Ask and it is given: learning to manifest your desires by Esther Hicks, Jerry Hicks Summary

1. The Law of Attraction states vibrational matching draws experiences mirroring dominant thoughts.
2. Source Energy flows constantly; alignment comes through deliberate positive focus.
3. Emotional guidance uses feelings as signals of alignment with desires.
4. Pivoting thoughts shifts focus from lack to abundance for instant vibrational change.
5. Scripting future scenarios in writing activates manifestation of specific outcomes.
6. Segment intending designs daily life by setting intentions for each time block.
7. Deliberate creation means consciously directing thoughts toward desired realities.
8. Allowing well-being requires releasing resistance to receive universal abundance.
9. Joy-centered living prioritizes feeling good now rather than delaying fulfillment.
10. Non-physical guidance connects through intuition when aligned with inner joy.

About the Author

Esther Hicks (born 1948, Coalville, Utah) and Jerry Hicks (1926–2011, Texas) are the bestselling authors of Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires and are renowned as pioneering teachers of the Law of Attraction.

Their self-help and spiritual growth work, centered on harnessing positive thought to manifest desires, stems from Esther's unique channeling of "Abraham," a collective non-physical consciousness. Jerry brought corporate experience to their collaboration, while Esther's background in therapy informed their accessible approach to personal transformation.

Together, they authored numerous influential books, including The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham, Money and the Law of Attraction, and the Sara children's series. They spread their teachings globally through 60+ annual workshops and gained wider recognition via Esther's appearance in the original film The Secret and on Oprah.

Their books, translated into over 25 languages, have empowered millions worldwide. Ask and It Is Given remains a cornerstone text in personal development and a consistent New York Times bestseller.

FAQs About This Book

What is Ask and It Is Given about?

"Ask and It Is Given" by Esther and Jerry Hicks presents the Law of Attraction through teachings channeled from a non-physical entity called Abraham. It teaches that thoughts and emotions shape reality, enabling readers to manifest desires by aligning with "Source Energy." The book includes 22 practical processes (like scripting and pivoting) to cultivate positive focus and deliberate creation. Stressing joy as the foundation for attraction, it frames reality-creation as an innate ability.

Who should read Ask and It Is Given?

This book suits seekers of spiritual growth, manifestation techniques, or Law of Attraction principles. Ideal for those facing stagnation, desiring career shifts, improved relationships, or abundance. Its exercises benefit readers open to energy-based frameworks—especially fans of The Secret, which drew inspiration from the Hicks' work. Critics note it may challenge skeptics due to its channeled content.

Is Ask and It Is Given worth reading?

Yes, for its actionable exercises and clear Law of Attraction principles. It distills manifestation into practical processes like scripting and segment intending, making abstract concepts applicable. Despite controversy around Abraham’s channeled origin, its focus on emotional alignment and thought discipline offers tools for mindset shifts. With over 25 translations and endorsements like Wayne Dyer’s, it remains influential in self-help.

Who are Esther and Jerry Hicks?

Esther Hicks (b. 1948) and Jerry Hicks (1926–2011) were motivational speakers and authors who popularized the Law of Attraction through Abraham’s channeled teachings. They co-authored nine books, including NYT bestsellers like Ask and It Is Given and Money and the Law of Attraction. Before their Abraham work, Jerry had corporate and Amway success, while Esther was a therapist. Post-Jerry’s passing, Esther continues workshops globally.

What is the Law of Attraction in Ask and It Is Given?

The Law of Attraction states "that which is like unto itself is drawn"—meaning thoughts and emotions attract matching experiences. The book emphasizes joy-driven focus to manifest goals, framing reality as energy resonance. Negativity ("resistance") blocks flow, while alignment with "Source Energy" allows effortless receiving. Unlike passive wishing, it requires deliberate emotional management.

What are the key processes in Ask and It Is Given?

The 22 processes include:

• Scripting: Writing desired outcomes as fulfilled.
• Pivoting: Shifting focus from negative to positive thoughts.
• Segment Intending: Setting intentions for daily activities.
• Rampage of Appreciation: Listing things you’re grateful for. These exercises train deliberate focus, using emotions as guidance to manifest goals faster.

How does Ask and It Is Given use emotions for manifestation?

Emotions act as feedback: negative feelings signal misalignment with desires, while joy confirms alignment. The book teaches that deliberately choosing better-feeling thoughts ("pivoting") raises vibrational frequency, attracting desired outcomes. For example, focusing on gratitude during setbacks re-aligns with abundance. This emotional awareness is central to managing one’s "point of attraction."

What is Abraham’s role in Ask and It Is Given?

Abraham is a "non-physical collective consciousness" channeled by Esther Hicks, delivering the book’s teachings. The Hicks present Abraham as an eternal wisdom source—not a deity—offering universal truths about creation and alignment. Critics question the channeling’s authenticity, but followers value the practical insights transcending dogma.

How does Ask and It Is Given compare to The Secret?

While The Secret popularized the Law of Attraction visually, Ask and It Is Given preceded it by decades, providing deeper frameworks and exercises. Both teach thought-manifestation, but Ask emphasizes emotional alignment over visualization. Esther Hicks appeared in The Secret’s original cut but withdrew due to rights issues; her work remains foundational to the genre.

What are criticisms of Ask and It Is Given?

Critics cite:

• Channeling claims: Skepticism around Abraham’s origin.
• Oversimplification: Blaming individuals for misfortunes via "misalignment."
• Commercial ties: Jerry’s Amway background raised fraud concerns. Supporters counter that the tactics work regardless of source, citing transformative testimonials.

How can I apply Ask and It Is Given principles daily?

Start with segment intending: Set positive goals for small time blocks (e.g., "This meeting will flow smoothly"). Use pivoting when stressed: Identify a better-feeling thought (e.g., swap "I’m overwhelmed" for "I’ll handle one task"). Daily appreciation lists also build alignment. Consistency in these processes cultivates manifesting "muscle."

What is the core message of Ask and It Is Given?

Joy isn’t the reward for achieving goals—it’s the vibrational foundation that attracts them. By managing thoughts and emotions, anyone becomes a "deliberate creator." The book frames humans as extensions of non-physical intelligence, urging trust in inner guidance. Its ultimate aim: Make joy your default state, allowing desires to manifest organically.