The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that acts as a filter and focusing mechanism for the information entering the conscious mind.
It is very important because we are bombarded with millions of bits of sensory data: sights, sounds, smells, thoughts, etc. constantly. The Reticular Activating System filters the information according to what we have told it is important……through our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and repeated focus.
Whatever you consistently focus on, whether it is negative or positive, your Reticular Activating System will find confirming evidence for.
This is very important to be aware of for our self-image. If we believe that we are not good enough, or smart enough, etc. We will notice experiences that will confirm those beliefs. To change our self-image, it is important to reprogram ourselves, affirm, feel being what how we want to be, and the Reticular Activating System start showing us experiences to confirm it.
If we think that nothing good happens for us, the Reticular Activating System will highlight experiences to confirm that. To change those experiences, we need to confirm that good comes to us and things do work out for us we need to look for the good and expect good things to happen. The Reticular Activating System will highlight good and positive experiences for us.
We can intentionally program our Reticular Activating through consistent mental practice.
- Set clear intentions, be specific about what we want to notice or attract.
- Use visualization, picture our goals as already achieved.
- Speak affirmations, reinforce new beliefs daily.
- Practice gratitude, it shifts focus to what is working and raises our vibration.
- Journal daily, writing goals anchors them in our subconscious.