Ask and it is given

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.