You’ve probably seen them in your inbox. Maybe a friend forwarded one during a particularly rough week, or perhaps you signed up years ago and forgot until a notification popped up at 6:00 AM. They usually start with your name, followed by a bit of cosmic encouragement that feels eerily specific to whatever fire you’re trying to put out in your life.
Notes from the Universe isn't just an email list. It’s a cultural mainstay of the manifestation movement that has outlasted nearly every other digital trend from the early 2000s. While other "guru" platforms have crumbled under the weight of scandals or outdated tech, Mike Dooley’s brainchild continues to land in millions of inboxes every single weekday.
It's weirdly simple. There are no flashy graphics. No high-production videos attached. Just text. But why does it still resonate when we are currently drowning in a sea of AI-generated "inspirational" quotes and TikTok manifestation hacks?
Honestly, it’s because the Universe—at least as Dooley writes it—has a sense of humor.
The Man Behind the Curtain: Mike Dooley’s Philosophy
Most people don't realize that Mike Dooley didn't start as a spiritual teacher. He was an international tax accountant for Price Waterhouse. That’s about as far from "cosmic messenger" as you can get. He eventually co-founded a t-shirt company with his brother called TUT (Totally Unique Thoughts). When the t-shirt business slowed down, he started sending out these little poems and thoughts to his customers.
Those emails morphed into what we now know as Notes from the Universe.
Dooley’s core philosophy is built on a few specific pillars. First, thoughts become things. This isn't a new concept—it’s the backbone of The Secret (where Dooley was a featured teacher)—but he frames it differently. He focuses heavily on "The Hows." Or rather, the fact that you shouldn't worry about them.
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In the TUT universe, "The Hows" are the domain of the Divine. Your job is to set the intention and take "programmatic action," while the Universe handles the logistics. It’s a relief for most people. We spend so much time micromanaging every detail of our careers and relationships that being told to "just show up" feels like a deep exhale.
Why These Emails Feel So Personal
Have you ever noticed how the notes seem to know when you're doubting yourself? There's no complex algorithm at play here. It’s actually a psychological phenomenon called the Barnum Effect, or the Forer Effect. This occurs when individuals believe that generic personality descriptions apply specifically to them.
But it’s more than just a psychological trick. Dooley writes with a specific tone. The Universe isn't portrayed as a judgmental deity or a cold, unfeeling void. It’s written as an enthusiastic, slightly quirky cheerleader.
- It uses phrases like "Tallyho!"
- It refers to your life as an "adventure."
- It constantly reminds you that you are "adored."
The brilliance lies in the perspective. By writing from the viewpoint of the Universe itself, the messages bypass our typical cynical filters. If a friend tells you "everything will be okay," you might roll your eyes. When "The Universe" tells you that your current struggle is just a setup for a massive breakthrough, you tend to listen.
Dealing With the "Toxic Positivity" Critique
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Some critics argue that Notes from the Universe leans too heavily into toxic positivity. Life isn't always sunshine and manifestos. Sometimes, things just suck.
Dooley has addressed this in his books, such as Manifesting Change and Infinite Possibilities. He doesn't suggest that you should ignore reality. Instead, he argues for "acting as if." It’s about a mental shift. If you wait for the circumstances to change before you feel happy, you're stuck in a loop.
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However, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations. Manifestation isn't a substitute for medical help, financial planning, or systemic change. It’s a tool for mindset. Even the most dedicated "TUT-ters" (as the community is sometimes called) will tell you that the notes are a supplement to a proactive life, not a replacement for it.
The Science of Daily Reminders
There is actual neurological value in what Dooley is doing. Our brains have a Reticular Activating System (RAS). This is a bundle of nerves at our brainstem that filters out unnecessary information and lets through what's important.
If you start your day by reading a Note from the Universe that tells you to look for "unexpected windfalls," your RAS is primed. You’re more likely to notice the $5 bill on the sidewalk or the email offering a new opportunity that you might have otherwise ignored. It’s not necessarily that the Universe "sent" the money—though Dooley would argue it did—it’s that you were finally tuned in to see it.
How to Actually Use the Notes Without Becoming a Cliche
If you're going to subscribe, don't just let them pile up in your "Promotions" tab. That’s useless.
I’ve found that the best way to interact with these messages is to treat them like a Rorschach test. Look at the note and ask: How does this apply to the conversation I had yesterday? Or What am I currently afraid of that this note is addressing?
- Read it early. Before you check the news or your Slack messages. Set the tone before the world tells you who to be.
- Take the "programmatic action." The notes often mention that the Universe can’t move a parked car. You have to be in motion. If you want a new job, the note is your sign to actually send the resume.
- Personalize your sign-off. When you sign up, you can choose what the Universe calls you and what your goals are. Be specific. Don’t just say "success." Say "the launch of my boutique" or "healing my relationship with my brother."
The Impact of the TUT Community
TUT isn't just an email list anymore. It’s a massive ecosystem. There are World Laughing Tours, cruises, and "Infinite Possibilities" trainers who teach these concepts in prisons and shelters.
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This global reach is why the keyword notes from the universe remains high in search volume. It’s a shared language. When you meet someone else who "gets" it, there’s an instant rapport. You both speak the language of "thoughts become things."
Common Misconceptions
One big mistake people make is thinking they need to pay for the magic. The daily notes are free. Always have been. While Mike sells books and courses, the core "Notes from the Universe" experience costs zero dollars.
Another misconception? That you have to be "spiritual" or "New Age" to enjoy them. I know hard-nosed business owners who read these because they find the psychological priming helps them stay focused during high-stakes negotiations. You don't have to believe in a sentient cosmos to benefit from a daily reminder that you are capable and that your efforts matter.
What to Do Next
If you’re feeling stuck, don't just wait for a sign. Create a feedback loop.
- Sign up for the daily feed. It takes thirty seconds on the TUT website.
- Audit your "Hows." Write down one goal you’re obsessed with right now. Identify where you are trying to force a specific outcome (the "How") and consciously decide to let go of that specific path for 48 hours.
- Do one "scary" thing. The Universe loves action. Send the email you’ve been drafting in your head for three weeks.
The real power of these notes isn't in the words themselves. It’s in the way they force you to pause. In a world that demands 24/7 productivity and "grind" culture, a message that says "Slow down, you're doing better than you think" is a radical act.
Stop overthinking the mechanics of manifestation. Just start noticing the patterns. Whether you believe the Universe is literally talking to you or you just appreciate a well-timed pep talk, the result is the same: you show up to your life with a little more hope and a lot less baggage.