable from today’s cultural zeitgeist.
Before being recognized as the self-help guru she is today, Roxie was an “It-girl” in London, brushing shoulders with celebrities and leading a life that most would describe as privileged. With her background in the entertainment industry and her personal connections, it’s worth pondering if Roxie’s rise as an author was more about who she knew than what she knew.
“Manifesting is a meeting of science and wisdom; it is a philosophy to live by and a self-development practice to help you live your best life.”
“Manifesting looks and feels like magic.”
ROXIE NAFOUSI | MANIFEST
In a recent interview with Roxie Nafousi, she shares her journey into manifestation. Roxie opens up about her difficult past, including racial bullying as an Iraqi in the UK, leading to identity struggles and addiction. Yoga and the discovery of a podcast on manifestation became turning points for her.
Shortly after discovering manifesting, she began sharing her insights on Instagram, eventually holding self-development workshops and writing extensively on the subject. One of the significant figures in her life is Wade, whom she met shortly after her discovery of manifesting. Wade has been a pillar of support and growth for her.
From Cover to Core: A Review of “Manifest”
Promising a transformative journey over seven chapters, or as Roxie terms them, “the 7 steps to living your best life,” “Manifest” seeks to demystify the process of manifestation. The chapters, though occasionally repetitive, provide a clear and concise guide. It’s not only informative but aesthetically pleasing, making it a perfect companion for both avid readers and decor enthusiasts.
1. Be clear in your vision
ROXIE NAFOUSI | MANIFEST
2. Remove fear and doubt
3. Align your behaviour
4. Overcome tests from the universe
5. Embrace gratitude without caveats
6. Turn envy into inspiration
7. Trust in the universe
However, Roxie’s take on manifestation may raise eyebrows. She leans towards portraying manifestation as a near-magical tool, powered predominantly by our positive energies. A case in point is her personal anecdote about seeking unconditional love and then meeting her boyfriend, leading to an unexpected pregnancy and the birth of their child—all under the banner of manifestation. While this is a beautiful story, attributing such life events purely to manifestation might be a stretch for skeptics.
In short, “Manifest” by Roxie Nafousi is undeniably a product of its time, capturing the essence of a generation that seeks to blend spirituality with ambition. The book serves as an insightful guide, even if it might occasionally veer into the realm of the mystical.
Unpacking “Manifest”: My Top 3 Insights
Delving into “Manifest,” while there were points I found debatable, several elements stood out as positively transformative. Here’s a peek into my three most profound takeaways from the book.
1. A Mirror to Our Shared Human Experience
One undeniable strength of the book is its relatability. While navigating through a rough patch, wrestling with imposter syndrome and a whirlpool of comparison, Roxie’s chapters on “Cultivate and Practise Self-Love,” “Embrace Gratitude,” and “Turn Envy into Inspiration” were a beacon of clarity.
Understanding that Roxie too, grappled with these overwhelming feelings of inadequacy was heartening. The book offers actionable advice, hands-on exercises, and tools to challenge these self-imposed boundaries and channel envy constructively. Roxie’s narrative underscores a potent message: With the right mindset and tools, you’re unstoppable.
“The change felt so magical, yet at the same time it made so much sense to me that it felt entirely logical too. My life transformed in every way imaginable; not an inch of it was left the same. And it all happened because of one thing: understanding the true art of manifestation.”
ROXIE NAFOUSI | MANIFEST
2. A Refreshingly Light Read
I have a peculiar reading quirk: a book that demands over a month of my time feels excessively tedious. My preference leans towards reads I can devour in days, and “Manifest” fits that bill perfectly.
Beyond the rapidity, the reading experience was genuinely pleasurable. The engaging narrative felt like an intimate heart-to-heart with Roxie. If you, too, have an aversion to dense, scientific self-help books, you’ll find “Manifest” to be a refreshing deviation.
3. A Catalyst for Self-Belief
Embarking on a manifestation journey? Roxie identifies the first step: banishing fear and doubt. Drawing from her personal evolution, she shares transformative anecdotes and insights. The chapter brims with useful exercises and reflective journaling prompts to pivot from self-doubt to self-belief.
One sentiment that particularly resonated with me was the ever-evolving nature of our beings. As someone who’s journeyed from a turbulent twenties to a more introspective self-development phase, Roxie’s assertion that we constantly evolve struck a chord. External remarks, regardless of their intent, don’t define our worth or trajectory.
Should you find yourself grappling with bouts of low self-esteem or recurring limiting beliefs, this chapter might just be the pick-me-up you need.
“Do not allow negative thoughts to roam free, unregulated and unmanaged. Take ownership of them and start to practise managing your thoughts so that they can work for you, rather than against you.”
ROXIE NAFOUSI | MANIFEST
What I Didn’t Like About “Manifest”
Is Manifestation Creating Unrealistic Standards?
The recurring theme in “Manifest” about “manifesting your ideal partner” is a point of contention for me. Not only is the notion of “perfect” elusive, but a continuous chase for it can be damaging. If we are urged to visualize this so-called perfect partner, aren’t we unknowingly setting ourselves up for disappointment?
When we overly idealize a partner, real-life encounters may pale in comparison to our lofty standards. This could lead to a cycle of fleeting encounters, always in search of the elusive ‘ideal’. Doesn’t this contradict the age-old wisdom of “you’ll find someone when you least expect it”?
Moreover, waiting and hoping, fueled by the idea of manifesting a perfect partner, can become an unhealthy obsession. And in the event you do stumble upon your envisioned ‘ideal,’ there’s no guarantee they’d feel the same. Does that mean the universe is testing you? Such a mindset can quickly become taxing.
A Dissonance Between Gratitude and Entitlement
Throughout “Manifest,” Roxie emphasizes the idea of the universe orchestrating events to serve your desires. If things don’t pan out as imagined, it’s merely a ‘test’ from the cosmos. While this might be comforting to some, it raises an important question: where does individual accountability fit in?
If every setback is seen as a mere ‘universal test,’ it might deter one from introspection and growth. There’s also the risk of fostering a sense of entitlement. While Roxie touches upon gratitude, the underlying message seems to contradict it. Instead of valuing what’s in hand, readers might constantly yearn for more, which could overshadow genuine gratitude.
Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that not everyone starts on an even playing field. Roxie’s already-established connections in the industry might have given her an edge, making her journey relatively smoother. Thus, while the author’s experiences may inspire, they might not be universally replicable.
A “Woo-Woo” Overdose
Approaching “Manifest” with an open mind, I still found the language a tad too mystical for my liking. Sentences such as, “When you shift your energy, you’ll be rewarded with abundance,” felt more esoteric than practical.
While the emphasis on the universe’s magic might resonate with some, I lean towards more actionable, grounded advice. Like many others, I prefer being the driver of my life, rather than the passenger, waiting for the universe to take the lead.
In Conclusion
“Manifest” can certainly serve as an inspirational read for some, with valuable sections on gratitude and self-love. It offers tools for fostering a positive self-image and combating the pitfalls of constant comparison.
However, if you’re seeking a deep dive into manifestation, this might not be your final stop. Roxie’s approach, though basic, does emphasize proactive engagement, which is commendable.
Still, my perspective leans more toward tangible action, hard work, and dedication. Visualization is valuable but should be complemented by actionable steps rather than mere cosmic reliance.
After all, self-reliance and the grit to persevere are attributes we each have within, waiting to be tapped into. You can see more our list of law of attraction books here.
