*By Dr. Devan
Life unfolds not merely as a sequence of random events but as a tapestry woven with invisible threads of energy, intention, and resonance. Human beings are not passive spectators drifting along the current of existence; we are conscious creators, constantly shaping our reality through thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Among the many principles guiding this creation, few are as profound and transformative as the idea: “Before asking, presume you have received and offer gratitude… the universe will then deliver.”
This is not merely a poetic phrase; it is a principle rooted in psychology, spirituality, and even subtle aspects of physics. It invites us to live with a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity, certainty rather than doubt, gratitude rather than complaint.
The Power of Presumption: Acting as If
To presume you have received is to carry within yourself the feeling that what you desire is already yours. This is not delusion or self-deception, but rather a conscious act of faith, a form of mental rehearsal. Athletes visualize their victories before stepping onto the field. Musicians feel the applause of the audience before the performance begins. Leaders envision their goals as accomplished before they set out to act.
When you presume, you step into a higher state of alignment. Your mind no longer emits vibrations of want and lack; instead, it radiates assurance. The subconscious, unable to distinguish between vividly imagined reality and physical fact, begins to operate in harmony with your presumption, directing thoughts, behaviors, and even opportunities toward fulfillment.
Gratitude as the Key Frequency
If presumption is the engine, gratitude is the fuel. Gratitude is the most powerful emotional frequency a human can radiate. When you offer thanks before receiving, you prove to the universe that you trust its laws. You are no longer pleading, doubting, or waiting nervously—you are rejoicing in advance.
This anticipatory gratitude shifts your energy field. You stop acting as a beggar and instead embody the stance of a co-creator. Neuroscientific studies even show that gratitude rewires neural pathways, lowering stress, increasing dopamine, and enhancing creative flow. Spiritually, gratitude is like a magnet: the more you express it, the more reasons the universe provides for you to continue.
The Universe as a Mirror
The universe does not deliver based on words alone; it mirrors back the state of being you inhabit. If you say “I want abundance,” but within you feel poor, insecure, and fearful, the universe magnifies your fear of lack. But if you say, “I thank you for the wealth, the health, the love already flowing into my life,” you create a resonance of already-having.
In simple terms, the universe is less like a vending machine and more like an echo chamber. Whatever frequency you send forth—fear or faith, complaint or gratitude—returns amplified. Presuming and thanking in advance tunes you to the station where blessings broadcast.
Biblical and Spiritual Roots
This principle is not new. It echoes through ancient wisdom. In the Bible, Jesus says: “When you pray, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Notice the tense: believe you have received, not will receive. The emphasis is on completed possession. Gratitude then naturally follows.
Eastern traditions echo this too. In Vedantic philosophy, sankalpa—the resolve taken with unwavering conviction—carries the seed of fulfillment. In Buddhism, mindful awareness and acceptance of abundance open the flow of karma. Even modern spiritual writers speak of “acting as if” and “living from the end.”
The Psychological Dimension
Psychology validates this principle under the umbrella of self-fulfilling prophecy. When you believe you already possess what you desire, you behave differently: you walk with more confidence, make bolder decisions, radiate positivity, and attract people who align with your energy. Your behavior then influences circumstances, creating results that mirror your presumption.
Gratitude, too, has measurable effects. Studies show people who journal daily gratitudes are happier, sleep better, and experience stronger immune systems. They are also more resilient in crises. Thus, gratitude is not merely a spiritual act; it is a psychological technology for reprogramming perception and experience.
Overcoming the Trap of Doubt
The greatest enemy of presumption is doubt. Doubt weakens energy, splits intention, and delays manifestation. When you ask and then immediately question—“Will it really come?”—you cancel your order with the universe.
The way out is through faith coupled with gratitude. If a child asks a loving parent for food, does he doubt he will be fed? He runs to the table with eagerness. Likewise, when you ask the universe, presume it is already being arranged. Gratitude cements this presumption, ensuring doubt cannot erode it.
Practical Application in Daily Life
How do we live this principle, not merely admire it?
Visualization with Gratitude – Each morning, close your eyes and vividly imagine that your desires have already manifested. Then whisper: “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Gratitude Journaling – Record not only blessings you have received but also blessings you are presuming into being. Write: “I am grateful for my vibrant health… for the financial abundance flowing into my life… for the loving relationships that surround me.”
Embodied Action – Act in alignment with what you presume. If you thank the universe for health, eat, move, and live like a healthy person. If you thank it for wealth, handle money with responsibility and generosity.
Release Timelines – Gratitude does not demand deadlines. Trust that the universe delivers in the right time, often in ways far beyond imagination.
Stories of Transformation
History is replete with those who embodied this principle. Thomas Edison presumed light was possible long before it existed. His gratitude for each “failed” experiment was part of the process, for he thanked discovery itself. Nelson Mandela, even in prison, lived with the presumption of freedom and dignity, and eventually the universe delivered. Countless ordinary individuals too have testified to the miraculous unfolding of health recoveries, career breakthroughs, and reconciled relationships once they began thanking before receiving.
Living in a State of Already Blessed
When you live as though already blessed, life itself transforms. Anxiety gives way to serenity, because you no longer see yourself as deprived. Envy disappears, for you know your cup overflows. Patience strengthens, for you trust the unfolding. Most importantly, joy ceases to be postponed. You no longer wait for some future event to smile; you celebrate now, and in that celebration, the future delivers more reasons to celebrate.
Conclusion
To presume you have received and offer gratitude is to step into a higher order of living. It is to acknowledge the universe as a benevolent partner rather than a reluctant supplier. It is to harmonize thought, emotion, and spirit into a frequency that attracts fulfillment.
The universe listens less to your words and more to your state of being. When your state says, “I already have, and I am thankful,” the universe replies, “So be it.”
Therefore, before you ask again, pause. Imagine it as done. Feel the joy. Whisper your thanks. For in that moment, you are no longer seeking—you are receiving. And the universe, ever faithful, will deliver.
*Dr Devan is a Mangaluru-based ENT specialist and author.
Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti
