Have you ever wished you could place an order with the universe for your deepest desires, much like ordering from a catalogue? This is the central idea behind cosmic ordering, a practice that encourages you to clearly define what you want and trust the universe to deliver it. It’s a fascinating concept that blends intention, belief and action.
The Story Behind Cosmic Ordering
The idea of aligning with the universe to manifest desires is not new. It has roots in various spiritual traditions and philosophical movements that believe thought and intention can shape reality. However, the term “cosmic ordering” was popularised by the German author Bärbel Mohr in the late 1990s.
Bärbel Mohr and The Cosmic Ordering Service
Bärbel Mohr was a writer and editor who stumbled upon the concept and began experimenting with it in her own life. She started by making small, specific requests to the universe, which she playfully termed “the cosmic ordering service.” When she found that her orders were being fulfilled with surprising accuracy, she decided to share her experiences.
In 1998, she self-published a small booklet titled The Cosmic Ordering Service. It was an instant success in Germany and was later translated into multiple languages, bringing the concept to a global audience. Mohr’s approach was light-hearted and accessible, removing the complex jargon often associated with manifestation. She described the universe as a friendly, cosmic mail-order service, ready and waiting to receive your requests.
From Niche Booklet to Mainstream Phenomenon
Mohr’s work struck a chord with many people who were looking for a simple and positive way to improve their lives. The idea gained further traction in the UK when television personality Noel Edmonds attributed his career revival to the practice of cosmic ordering. His public endorsement brought the concept into mainstream consciousness, inspiring countless others to try it.
While Bärbel Mohr popularised the term, the principles behind it are closely related to the Law of Attraction, which was brought to a mass audience by the 2006 book and film The Secret. Both ideas share the core belief that your thoughts and feelings have a powerful frequency, and by focusing on what you want, you can attract it into your life.
How Does Cosmic Ordering Work?
Cosmic ordering is built on the idea that the universe is a field of infinite potential, and our thoughts and feelings act as signals that draw experiences to us. Think of it as tuning a radio to a specific station. To receive a clear signal, you need to know which frequency to tune into. In cosmic ordering, your clear, positive desire is the frequency.
The process involves three key stages: placing your order, believing it’s on its way, and being open to receiving it.
1. Place Your Order: The Power of Clarity
The first step is to be absolutely clear about what you want. A vague request like “I want to be happy” is difficult for the universe to interpret. Instead, a specific order might be, “I would like to find a fulfilling new job that uses my creative skills and offers a supportive work environment.”
When you formulate your order, it’s important to:
- Be Specific: The more detailed your request, the better. Think about what you want, why you want it, and how it will make you feel.
- Write It Down: The act of writing solidifies your intention. Many people keep a dedicated “cosmic order” journal. Writing in the present tense, as if you have already received it (e.g., “I am so grateful for my wonderful new home”), can be a powerful technique.
- Use Positive Language: Frame your order in terms of what you do want, not what you don’t want. Instead of saying, “I don’t want to be in debt,” rephrase it as, “I have abundant financial resources and live with financial freedom.”
2. Believe and Trust: Letting Go of the ‘How’
Once you’ve placed your order, the next step is to let it go and trust that the universe is handling it. This can often be the most challenging part. It requires you to release any doubt, worry, or impatience about when and how your order will arrive. This is what practitioners call “surrendering” to the process.
Constantly questioning whether it will work or trying to control the outcome can interfere with the process. It sends mixed signals to the universe, suggesting a lack of faith. The key is to cultivate a feeling of calm expectation, knowing that your order is being processed.
3. Receive with Gratitude: Be Open to Opportunities
The final step is to be open and ready to receive your order. The universe often delivers in unexpected ways. It might not arrive in the exact manner you imagined, but it could come through a sudden opportunity, a new idea or a chance encounter with someone.
Being in a state of gratitude helps you stay open. When you appreciate what you already have, you raise your vibrational frequency, making you a better match for the positive things you want to attract. When signs or opportunities related to your order appear, it’s important to take inspired action. Cosmic ordering isn’t about sitting back and waiting for everything to fall into your lap; it’s about co-creating with the universe. Your action is the final step in bringing your desire into reality.
Does Cosmic Ordering Really Work?
The effectiveness of cosmic ordering is a subject of much debate. Sceptics argue that it’s simply a form of wishful thinking and that any results can be attributed to coincidence or the psychological effects of positive thinking. On the other hand, countless people from all walks of life claim to have experienced profound results.
The Scientific Perspective
From a psychological standpoint, the practice of cosmic ordering can have tangible benefits. The process encourages you to:
- Clarify Your Goals: By defining exactly what you want, you give your brain a clear target to work towards. This activates the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in your brain, which acts as a filter for information. Once you tell your brain what’s important, it starts to notice relevant opportunities you might have otherwise missed.
- Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Focusing on what you want and believing it’s possible can improve your mood, reduce stress, and increase your resilience. A positive outlook makes you more likely to take action and persevere through challenges.
- Boost Self-Belief: The act of placing an order with the universe can feel empowering. It shifts your focus from a sense of lack to a sense of possibility, which can increase your confidence and motivation.
So, even if you’re sceptical about a “cosmic service,” the psychological principles behind the practice can help you achieve your goals by changing your focus and behaviour.
Anecdotal Evidence and Personal Stories
While scientific evidence is limited, the wealth of personal stories is compelling. Bärbel Mohr’s books are filled with anecdotes from readers who ordered and received everything from their dream partner to a new car. Noel Edmonds famously spoke about how he used cosmic ordering to bring his hit TV show Deal or No Deal to the screen.
These stories, while not proof, are a testament to the power of focused intention. For many, the experience of seeing their desires manifest is all the evidence they need.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any practice, cosmic ordering has its potential benefits and pitfalls.
Advantages
- Empowerment: It gives you a sense of control over your life and encourages you to take an active role in creating your future.
- Clarity and Focus: The process forces you to think deeply about your true desires, bringing clarity to your goals.
- Increased Positivity: Focusing on positive outcomes can lead to a more optimistic outlook on life.
- Simplicity and Accessibility: It’s a simple practice that anyone can try, without the need for special tools or training.
Disadvantages
- Potential for Passivity: Some people may misinterpret the “letting go” step as an excuse for inaction, waiting for things to happen without taking any steps themselves.
- Risk of Disappointment: If an order doesn’t manifest as expected, it can lead to feelings of disappointment or self-blame. It’s important to remember that the timing and form of delivery are not always in our control.
- Ignoring Practical Reality: While a positive mindset is helpful, it’s not a substitute for practical planning and hard work, especially for large goals. Cosmic ordering should complement, not replace, real-world effort.
Your Path to Cosmic Ordering
Cosmic ordering offers an inspiring and proactive way to think about your dreams. It invites you to become a conscious creator in your own life, moving from passive wishing to active intending. Whether you see it as a spiritual practice or a psychological tool, the principles of clarity, belief and openness can bring about positive change.
Why not try placing a small order today? Choose something you’d like to experience, write it down with positive intention, and let the universe know you’re ready to receive. You might just be surprised by what shows up at your door.
Further Reading: Lost Your Drive? Here’s How to Reclaim Your Motivation, Powerful Sayings to Transform Your Life, How to Reframe Your Thoughts for a Brighter, More Empowered You