The Game of Life and How to Play It: A Law of Attraction Book on How to Manifest Abundance

Are you looking for how to manifest abundance and success through spiritual principles? One classic law of attraction book offers time-tested guidance: The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn. Published in 1925, this uplifting work distills Florence Scovel Shinn’s teachings on faith, positive thinking, and metaphysical laws of prosperity. It remains a powerful guide for spiritual seekers to develop an abundance mindset and live in alignment with divine law. In Shinn’s view, life isn’t a battle at all – it’s a game we are meant to win by understanding the rules of the spiritual plane. As she famously wrote, “Most people consider life a battle, but it is not a battle, it is a game.”

In this inspirational summary, we’ll explore each chapter of The Game of Life and How to Play It, highlighting Shinn’s spiritual success principles and including direct quotes from the book. From harnessing the power of your words and imagination, to trusting divine guidance and intuition, to using affirmations to attract wealth and love – these chapter insights will empower you to play your own “game of life” with confidence and joy. Let’s dive into Florence Scovel Shinn’s timeless wisdom and learn how to manifest prosperity, love, and fulfillment by aligning with the spiritual laws of the Universe.

🎧 Listen Now: Florence Scovel Shinn’s Game of Life Made Easy

Chapter 1: Life is a Game of Giving and Receiving

Shinn opens by declaring that life operates not by chance or struggle, but by precise spiritual laws. We must approach life as a game – and know the rules to play successfully. The first rule is the law of Giving and Receiving, symbolized by the Biblical truth “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Our thoughts, words, and deeds are like boomerangs in this game: whatever we send out will return to us in kind. If we give love, generosity, and goodwill, we’ll receive the same; but if we dish out criticism, envy, or hatred, life will mirror those back to us. Shinn emphasizes that imagination plays a leading role in shaping our reality. The images we consistently hold in mind eventually manifest in our external affairs. For example, she recounts a man who constantly feared a rare disease until he actually incurred it – a tragic proof that “whatever man feels deeply or images clearly” will be impressed on the subconscious and expressed in his life.

To “win” the game of life, we must train our imagination to envision only good outcomes and guard our spoken words. Shinn explains that each of us has three departments of mind – the subconscious, conscious, and superconscious (or God-mind). The subconscious mind is a faithful servant that executes impressions literally, without a sense of humor or irony. It’s vital to direct it wisely. Idle negative remarks like “I’m sick and tired of this” or joking about misfortune can imprint the wrong idea on the subconscious, leading to unwanted conditions. In one anecdote, a woman habitually said she was “sick and tired of” her home and wished she could live out of a trunk – later finding herself living in a single room with her possessions in storage, literally as she had spoken! The takeaway: your words and beliefs set life’s creative process in motion. As Shinn notes, “The subconscious mind has no sense of humor and people often joke themselves into unhappy experiences.” We are urged to speak only what we intend to manifest, and to “keep thy heart (imagination) with all diligence” focused on good, so that we attract joyful outcomes.

Another key principle introduced is faith over fear. Doubt and fear are called the great enemies of success. We block our own abundance through worrying and lack of faith. Shinn advises us to substitute faith for fear at every turn: “Why worry? It will probably never happen.” By eliminating fear – which she calls “inverted faith” – we make room for miracles. The chapter concludes by encouraging us to speak powerful new words to erase old limiting patterns. Shinn provides an affirmation to “smash and demolish” all false beliefs in the subconscious and record new beliefs of health, wealth, love, and perfect self-expression. With this positive reset, the game is “completed” on the spiritual level, and we’re ready to apply the power of the word to change our conditions.

Chapter 2: The Law of Prosperity (Expectancy of Abundance)

The second chapter dives into the metaphysical law of prosperity, which hinges on faith and expectation. Shinn boldly reminds us that God (or Infinite Spirit) is our unfailing supply and that “there is a supply for every demand”. In other words, the universe holds limitless abundance, but we must speak our word of demand and believe that what we need is already ours by divine right. Prosperity is about expectancy – confidently expecting the best, even when external circumstances look bleak.

Shinn illustrates this law with compelling stories. In one case, a woman faced a $3,000 debt with no money in sight. Instead of succumbing to despair, she came to Shinn for help. Florence affirmed that the woman’s supply was assured and had her act as if abundance were certain. The woman was instructed to “have perfect faith and act her perfect faith,” even setting an intention that the funds would come “at the right time, in the right way.” Miraculously, the deadline arrived and the money manifested just in time. This demonstrates Shinn’s point that prosperity often comes through unexpected channels when we fully trust and move in faith. She writes that man must make the first move by asking or claiming boldly, which opens the door for Infinite Intelligence to respond. In essence, our belief and spoken word “command” supply to rush in under grace.

A practical tip from this chapter is to speak words of abundance rather than lack. Shinn emphasizes that complaining about money or saying things like “I can’t afford that” will close off the flow of prosperity. Instead, bless the money you do have and affirm its increase. She recounts how she helped a struggling woman bless her last $8 and follow a hunch to take an action; the woman’s small act of faith led to an unexpected windfall of “thousands of dollars” soon after. The Law of Prosperity responds to praise and gratitude – when you give thanks for your provision (even before it visibly appears), you magnify it.

Shinn also introduces the idea of intuitive guidance in financial matters. Often, after speaking the word for supply, you may get a “lead” or gut feeling to do something seemingly unrelated – follow it! One woman prayed for prosperity and then felt a sudden hunch to return to her hometown; there she crossed paths with an old friend who became the channel for her financial blessing. This underscores that prosperity can come through divine guidance and intuition as much as through direct effort. To sum up this chapter, Shinn assures us that wealth is part of our spiritual birthright. By claiming abundance with unwavering faith, and by aligning our words and expectations with the richness of the Universe, we activate the Law of Prosperity. As Florence Scovel Shinn writes, “There is always plenty on man’s pathway; but it can only be brought into manifestation through desire, faith or the spoken word.”

Chapter 3: The Power of the Word – Shaping Your Reality

Chapter 3 focuses on the creative power of words and affirmations. According to Shinn, every word we speak is a decree that shapes our destiny, whether we realize it or not. She cites the Biblical proverb, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” to stress that our speech can either empower us or ensnare us. Speaking continually of sickness, lack, or misfortune is essentially programming the subconscious to deliver those conditions. Conversely, speaking words of truth, healing, and success sets positive forces in motion. Shinn puts it succinctly: “Through his spoken word, man is continually making laws for himself.” Each casual statement of “I always mess things up” or “I never have enough time/money” is actually a self-fulfilling prophecy in the game of life.

To illustrate the psychology of affirmations, Shinn shares some colorful examples. In one story, a man habitually said, “I always miss my bus,” and indeed, buses would pull away just as he arrived. His daughter, however, affirmed, “I always catch my bus,” and she consistently did. Each had unconsciously created a personal “law” by the power of their word – one of failure and one of success. Shinn even addresses superstitions, noting that lucky charms themselves have no power except the expectancy created by one’s word and belief. When two of her students who had been thriving financially suddenly hit a slump, she discovered they had started relying on “lucky monkey” figurines instead of affirmations. After discarding these trinkets and declaring forgiveness for their mistake, their prosperity returned. The lesson is that our spoken word backed by faith is the true talisman; nothing external has power unless we give it power through belief.

Florence Scovel Shinn advises us to become very mindful of our conversations. Complaining, gossiping, or talking about what we fear can inadvertently invite those negatives back into our life. She suggests a simple rule: use words only to heal, bless, or prosper. In fact, Shinn writes, “Man only dares use his words for three purposes: to heal, bless or prosper.” What we say about others or wish for others, we are also saying for ourselves, due to the boomerang effect. This chapter encourages readers to speak “new words into the subconscious” – positive affirmations of the good you expect – to override any old “records” of lack or failure. Shinn also touches on the power of the silence and contemplation, implying that thoughts are unspoken words that carry vibration. By maintaining a pattern of optimistic, confident speech and thought, we essentially write the script of our life. This is an empowering message: we can start speaking life, health, and prosperity into existence at any moment. Change your words and you change your world, because the subconscious takes you at your word and faithfully reproduces what you decree. In the game of life, your word is your wand – use it wisely to create the good you desire.

Chapter 4: The Law of Non-Resistance – Faith over Fear

In The Game of Life, Florence Scovel Shinn presents Non-Resistance as a vital spiritual law. This principle is about meeting life’s challenges with faith and calm courage instead of fear or struggle. Shinn suggests that whatever we resist or react to with anger and fear only persists or grows in power. By contrast, when we face difficulties without resistance – even with love and fearlessness – we rob them of any reality and they dissipate. She sums it up in a memorable quote: “Face a situation fearlessly, and there is no situation to face; it falls away of its own weight.” In other words, many problems are sustained by our fear-fueled attention to them. Remove the fear, and the apparent obstacle often vanishes.

To clarify this counterintuitive law, Shinn shares a story of a woman with a deep superstition about walking under ladders. The woman’s fear of bad luck actually kept manifesting situations where a ladder would block her path, forcing her to confront it. Shinn advised her to prove her faith in one Power (God/Good) by intentionally walking under a ladder, affirming that evil has no power. The moment the woman mustered the courage to do so, the ladder was gone – her act of non-resistance literally removed the obstacle. This demonstrates how overcoming fear through non-resistance can miraculously resolve the issue at hand. The energy we spend fighting or dreading something often holds it in place. When we stop fighting and replace fear with faith, we make way for divine resolution.

Non-resistance also means not retaliating with negativity when faced with negativity. Shinn likens it to a spiritual jiu-jitsu: do not meet anger with anger or injustice with resentment, or you’ll get stuck in karmic back-and-forth. Instead, respond with forgiveness, calm, and unshakable faith that harmony will triumph. This doesn’t imply passive surrender, but rather a powerful spiritual confidence that God fights your battles when you “stand still.” An example from the book describes how a mother, frantic to stop her adult daughter from taking a dangerous trip, only caused the daughter to become more determined by her force of will. Shinn guided the mother to “let go” and affirm that if the trip wasn’t divinely right it would be prevented. The mother released her anxious hold on the situation (non-resistance), and shortly after, the daughter calmly decided to cancel the trip on her own. By letting go and letting God, the desired outcome was achieved without strain.

The Law of Non-Resistance, ultimately, is about trusting the divine plan and not pushing against the current of life. Shinn assures us that what we resist persists, but what we behold with faith transforms. When challenges arise, we are to greet them with the attitude, “This too shall pass; it cannot defeat me, because Infinite Spirit is working it out for good.” Through non-resistance, we stay aligned with our higher power instead of getting entangled in fear’s illusion. It’s a practice of spiritual judo: rather than wrestling with shadows, turn on the light of faith. In the game of life, this law helps us move through obstacles smoothly by neutralizing them with love and courageous non-reaction. Problems that seemed like ferocious lions often turn out to be harmless when met with a fearless heart and the expectation of divine help.

Chapter 5: The Law of Karma and the Power of Forgiveness

Here, Florence Scovel Shinn elaborates on the Law of Karma – the law of cause and effect – and introduces the higher law that can transcend it: Forgiveness (Grace). In the game of life, karma is like an infallible boomerang. Every thought, word, or action eventually returns to us with “astounding accuracy,” whether good or bad. Shinn frankly states that “Man receives only that which he gives. The Game of Life is a game of boomerangs.” If we send out kindness, generosity, and joy, we will reap equivalent rewards; if we send out criticism, deceit, or ill will, we can expect those to revisit us down the line. This chapter reads almost like a manual on personal responsibility, underscoring that nothing happens by chance – we harvest the fruits (sweet or bitter) of our own sowing.

One striking example Shinn gives is of a woman who was habitually sharp-tongued with her aunt. One day at dinner she snapped “No more talk – I wish to eat in peace!” to her aunt. The very next day, while lunching with someone she hoped to impress, that person suddenly said the exact same words to her: “No more talk – I wish to eat in peace!”. The woman immediately recognized it as her own words coming back to her. Because she was “high in consciousness,” her karma boomeranged quickly, teaching her an instant lesson about the energy she put out. Shinn notes that the more spiritually aware we are, the swifter and more direct our karmic feedback, so we must be especially careful to live by what we know. Ignorance of spiritual law is no excuse; once you understand these laws, failing to practice them brings quicker consequences.

Yet Shinn’s message is not one of doom and guilt – on the contrary, she introduces the Law of Forgiveness as the great balancing force that can wipe out or “neutralize” negative karma. This is essentially the principle of Grace in Christian terms. She reminds us that “Christianity is founded upon the law of forgiveness – Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Karmic law.” When we invoke forgiveness – of others and ourselves – we call on a heavenly law that can supersede cause-and-effect and cancel out the debt. In practical terms, Shinn suggests immediately using forgiveness whenever we recognize a negative cause we’ve set in motion. For instance, a woman discovered she had unintentionally attracted a loss (she received a counterfeit bill from the bank) because she once jokingly sent fake stage-money to a friend. Realizing the connection, she and Shinn spoke words of forgiveness: “We call on the law of forgiveness and give thanks that she is under grace and not under law.” Soon after, the bank acknowledged the error and corrected it, something the client had thought impossible. Through sincere repentance and forgiveness, the chain of karmic cause and effect was broken.

The key teaching here is that no negative pattern is irreversible. The moment we turn to the higher law of love and forgiveness, we invite divine grace to wash away past mistakes. Shinn encourages readers to forgive everyone, especially themselves, for anything in the past – this “clearing of the slate” frees us from bondage to those old conditions. The “law of grace” allows us to reap good where we may not have sown perfectly, once we align with a consciousness of love. However, Shinn also gently warns that knowing this doesn’t give license to knowingly do wrong; rather, it’s about healing and transcending the inevitable missteps of human life. By blessing others, wishing them well (even those who wrong us), and forgiving all debts and transgressions, we lift ourselves to a vibration where karmic negatives cannot stick. In the game of life, Divine forgiveness is the ultimate cheat-code – it allows us to move from a cycle of payback and struggle into a state of grace, where blessings flow and past errors no longer haunt our present. Shinn’s chapter on Karma and Forgiveness is a powerful reminder that as ye sow, so shall ye reap, but with the grace of forgiveness, one can reap mercy, healing, and fresh starts.

Chapter 6: Casting the Burden – Let Go and Let God

“Casting the burden” is Florence Scovel Shinn’s term for the spiritual practice of releasing your problems to a higher power. In this chapter, she teaches a simple but profound technique: rather than struggling and worrying, hand over your burdens to the God within (the superconscious) and trust that the solution is already being arranged. Shinn references Jesus’s words, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light,” to illustrate living without the weight of anxiety. We are told in scripture to “cast thy burden upon the Lord”, and Shinn interprets this literally. She explains that carrying worry, stress, or obsession about a problem actually violates spiritual law, because it keeps us in a state of doubt and fear. When we cast the burden onto the divine, we raise our consciousness above the problem (like lifting a boulder out of Earth’s gravity) so that it loses its “weight”.

The chapter provides a clear method: use an affirmation to transfer the concern from your limited conscious mind to the all-powerful Christ within. For example, if you are facing lack, Shinn suggests saying, “I cast this burden of lack on the Christ within, and I go free to have plenty!”. By doing so, you let the superconscious mind, which knows only abundance, handle it. One of Shinn’s students tried this when she urgently needed to remove an old piano from her studio before a new one arrived. With no solution in sight and time ticking, the student repeated, “I cast this burden on the Christ within, and I go free,” letting go of the anxiety. In minutes, she received a phone call from someone offering to take the old piano – problem solved synchronistically! Such stories show the almost immediate relief and guidance that can come once we truly let go and let God.

Shinn emphasizes that active faith is essential in casting burdens. This is not mere passive resignation; it’s a dynamic trust that frees your mind for clear guidance. Often after releasing a problem, you’ll experience a sense of clarity or a “lightness” where intuition can then reach you. She notes that one may need to repeat the casting affirmation many times (like winding up a victrola) until the inner shift to peace occurs. But once it does, your vision clears and you become receptive to the right solution. Another example involved a woman consumed by resentment. By affirming, “I cast this burden of resentment on the Christ within, and I go free to be loving, harmonious, and happy,” over and over, she eventually felt the burden lift and her heart flooded with love. Her outer life soon changed to reflect her new inner freedom.

One of the most reassuring aspects of this chapter is the idea that for every problem, the divine “umbrella mender” is already waiting on our pathway to help – but we have to hand over the umbrella! Shinn shares a charming anecdote of a lady caught in a windstorm with a blown-out umbrella. With an important meeting ahead, she panicked about her ruined umbrella, then remembered to cast the burden: “Oh God, You take charge of this!” Immediately an umbrella repair man appeared and fixed it on the spot. This illustrates that when we surrender a difficulty to God, the answer often appears in the right time (sometimes in seemingly miraculous ways). The overarching message is liberating: You don’t have to carry the weight of your problems alone. By casting your burdens onto the Christ consciousness within, you free yourself from stress and open the door for divine intervention. As Shinn encourages, “I cast this burden on the Christ within, and I go free!” – a simple declaration of trust that can transform any situation in the game of life.

Chapter 7: The Law of Love – Forgiveness and Goodwill

Chapter 7 centers on Love – the highest vibration and the fulfilling of the law. Florence Scovel Shinn asserts that love is an unbeatable force in the game of life. When we align with love, we align with God (for “God is love”). Conversely, negative emotions like hatred, resentment, and selfishness put us out of tune with the divine and inevitably result in discord in our lives. Shinn makes a bold statement that “All disease, all unhappiness, come from the violation of the law of love.” If we think about it, many personal woes stem from lack of love – whether it’s lack of self-love, holding onto resentment, or withholding kindness from others. The remedy is always to get back into a state of love and goodwill.

One powerful illustration involves a woman who took her loving husband for granted. She often remarked that she wasn’t interested in marriage and hardly paid him attention. Eventually, he fell in love with someone else and left. The woman was distraught, but Shinn pointed out that it was the natural outcome of her own lack of appreciation: “You said you didn’t care about being married, so the subconscious worked to get you unmarried.” The woman learned that lack of gratitude and love can “boomerang” as loss. Fortunately, by releasing resentment and blessing the situation, she found harmony again, realizing both she and her ex-husband were happier apart. The lesson is that we must sincerely value and give thanks for our loved ones and our blessings, or we risk pushing them away energetically. Appreciation is an act of love that magnetizes more good; lack of appreciation is a form of neglect that can repel good.

Shinn also discusses the importance of loving one’s work and money in a healthy way. She notes that many people block their financial success because inwardly they despise money or envy those who have it. But money is neutral – a form of God’s supply – and it responds to our attitude. We should neither idolize money nor scorn it, but appreciate its good uses. For example, artists who declare they “don’t care about money” often stay broke, essentially shutting the door on their own supply. Similarly, the law of use (mentioned also in this chapter) says that hoarding wealth selfishly leads to stagnation, whereas circulating it with love multiplies it. Shinn describes a rich woman who hoarded jewelry and never used it; eventually her ability to manage her affairs (even her physical mobility) became paralyzed, and her fortune was taken out of her hands. This vivid story shows how loving and using your blessings properly keeps you in the flow, whereas fear-based hoarding (a lack of love/trust) can cut off the flow.

The chapter provides plenty of inspiration to practice goodwill and forgiveness. One student of Shinn’s had a very difficult boss who treated her coldly. The student was taught to silently “salute the divinity” in her boss and send her love, seeing the “angel” in the marble as a sculptor would. Within a short time, the once-cruel employer became kind and even took her out in her car! Such transformations aren’t magic but the natural effect of love – by seeing the best in someone, we help call it forth. Even longstanding feuds or grudges can be healed when one person decides to send love and erase the charge of resentment from their own heart. As Shinn observes, when her student finally released the last bit of bitterness toward someone, the other person’s attitude changed and the student felt “marvelous lightness” within. Truly, to forgive is to set oneself free.

In summary, the Law of Love chapter reminds us that “love casts out fear” and is the fulfillment of all the other laws. Choosing love in thought, word, and deed is the master key to health, happiness, and prosperity. Where there is love, there can be no loss – for love heals, attracts, and perfects all things. Shinn encourages us to make a habit of sending love to everyone and everything: bless your relationships, bless your finances, bless those who oppose you. In doing so, you harmonize with the highest law and life responds with peace and plenty. Living with a heart of love and goodwill turns the game of life into a joyous dance where everyone can win.

Chapter 8: Intuition or Guidance – Following Divine Direction

This chapter delves into the importance of Divine Guidance and intuition in playing the game of life. Florence Scovel Shinn makes it clear that no matter how diligently we affirm and speak words of good, we must also listen to the inner voice for direction. She cites the scripture, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths,” emphasizing that we should ask for a lead from Spirit in every endeavor. There is nothing too great or too small to seek guidance on – from finding the right career to a nudge to visit a certain shop. Shinn defines intuition as a sudden knowing or “hunch” that doesn’t come from reasoning. It often points the way without explanation. In her words, “Intuition is a spiritual faculty and does not explain, but simply points the way.”

Shinn provides practical steps for combining affirmation with guidance. First, you speak the word for what you desire (health, supply, right situation, etc.), then you “do not do anything until you get a definite lead.” She even advises praying explicitly: “Infinite Spirit, reveal to me the way. Let me know if there’s anything I should do.” Then be alert – the answer may come as a gut feeling, a chance comment by a friend, a line in a book, or any synchronicity. One story recounts a woman who asked for immediate financial supply and intuitively felt she should generously give $100 to someone who had helped her spiritually. Her rational mind balked, but soon after, another person mentioned giving a smaller sum that was a big sacrifice – confirming the guidance. The woman followed through on the inspired idea to give, and as a result, a “large sum of money” flowed to her in return. This demonstrates the principle that giving opens the way for receiving, and often our intuition will guide us to the act that unlocks our good.

Another remarkable example of intuition in the book is when a woman seeking her ideal job received multiple offers and felt torn. Shinn told her to ask for a clear sign. The woman woke up one morning with the vivid scent of Palm Beach, a place associated with one of the job offers – that sensory hunch told her which path to choose (and it turned out perfectly). Shinn herself shares that she once felt a sudden urge to walk into a bakery for no logical reason; inside she “coincidentally” met a friend who desperately needed her help at that moment. This underscores that intuition might lead you seemingly out of your way, but there’s always a divine purpose behind it. Trust those inner nudges, even when they defy logic.

The chapter also touches on the law of use and how our external affairs can influence our well-being. For instance, a student came for healing of a physical condition, and during a guided meditation she got the hunch to take her stored furniture out and set up her own apartment. Shinn discerned that this intuitive lead was vital – the woman’s “congestion” in life (hoarding things in storage and not using them) had manifested as congestion in the body. Once the woman followed through – using her furniture (her substance) – her health issue cleared. This example teaches that obeying guidance promptly can remove blockages in any area of life, because often our inner and outer stagnations are linked.

Ultimately, this chapter encourages us to cultivate a listening ear for Spirit. Shinn urges that we “practice the presence of God” by acknowledging divine mind in even mundane matters. Sometimes a small intuitive action leads to big results. And when no action is indicated, the guidance might simply be to wait patiently. The universe’s timing is perfect when we trust it. By following divine intuition, we align our moves with the “Game Master” – Infinite Intelligence – who can see the whole board of life. Playing by intuition ensures we’re always at the right place at the right time. In sum, Florence Scovel Shinn teaches that every person has an internal compass pointing to their highest good. If we acknowledge Spirit in all our ways and follow those gentle inner promptings, we’ll find our lives unfolding in almost magical order and our goals manifesting in the most joyful, inspired fashion.

Chapter 9: Perfect Self-Expression – Aligning with Your Divine Design

In Chapter 9, Shinn explores the concept of Divine Design – the idea that each person has a perfect plan for their life already established in the superconscious mind. This is our true destiny or calling, what she calls “perfect self-expression.” When we align with this divine design, we experience real joy, success, and a sense of effortless rightness in what we do. Shinn reassures readers that there is a special role only you can fill: “There is for each man, perfect self-expression. There is a place which he is to fill and no one else can fill, something which he is to do, which no one else can do; it is his destiny!”. This poetic statement underscores that we each have unique talents and missions in life planted in us by Infinite Intelligence.

However, many people are not living their true divine design – often due to societal pressure, ego, or simply not asking to know it. Shinn observes that “nearly every man has wandered far from the Divine Design” and thus struggles or feels unfulfilled. The good news is we can always course-correct by seeking guidance and making the demand for our perfect self-expression to reveal itself. She suggests affirming: “Infinite Spirit, open the way for the Divine Plan of my life to manifest. Let the genius in me now be released; let me see clearly the perfect plan.” When you pray for the divine selection in career, relationships, or any endeavor, you allow “destiny” to take the wheel instead of mere personal will.

Shinn provides examples of what happens when the divine design comes into play. Sometimes, following this prayer, dramatic shifts occur – what seems like upheaval is actually life reordering itself to match your true purpose. She tells of a woman whose life was turned upside-down like a cyclone after demanding her perfect self-expression, but shortly thereafter everything fell into a wonderfully new order that suited her far better. Another man gave a symbolic token (a penny, his last one) as an act of faith and asked Shinn to speak the word for his “perfect self-expression and prosperity.” Within a year, he went from having seven cents to a high-paying position in a distant city, “demonstrating health, happiness, and supply.” This shows that when we commit to our authentic path, the universe “finances” and supports us – all the needed resources appear, because the divine idea carries its own supply.

An interesting point Shinn makes is that perfect self-expression never feels like hard labor. It’s often something we love so much that it feels like play, and yet it blesses others and prospers us. We may have hidden talents or passions we’ve ignored. By asking to be shown our divine design, some people find themselves almost miraculously equipped to enter a new field or creative pursuit with little formal training. Shinn encourages fearlessness in following these inner prompts – if you get a vision or idea of doing something, trust that Infinite Intelligence will enable you to succeed in it. She famously reminds us not to “bury our talents” out of fear or false humility, warning that unused gifts atrophy and attract a “penalty” of stagnation. The divine design demands we use what God gave us joyfully.

To stay aligned, Shinn advises practicing the presence of God in all activities and not falling back into personal ego. One student had a flawless trip abroad by constantly affirming divine guidance, only to encounter chaos upon returning home because she stopped acknowledging Spirit in the familiar environment. The moral: keep acknowledging the divine in every step, and your life remains enchanted. Even small intuitive leads, when followed, can be the turning of the tide that leads to big breakthroughs (like Robert Fulton getting the idea for the steamboat from watching a teapot). Shinn also mentions the importance of not outlining how things should happen – don’t insist on a specific “channel” for your good, as that can limit God. Be open, and let God’s unlimited ideas manifest in surprising ways.

In short, Chapter 9 is a call to find and live your God-given purpose. When you do, you experience the “square of life” – perfect health, wealth, love, and expression – that completes your joy. Shinn’s advice is to seek first your divine design (the Kingdom within), and all other needs will be met as part of that plan. By using affirmations and listening to intuition, you will receive hints and flashes of what truly makes your heart sing and how you are meant to contribute to the world. Then, as you courageously act on those hints, life will respond with open doors, supportive people, and a deep sense of fulfillment that confirms you’re “in the zone” of your unique destiny. Playing the game of life is most joyous when you play your own game – the one designed just for you by Infinite Wisdom.

Chapter 10: Denials and Affirmations – Speaking Your World into Being

The final chapter of The Game of Life and How to Play It is a practical guide to using denials and affirmations – the spoken formulas by which we reject negative appearances and claim our good. Shinn reiterates a core truth: “Thou shalt decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee.” Our word has creative power, so we must be careful to decree only the Divine Idea for ourselves. This means if something undesirable is showing up (illness, lack, conflict), we shouldn’t keep affirming its reality. Instead, we first deny it any power, and then affirm the truth we wish to see. Denials are not about saying “this problem doesn’t exist at all” in a state of denial; rather, it’s declaring that the problem has no real substance or lasting reality in Divine Mind, and thus it can be changed.

For example, if one is sick, a denial might be: “I deny this appearance of illness. It is without permanent reality – it cannot hold onto me – for I am a perfect idea of health in Divine Mind.” Immediately after, you would follow with an affirmation of health, such as “Every cell of my body radiates perfect health and light.” Shinn provides a powerful testimony where she was asked late at night to help a man she’d never met who was very ill. Over the phone she spoke a denial: “I deny this appearance of disease. It is unreal and cannot register in this perfect man, made in God’s image.” She followed with an affirmation of the man’s perfection. Because in Divine Mind there is no time or space, her word “reached” him immediately and had healing effect. This incident underscores that by decreeing only truth (wholeness, not illness), we invite the divine pattern to manifest and the illusion to dissolve.

Shinn also clarifies the difference between visualizing (using the limited mind to “picture” something) and visioning (receiving a divine idea from the superconscious). The latter is more powerful and aligned with affirmations because it’s guided by Infinite Intelligence rather than personal will. Throughout this chapter, she stresses the importance of choosing the right words and expanding our acceptance. Many people limit their results by asking for too little or in a constrained way. One student affirmed only $600 by a certain date; he got exactly that, but later learned he could have received $1000 had he not mentally capped it. The lesson: don’t limit the Holy One of Israel – always add “under grace in a perfect way” and let the Universe fill your order in whatever generous way is best. Shinn encourages us to enlarge our expectation and to always ask for the “divine selection” of good (the right job, the right partner, the right opportunity) rather than a specific but possibly wrong thing. By doing so, we ensure we’re manifesting the highest good, not just what our limited perspective thinks we want.

The chapter ends with a rich list of affirmations for different needs, which are the tools to win the game. These include prosperity statements, like “God is my unfailing supply, and large sums of money come to me quickly under grace, in perfect ways,” and health statements such as “Divine Love floods my consciousness with health, and every cell in my body is filled with light.” There are affirmations for guidance (e.g. “I am divinely sensitive to my intuitive leads, and I give instant obedience to Thy will”), for right work (“I have a perfect work in a perfect way; I give a perfect service for perfect pay”), and for freedom (“I cast this burden on the Christ within, and I go free!”). Shinn encourages using these or similar words to constantly condition the mind for success, harmony, and abundance.

The strategy is clear: whenever a negative thought or situation arises, deny its ultimate reality and rob it of any power over you, then affirm your desired outcome with faith and feeling. By doing this consistently, you essentially reprogram your subconscious with new “blueprints” of good, and the outer world must eventually echo those blueprints. Florence Shinn assures us that with fearless faith, nonresistance, and love – reinforced by spoken words of truth – we can truly bring “our heaven” to “our earth” and fulfill the “Divine Design of our lives – Health, Wealth, Love, and Perfect Self-Expression.” In the conclusion of the book, she blesses the reader with the hope that they are freed from whatever has held them back, and that they “know the Truth which makes [them] free” to win the game of life. It’s a fitting finale that empowers the reader: you have learned the rules, now go forth and decree your highest good, knowing that the Universe will establish it for you.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Spiritual Power and Play to Win

Florence Scovel Shinn’s The Game of Life and How to Play It is more than just a book – it’s a manual for empowered, faith-filled living. Nearly a century after its publication, Florence Scovel Shinn’s teachings continue to resonate because they remind us of our co-creative role with the divine. We learn that life responds to our beliefs, words, and intentions like a mirror. By applying Shinn’s spiritual success principles – the law of giving and receiving, the power of the spoken word, non-resistance, forgiveness, intuition, love, and affirmations – you can transform challenges into victories. This book gently but firmly shows that you are not a victim of circumstances, but the player holding the controller. When you change the internal conditions (your thoughts and feelings), the external conditions must change in accordance with spiritual law.

Take a moment to reflect on which chapter’s lesson speaks most to you right now. Do you need to speak more positive affirmations into your career or health? Is it time to release a burden you’ve been carrying and trust divine guidance for the next step? Perhaps practicing radical forgiveness would liberate you from the past, or choosing love over fear in a difficult relationship could open the door to healing. The beauty of The Game of Life is that it covers the full spectrum of life’s arenas – money, relationships, self-expression, and wellbeing – all underpinned by the game’s ultimate rules: fearless faith, non-resistance, and love. By embracing these principles, you cultivate the unshakable abundance mindset that Shinn champions – a mindset that expects good, claims one’s divine rights, and remains open to miracles.

In an age where manifestation and the law of attraction are common talk, Florence Scovel Shinn stands out with her timeless clarity and God-centered approach. She reminds us that we play this game with an ever-present partner: the Infinite Intelligence that guides our intuition, provides for every need, and lovingly corrects our course when we stray. Life’s not meant to be a painful contest of wills, but a joyous unfolding of the Divine Design within us. When you play by spiritual rules, life becomes almost magical – needs are met “out of the blue,” opportunities find you, and inner peace becomes your default state. This isn’t just new-age fluff; as the countless anecdotes in the book show, it’s a reproducible reality for those who apply the laws diligently.

So, are you ready to play to win? The game of life is happening all around you, and you now have the rulebook in hand. Start today by watching your words, following your hunches, blessing your finances, forgiving old grievances, and affirming that only the divine plan will manifest for you. Little by little, you’ll see the “visible” world reconfigure to match the good you’ve been imaging and speaking. As Shinn would say, the supply for every demand is already here, and the solution to every problem is already prepared – your job is simply to get in tune with the positive side of the spiritual law.

In the spirit of this uplifting classic, step forward with confidence and claim the life of abundance, love, and purpose that is meant for you. Remember: the game of life is not a battle – it’s a game. Play it with joy, faith, and the knowledge that you cannot lose when Infinite Spirit is your guide and partner. As you finish reading, take the energy of inspiration and put these ideas into practice. Your “wins” – healed relationships, unexpected income, creative breakthroughs, inner serenity – will not only enrich you but also inspire others around you to discover these principles. This is how we collectively elevate the game for everyone.

Call to Action: If you found wisdom and inspiration in Florence Scovel Shinn’s teachings, imagine what deeper secrets await in other spiritual works. To continue your journey of empowerment and manifesting your desires, consider exploring Abdullah Unveiled, a book that delves into the mystic mentor behind Neville Goddard’s success. It connects New Thought principles to ancient wisdom and modern manifestation techniques. This compelling read will expand your understanding of living “as if” and strengthening your faith in the unseen. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your manifesting mastery – get your copy of Abdullah Unveiled today and unlock the next level of your spiritual game!

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