For decades the practice of manifestation has been widely dismissed as self-involved, materialistic pseudoscience. But as neuroscientist and recognized compassion leader Dr. James Doty reveals, manifestation introduces us to different possibilities, and it lays the groundwork for a kinder, better world.
Doty grounds us in the practices that change our brain attention, meditation, visualization, and compassion. This mind magic allows us to move through the world in ways that help us see clearly—reclaiming our agency, realizing our dreams, and reaching out to help others along the path.
Where previous works about manifestation have focused narrowly on outward success and individual benefit, Mind Magic delivers an openhearted call to make manifestation part of a deeper contribution to healing the problems we face today.
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17 reviews for Mind Magic
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Scott B. Allan –
If you’ve always dismissed manifestation as wishful thinking dressed up in spiritual language, Dr. James Doty is the person who might actually change your mind. As a Stanford neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, and director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, he brings credentials to this conversation that the genre has never had before — and he uses them not to validate the hype, but to honestly examine what the science actually says. Mind Magic is a genuinely important book because it separates what works from what doesn’t, and explains why in terms that hold up under scrutiny. Doty’s six-step framework — built around attention, visualization, self-compassion, and compassion for others — is grounded in how the brain actually changes its own structure through intentional practice. What elevates this above similar books is its scope: where most manifestation guides stop at personal gain, Doty pushes further, arguing that the same practices that help you realize your dreams also make you a more connected, compassionate, and constructive human being. For skeptics and believers alike, this is the most intellectually credible and warmhearted book in the genre.
Lizaveta –
Where do I even start?
A few months ago I started looking into manifestation and was immediately disappointed by what I found.
When I saw the description of “Mind Magic” I immediately wanted to read the book because it promised a more grounded, present, science-based approach. But having read some questionable books on the subject, I didn’t want to waste any more money and ordered the book through the local library.
This book was brilliant. His approach is very simple, grounded and guaranteed to work, because YOU will be the one making it happen. Through your natural intelligence, compassion and equanimity. And to me that is the best guarantee of success. Your basic goodness and beautiful human nature bringing things you desire to fruition.
It may seem simple, but please remember that SIMPLE IS POWERFUL.
After reading the book and doing every meditation in it, I ended up buying a Kindle version of it to do it again in the program format and to take my time (since I had to return the library book I didn’t allow a full week for every section and simply moves through it).
I will report on how this went for me, but for now I can tell you one thing – I already feel more comfortable financially because I directed my intention to my business and made some things happen for myself. Plain and simple.
D.Psillos –
I didn’t give much credence to manifesting until I read James Doty’s first book, into the magic shop and this second book is a practiceal how to guide on manifestation
Kimj –
This is his second book. I’m not sure why he decided that the first chapters of the book would be filled with “F” bombs, if you know what I mean. That part truly turned me off. He was a highly intelligent, brilliant and caring man. I’m not sure what he was trying to prove with the swearing? Anyway, once I got past that it’s a good book. Really explains manifesting techniques well.
Tracey Booker –
Great read
Christine Morgan –
This is one of my favorite reads! If you want a true life story of manifestation this is it. He also talks about the science behind how the brain works. Can’t recommend this book enough loved it!
Shivani Issar –
I enjoyed reading this book, love the mediative practices as part of each chapter which helped me get more clarity and also to get more specific on my goals. I also like the scientific reasons on how things happen and how our brain works. Worth reading this book.
Cliente Amazon –
Bellissimo libro, comprensibile anche per chi non mastica perfettamente la lingua inglese. Nei passaggi più impegnativi uso il traduttore di Google quello tramite immagini. Sicuramente un libro da leggere per chi si interessa di manifestazione e di funzionamento del cervello.
L. S. INC –
I have just completed reading this book and listening to the Audio version. I have read countless books about Manifesting and the universe ECT and I am a believer in this subject.
What I liked about this book is that it gives a scientific explanation to manifesting VS a Spiritual explanation. This book basically repeats a lot of what I have found in the other books but this one goes about it in a very biological way. A LOT of info on our brains and how and why they operate the way they do! I found some of that very interesting and also a bit tedious which is why I gave it 3 stars.
OK so here is what I was NOT fond of. The Audio version. I’m sure Dr. Doty is a brilliant surgeon but he may have considered hiring someone else to narrate his book. I was having a very hard time listening to him pause where he should not have and all in a very slow monotone voice. His reading just didn’t flow easily so I had a hard time getting into this one. Plus, there are a lot scientific terms used in the book so it would have been nice if he had considered his audience a tad more as we are all not scientists. I found myself using the glossary quiet a bit which is why it took me a while to finish this book and the main reason I dowloaded the Audio version hoping that would help me with some of those very scientific terms, but it really didint.
Overall, it is a decent book with some inspiring messages but it should have been an easier smoother read. Afterall, everything we want is on the path of least resistance or so I have read.
Some may find it helpful and some may find other books on this subject easier to comprehend. In the end, It doesn’t matter how you get there just as long as you do!
GODDESS QUEEN –
This is a fabulous book! Dr Doty was a very kind man and extremely smart, yet he wrote this book very practically, making it easy to read and implement the strategies that he suggests. He uses lots of scientific studies to support the principles and strategies of manifesting. I highly recommend this book
Karin –
Very intelligently written. Really good guidelines for learning with understandings. Some readers may not make it into the depths of the book, if not understanding what it is really about and how its approachable and really makes a difference. I loved it. Thank you for a wonderful guide into manifesting and how the brain intercepts different pathways.
Justin smith –
This book is a powerful blend of neuroscience, mindfulness, and personal growth. Dr. Doty explains complex ideas in a way that’s easy to understand while still being deeply meaningful. It’s both motivating and grounding, offering practical insights you can actually apply to daily life. A great read for anyone interested in mindset, healing, or personal development.
Cliente Amazon –
With this book, I finnally closed the circle of manifestating… my heart felt a lot of joy because of my scientistic mind has finally understood the science behind metafisics. I could give as a present to everyone this book. Thanks god it came to my path. Lots of love to the writer. Thank you a lot!
L. S. INC –
I have just completed reading this book and listening to the Audio version. I have read countless books about Manifesting and the universe ECT and I am a believer in this subject.
What I liked about this book is that it gives a scientific explanation to manifesting VS a Spiritual explanation. This book basically repeats a lot of what I have found in the other books but this one goes about it in a very biological way. A LOT of info on our brains and how and why they operate the way they do! I found some of that very interesting and also a bit tedious which is why I gave it 3 stars.
OK so here is what I was NOT fond of. The Audio version. I’m sure Dr. Doty is a brilliant surgeon but he may have considered hiring someone else to narrate his book. I was having a very hard time listening to him pause where he should not have and all in a very slow monotone voice. His reading just didn’t flow easily so I had a hard time getting into this one. Plus, there are a lot scientific terms used in the book so it would have been nice if he had considered his audience a tad more as we are all not scientists. I found myself using the glossary quiet a bit which is why it took me a while to finish this book and the main reason I dowloaded the Audio version hoping that would help me with some of those very scientific terms, but it really didint.
Overall, it is a decent book with some inspiring messages but it should have been an easier smoother read. Afterall, everything we want is on the path of least resistance or so I have read.
Some may find it helpful and some may find other books on this subject easier to comprehend. In the end, It doesn’t matter how you get there just as long as you do!
JDshop –
By far, one of the best and most scientifically sound books on the power of intention! For anyone who has ever held an interest in manifestation, for however long or short of a time, read this book bc it is different than others and the science is compelling. This is not psycho babble. It’s evidence based. To truly evolve, improve, change tracks, we can read hundreds of different books to be inspired, but change??? How long does each “inspiration” for self betterment last? In my view, psycho babble is inspiring, but short lived. Science, once seen and understood, cannot be unseen. It sticks and there’s an irreversible awareness. The results are enduring as long as you take the time to engage in it and commit. This book requires time.
The author teaches us the neuroscience that explains the cause (and the why’s) of our inner workings; our thoughts, memories, decisions, expectations, unconscious information selection (biases), emotions and experiences. He explains why most of us have manifested the lives we currently experience(d) – for better or worse- and gives us the knowledge to have agency over 1) change, by 2) understanding why our brains (or simply put, each one of us) function the way we do and 3) begin a process of change to undo parts of us that don’t align with what we deem important or valuable in life. Truly important and valuable.
There are some parts that will require serious attention and note taking for comprehension, but it’s worth it. Once you’ve gained an understanding of the material, you’ll gain an invaluable awareness of the complex engine btwn your ears. Like a good car mechanic, if you wish to tweak a car’s performance, or make repairs, take the time to study its parts and systems.
This book reminds me of “Biology of Belief”, but in my view, even better.
md –
Interesting book. Lots of technical information and practice learning.
Lizaveta –
Where do I even start?
A few months ago I started looking into manifestation and was immediately disappointed by what I found.
When I saw the description of “Mind Magic” I immediately wanted to read the book because it promised a more grounded, present, science-based approach. But having read some questionable books on the subject, I didn’t want to waste any more money and ordered the book through the local library.
This book was brilliant. His approach is very simple, grounded and guaranteed to work, because YOU will be the one making it happen. Through your natural intelligence, compassion and equanimity. And to me that is the best guarantee of success. Your basic goodness and beautiful human nature bringing things you desire to fruition.
It may seem simple, but please remember that SIMPLE IS POWERFUL.
After reading the book and doing every meditation in it, I ended up buying a Kindle version of it to do it again in the program format and to take my time (since I had to return the library book I didn’t allow a full week for every section and simply moves through it).
I will report on how this went for me, but for now I can tell you one thing – I already feel more comfortable financially because I directed my intention to my business and made some things happen for myself. Plain and simple.