The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a cluster of cells at the base of the brain. It has various functions, but let’s focus on how the RAS filters information and keeps you focused on your beliefs, values, and goals. The RAS is like a gatekeeper that filters out unnecessary information to help you stay focused on what is most important. It seeks information that validates your beliefs and goals, whether it is helpful or not.
You determine what the RAS filters by what you believe. If you believe that you can’t pass an exam, then the RAS will focus on how you think you’re not smart enough and remind you of all the proof to justify these thoughts (Like that “D” you received in 6th grade). But if you believe you will succeed in passing and believe you know the information, the RAS will keep you focused on the information on the exam and how you’ve done well in the past.
Have you ever wanted a particular car? You have thought of the color and style and then start seeing this car more often. This is because you started to focus on this car and the RAS started to filter out the other cars so you could see this particular car more often.
Think of the last time you saw a beautiful sunset. You probably weren’t in the perfect location with the perfect view. Maybe there were trees, wires, or houses in the way, but you could still see the sunset. Your RAS filtered out all the junk allowing you to focus on the sunset because that is what you wanted to see.
The RAS is aware of what you pay attention to on a daily basis. If you are focusing on a negative event that happened in your life, you are more likely to see things that remind you of this event. If, however, you shift your focus to healing and surrounding yourself with supportive people, the RAS will guide you in that direction.
If you have ever been in mental health therapy, you may have noticed how much work is centered on your thoughts. Not only do your thoughts lead to how you feel and respond (CBT Cycle), but they also lead to your daily focus. The RAS helps you focus on what you are thinking. If you are focused on not being good enough, the RAS will help you find proof to solidify this belief. But if your focus shifts to feeling empowered and changing perspective, you start to tune in to people and opportunities around you that will help maintain this focus.
The brain is wired to keep you comfortable. It wants to keep you in your comfort zone whether it is beneficial for you or not. The only way to filter out all of the junk is to refocus your attention on what you really want to see and believe. If you shift your focus to what you truly value, goals you want to achieve, and people you enjoy, the RAS will filter out the opposite.
Try this: Think of one word that you want to focus on and write it down (ex. happiness, relax, calm, peace, breathe). Post it somewhere or in numerous places where you can see it and think about it often. Now pay attention to how often you see and think about this word on a daily basis. Or, try choosing a shape like a star or a heart. See how often you can find this shape in your environment.
You See What You Believe
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