Ask and It Is Given Summary: Key Ideas and Takeaways

Master Guide to Ask and It Is Given: Part I – The Foundations

Book: Ask and It Is Given Authors: Esther and Jerry Hicks (The Teachings of Abraham) Objective: To understand the Laws of the Universe and how to deliberately create your own reality.

To truly utilize the teachings within Ask and It Is Given, one must first accept a radical premise: You are a physical extension of Non-Physical Energy. You are not just a body; you are "Source Energy" in a physical package. This book is not merely a self-help manual; it is a description of the physics of the universe.

The core philosophy rests on three pillars: The Law of Attraction, The Vortex, and The Art of Allowing.

1. The Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction is the most powerful law in the universe. Its definition is simple: That which is like unto itself is drawn.

However, the nuance lies in vibration. Everything in the universe, including you, creates a vibrational frequency. Your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions are constantly broadcasting a signal. The Universe does not hear what you say in words; it responds to the signal you emit.

The Mirror Effect: The universe acts as a mirror. If you are vibrating at a frequency of "lack" (worrying about money), the Law of Attraction must bring you more experiences of lack. If you vibrate at a frequency of "abundance" (appreciation), it must bring you abundance.

Consistency: This law creates a consistency in your life. It is why chronic complainers often find themselves in situations to complain about, and why optimistic people seem to be "lucky."

No Exclusion: You cannot push things away. Saying "No" to something (war, poverty, illness) actually includes it in your vibration because you are giving it attention. You only create by saying "Yes" to what you want, not by fighting what you don't want.

2. The Concept of "The Vortex"

The "Vortex" is a term coined by Abraham to describe a vibrational reality. It is a "holding tank" for everything you have ever asked for.

Here is the mechanism:

1. Contrast causes Asking: As you live your life, you experience "contrast" (things you don't like). Instantly, even unconsciously, you launch a "rocket of desire" for the opposite (what you do like).

1. Immediate Creation: The moment you prefer something, Source Energy answers that request and creates it immediately in a vibrational form. It exists right now, in the Vortex.

1. The Gap: Most people are distressed because they do not see their desire in their physical reality. The reason it hasn't manifested physically is that you are not vibrationally up to speed with your Vortex. Your desire is vibrating at a high frequency (joy, love, solution), but you are standing outside the Vortex vibrating at a low frequency (impatience, doubt, the problem).

Key Insight: You do not have to work to create what you want. You have already created it. Your only work is to find the frequency that allows you to enter the Vortex where your creation resides.

3. The Art of Allowing (The 3 Steps of Creation)

This is the crux of the book. Most people are masters at Step 1 but fail at Step 3.

• Step 1: You Ask. (This happens naturally through living. You know what you don't want, so you know what you do want.)
• Step 2: The Universe Answers. (Source Energy instantly creates the vibrational reality of your desire. This is not your job; it is the work of the Universe.)
• Step 3: You Allow. (This is the Art of Allowing. You must align your vibration with what you have asked for.)

Allowing is the absence of resistance. Resistance takes the form of negative emotion. When you feel doubt, fear, anger, or unworthiness, you are resisting the flow of wellbeing that is natural to you. When you feel joy, appreciation, or eagerness, you are in the state of Allowing.

The "Art of Allowing" is the conscious discipline of guiding your thoughts toward relief and better feelings, thereby opening the door for your manifestations to flow from the Vortex into physical reality.

If the Law of Attraction is the engine, your emotions are the GPS (Global Positioning System).

Many people believe emotions are just reactions to reality. Abraham teaches that emotions are indicators of your vibrational alignment.

• Positive Emotion: Indicates you are looking at the subject exactly as your Inner Being (Source) sees it. You are aligned.
• Negative Emotion: Indicates you are looking at the subject differently than your Inner Being sees it. You are misaligned.

Example: If you think, "I am a failure," and you feel a punch in the gut (negative emotion), it is because your Inner Being knows you are successful and worthy. The negative emotion is the friction between your wrong thought and the Truth of who you are.

The Scale Breakdown

Abraham categorizes emotions into 22 points on a scale, ranging from the highest vibration (least resistance) to the lowest vibration (most resistance).

1. Joy / Knowledge / Empowerment / Freedom / Love / Appreciation
2. Passion
3. Enthusiasm / Eagerness / Happiness
4. Positive Expectation / Belief
5. Optimism
6. Hopefulness
7. Contentment

1. Boredom
2. Pessimism
3. Frustration / Irritation / Impatience
4. "Overwhelment"
5. Disappointment
6. Doubt
7. Worry
8. Blame
9. Discouragement

1. Anger
2. Revenge
3. Hatred / Rage
4. Jealousy
5. Insecurity / Guilt / Unworthiness
6. Fear / Grief / Depression / Despair / Powerlessness

How to Move Up the Scale

The most critical tactical lesson in the book is this: You cannot jump from level 22 to level 1 instantly.

If you are depressed (22), trying to feel "Joy" (1) acts as a mockery. The vibrational gap is too wide. The Law of Attraction will not allow you access to thoughts of joy when you are vibrating in despair. You must take "baby steps" to the Next Best Feeling Thought.

Your goal is not instant happiness; your goal is relief.

Scenario: You have just been fired and you are in Depression (22).

• Attempting Joy: "I love that I lost my job! Now I can travel!" (This feels fake. You don't believe it. You slide back to depression.)
• Reaching for Anger: Instead, you reach for Anger (17). "It's not fair! My boss is an idiot! I gave them everything and they betrayed me!"
• Analysis: Society tells us anger is bad. But vibrational physics says Anger (17) is a higher frequency than Depression (22). In depression, you are powerless. In anger, you have some power. Reaching anger is a victory.
• Moving from Anger: Once you stabilize in anger, you can reach for Frustration (10). "I'm so annoyed I have to look for a job. This is going to be a hassle." This is lighter than rage.
• Moving to Hope: From frustration, you can eventually reach Hopefulness (6). "Well, maybe I'll find something with a shorter commute."

Always ask yourself: "What is the best feeling thought I can find right now?" If you can simply release the resistance of the current level and move one step up, you have begun the process of Allowing. The 22 Processes (which we will cover in the subsequent sections) are specifically designed to help you bridge these gaps depending on where you currently stand on the scale.

While the book contains 22 chapters of theory (Part I) before reaching the processes (Part II), they follow a distinct narrative arc designed to dismantle your current belief system and replace it with one of empowerment.

Cluster 1: The Reliability of Source (Chapters 1–3)

Theme: You are not alone, and this information is ancient.

The Argument: The authors establish that we are eternal beings. They tackle the skepticism of "channeling" by focusing on the value of the message rather than the mode of delivery. The core message here is that well-being is the only stream that flows. Sickness and poverty are not "sources" of energy; they are merely the restriction of the Well-Being stream.

Key Insight: You cannot turn off the Source of well-being, but you can pinch the hose.

Cluster 2: The Physics of Creation (Chapters 4–9)

Theme: How reality is actually constructed.

The Argument: These chapters define the "Vibrational Transmitter" concept. The book argues that you are a creator, but you create through focus, not action. It introduces the "Buffer of Time"—a blessing that prevents your instant thoughts (like fear of an elephant in the room) from manifesting instantly. This buffer gives you time to redirect your thoughts before the manifestation solidifies.

Key Insight: "You get what you think about, whether you want it or not."

Cluster 3: Deliberate Creation vs. Default Creation (Chapters 10–16)

Theme: Taking control of the helm.

The Argument: Most people create by default—they observe reality ("I am broke"), offer a vibration of that reality ("I feel stressed about being broke"), and create more of it. Deliberate Creation is the act of offering a vibration different from what you currently observe.

Key Insight: You must tell a different story. If you continue to tell your life story as it is, you cannot let in the life story of how you want it to be.

Cluster 4: The Crisis Point—Where Are You? (Chapters 17–22)

Theme: Diagnosing your resistance.

The Argument: Before you can get to where you want to go, you must know where you are. These chapters focus on the Emotional Guidance Scale (discussed in Part I of this guide). They prepare the reader for the processes by emphasizing that trying to force a high-vibration thought from a low-vibration place will result in failure.

Key Insight: "Make peace with where you are." You cannot get there from here if you are beating yourself up for being here.

This is the practical core of the book. Abraham provides 22 distinct "games" to shift your vibration. The key to success is using the right process for your current emotional state. Using a "happy" process when you are angry will only annoy you.

We have categorized them into three tiers based on where you fall on the Emotional Guidance Scale.

TIER 1: The Boosters (For Emotional Set-Points 1–10)

Use these when you already feel good and want to feel great, or when you are feeling mild frustration and want to get back to joy.

#### 1. The Rampage of Appreciation

When to use: You feel pleasant (Scale 1–5).

The Method: Look around your immediate environment and find something small to appreciate (a comfortable chair, a ray of sunshine). Hold that thought. Then find another. Then another. As you chain these thoughts together, you build momentum.

Why it works: It trains your mind to scan for positives. It is the fastest way to access the Vortex.

#### 2. The Magic Box

When to use: You are hopeful but struggle with visualization (Scale 1–5).

The Method: Get a physical box. Write down things you desire (a new car, a vacation, a healthy body) on pieces of paper and drop them in the box. Say, "Whatever is in this box, the Universe is working on."

Why it works: It allows you to detach. By putting it in the box, you stop worrying about "how" it will happen, releasing resistance.

#### 3. The Creative Workshop

When to use: You are feeling clear-minded (Scale 1–5).

The Method: Set aside 15 minutes. Take 4 sheets of paper: "My Body," "My Home," "My Relationships," "My Work." Write short, high-level lists of what you want in each area. "I like feeling energetic." "I love a clutter-free home."

Why it works: It focuses your Intent. You are placing a specific order with the Universe without getting bogged down in the messy details of how to get it.

#### 4. Virtual Reality

When to use: You have 30 seconds and want a mood lift (Scale 1–8).

The Method: Close your eyes and imagine a scene that feels good. It doesn't have to be your real life. Imagine driving a convertible on a coast road. Imagine the wind. Imagine the smell of the ocean. Stay there for 30 seconds. Open your eyes.

Why it works: The Universe doesn't know the difference between what you see and what you imagine. This process practices the vibration of "feeling good" without needing a reason.

#### 5. The Prosperity Game

When to use: You are worried about money or want to expand your capacity for it (Scale 1–10).

The Method: Create an imaginary checking account. On day 1, deposit $1,000 and spend it all (mentally). On day 2, deposit $2,000. Day 3, $3,000. By day 365, you will have deposited and spent millions.

Why it works: It forces you to think about what you would do with money, rather than the lack of it. It stretches your imagination to accept abundance.

#### 6. The Process of Meditation

When to use: Any time, to stop resistance (Scale 1–22).

The Method: Sit quietly for 15 minutes. Focus on a sound (an air conditioner, a ticking clock) or your breathing. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back.

Why it works: It stops the "cork" from being held underwater. By stopping all thought (including negative thought), your vibration naturally rises to its default state of well-being.

TIER 2: The Shifters (For Emotional Set-Points 8–17)

Use these when you are in the middle ground—bored, frustrated, worried, or doubtful. You need to pivot the energy.

#### 7. Evaluating Dreams

When to use: You wake up remembering a dream (Scale 1–22).

The Method: Recall how you felt in the dream. If you felt fear, it means your current waking thoughts are attracting something you fear.

Why it works: Dreams are a preview of what you are creating. They are an early warning system before the manifestation happens physically.

#### 8. The Book of Positive Aspects

When to use: You are mildly annoyed by a person or situation (Scale 8–15).

The Method: Buy a notebook. Dedicate a page to the subject (e.g., "My Boss"). Force yourself to write only positive things about them. If you can't find anything, write about something else entirely.

Why it works: It breaks the habit of focusing on the one annoying trait. It tunes you to the frequency of the solution, not the problem.

#### 9. Scripting

When to use: You want to set the tone for a future event (Scale 6–15).

The Method: Write a letter to a friend as if the desire has already happened. "Dear friend, I just got back from the most amazing job interview. The people were so nice, and I felt so confident..."

Why it works: It tricks the brain into the "feeling place" of the wish fulfilled.

#### 10. The Place Mat Process

When to use: You feel overwhelmed by a to-do list (Scale 10–16).

The Method: Draw a line down the middle of a paper. Left side: "Things I will do today." Right side: "Things I would like the Universe to do." Put only 2-3 things on your side. Put everything else (fix the car, find a partner, heal my back) on the Universe's side.

Why it works: It releases the burden of responsibility. It allows you to focus on what you can handle and delegate the rest to the Law of Attraction.

#### 11. Segment Intending

When to use: Throughout the day as you change activities (Scale 4–15).

The Method: Before you start a new "segment" (getting in the car, answering a phone, starting a meeting), say: "My intention for this segment is to arrive safely and happily" or "My intention is to have a clear communication."

Why it works: It "pre-paves" the future. It stops momentum from a bad morning from ruining your afternoon.

#### 12. Wouldn't It Be Nice If...?

When to use: You are prone to saying "I can't" or "It's hard" (Scale 8–16).

The Method: Rephrase your worries. Instead of "I can't afford this," say "Wouldn't it be nice if I found a bargain?" or "Wouldn't it be nice if extra money showed up?"

Why it works: The question form is non-threatening. It doesn't trigger resistance because you aren't stating a fact; you are just wondering. It softens your vibration.

#### 13. Which Thought Feels Better?

When to use: You are indecisive or confused (Scale 10–18).

The Method: Take the issue. Write two thoughts about it. Ask: "Which feels better?"

• Thought A: "I'll never get this done."
• Thought B: "I can get a little bit done today." (B feels better).

Why it works: It consciously moves you up the Emotional Scale one step at a time.

#### 14. The Process of Clearing Clutter for Clarity

When to use: You feel chaotic or stuck (Scale 4–16).

The Method: Organize a drawer, a room, or a desk.

Why it works: A messy environment reflects a messy vibration. Creating physical order provides immediate relief and signals to the Universe that you are ready for clarity.

#### 15. The Wallet Process

When to use: You feel "poor" (Scale 6–16).

The Method: Put a $100 bill in your wallet. Do not spend it. Keep it there. As you walk past stores, mentally say, "I could buy that. I have the money."

Why it works: It replaces the vibration of "I can't afford it" with "I can afford it, but I choose not to buy it right now." This is a vibration of power, not lack.

#### 16. Pivoting

When to use: You catch yourself in a negative thought (Scale 8–22).

The Method: When you know what you don't want, you automatically know what you do want. Simply say, "I know what I don't want. What is it that I do want?"

Why it works: It redirects the rocket of creation.

TIER 3: The Rescuers (For Emotional Set-Points 17–22)

Use these when you are in deep pain—anger, depression, grief, or fear. Do not use "happy" processes here; they will backfire.

#### 17. The Focus Wheel Process

When to use: You have a specific negative belief you can't shake (Scale 12–22).

The Method: Draw a circle (a wheel). Write the problem in the center (e.g., "I am fat"). Your goal is to find thoughts that are true, but feel slightly better, to write around the edge.

• "My body has been lighter before."
• "I have nice hair."
• "I am healthy in other ways."
• "I can walk easily."

Eventually, you gain enough momentum to write a new belief in the center: "My body is capable of change."

Why it works: It uses the principle of "generalities" to soothe specific pain. It bridges the vibrational gap slowly.

#### 18. Finding the Feeling-Place

When to use: You want the manifestation but don't believe it will happen (Scale 10–22).

The Method: Forget the object (the car, the lover). Ask: "What is the feeling I am chasing?" Is it freedom? Security? Excitement? Focus only on generating that feeling through memory or imagination.

Why it works: The Universe answers the feeling, not the request for the object. If you generate the feeling of security, the money (which represents security) must come.

#### 19. Releasing Resistance to Become Free of Debt

When to use: Specifically for debt anxiety (Scale 10–22).

The Method: Create a column for each debt. Pay the minimum on all. Put all extra money toward the smallest debt. Watch it disappear. Then move to the next. (Similar to the "Snowball Method").

Why it works: It turns debt payment into a game of winning (high vibration) rather than a struggle against a hole (low vibration).

#### 20. Turning It Over to the Manager

When to use: You feel overworked or responsible for everything (Scale 10–18).

The Method: Imagine you are the owner of a corporation and you have a very capable Manager (The Law of Attraction). When a problem arises, say, "I'm turning this over to the Manager." Then refuse to think about it.

Why it works: It is a psychological permission slip to let go of control.

#### 21. Reclaiming One's Natural State of Health

When to use: You are dealing with illness or pain (Scale 10–22).

The Method: Distract yourself. The body heals naturally when resistance is removed. Stop talking about the illness. Stop reading about it. Watch a funny movie. Sleep.

Why it works: Focusing on the illness keeps the illness active. Distraction stops the "pinching of the hose," allowing natural health to flow back in.

#### 22. Moving Up the Emotional Scale

When to use: You feel terrible and don't know why (Scale 17–22).

The Method: (As described in Part I of this guide). Identify where you are (e.g., Fear). Try to find a thought that feels like Anger. Then Frustration. Then Hope.

Why it works: It respects the physics of vibration. It does not ask you to jump the canyon; it asks you to build a bridge.

Why This Book is Transformative

Ask and It Is Given shifts the paradigm of life from "Action" to "Vibration."

1. It removes the blame: You realize you haven't been punished by God or bad luck; you've simply been matching a frequency you didn't understand.
2. It restores control: If reality is a mirror, you don't have to change the reflection (the world); you only have to change the object (yourself).
3. It prioritizes happiness: For the first time, "feeling good" is not described as selfish, but as essential. If you don't feel good, you are of no value to anyone because you are disconnected from Source.

Final Summary

The ultimate lesson of Abraham is that there is nothing serious going on here. We are creators here to experience the joy of expansion.

1. You Ask (by living life).
2. The Universe Answers (instantly in the Vortex).
3. You Allow (by feeling good).

When you master the Art of Allowing, you realize that the manifestation of the car, the money, or the health is actually secondary. The true prize is the emotional freedom of knowing that you can mold your reality simply by managing your mood. As Abraham says: