The Reticular Activating System (RAS) Relationship to the Law of Attraction

Have you ever wondered why certain things catch your attention while others fade into the background? Or how your brain seems to pick up on patterns that align with your goals or desires? This isn't just a coincidence it's your Reticular Activating System (RAS) at work. In this article, we’ll dive into how the RAS influences your focus, how it connects to the Law of Attraction, and how you can use this knowledge to shape your reality.

What is the Reticular Activating System (RAS)?

The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a bundle of nerves located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in filtering the information you process. According to Wikipedia, the RAS acts as a gatekeeper, determining what stimuli make it to your conscious awareness. Think of it as a personal assistant for your brain, deciding what’s important enough to bring to your attention and what can be ignored.

This system is why you suddenly notice a particular type of car after buying one, or why certain opportunities seem to "magically" appear once you start focusing on them. The RAS helps your brain focus on the things that align with your goals, experiences, or beliefs whether they’re positive or negative. This ties directly into the Law of Attraction because what you focus on expands. If you're constantly thinking about opportunities, your brain will actively seek them out. On the flip side, if you're focused on problems, guess what? Your brain will find more of those, too.

How the Reticular Activating System Works with the Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction suggests that like attracts like whatever energy or focus you put out into the universe, you’ll get back. The RAS serves as the biological foundation for this idea. It acts as the filter between your conscious mind and the subconscious. When you consistently think about something, the RAS helps you notice things related to those thoughts in your environment.

For instance, if you're thinking about starting a new business, the RAS will begin to filter your environment for opportunities, such as networking events, new business ideas, or potential mentors. Without the RAS acting as a bridge, these opportunities might go unnoticed, even if they’re right in front of you.

The Science of Focus

The RAS isn’t magic; it’s grounded in neuroscience. Your brain processes millions of bits of information every second, but your conscious mind can only handle about 40 bits per second. The RAS steps in by filtering out irrelevant data, making sure you focus on what’s most important to you at the moment.

When you set goals, you’re essentially programming your RAS. It will then "highlight" information that aligns with those goals. In other words, you’re teaching your brain what to look for. This selective focus explains why people who practice visualization and goal-setting often see results they’re tuning their RAS to be on the lookout for things that support their goals.

Practical Exercises to Apply the RAS and Law of Attraction Principles

If you’re ready to harness the power of your RAS and the Law of Attraction, here are a few practical exercises to get started:

1. Set Clear Goals

The first step in activating your RAS is to clearly define what you want. Write down your goals in vivid detail, and keep them somewhere visible. This simple act programs your brain to focus on opportunities related to those goals.

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Take 10 minutes to write down three goals. Be specific don’t just say “I want to be successful.” Instead, write, “I want to start a successful online business that generates $5,000 a month.”

2. Visualization

One of the most effective ways to leverage your RAS is through visualization. Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself achieving your goals. When you visualize, you're telling your RAS, “This is important.”

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Every morning, close your eyes and visualize yourself living your dream life. Include as much detail as possible: what you’re wearing, who you’re with, and how you feel.

3. Positive Affirmations

Affirmations can help reprogram your RAS to focus on positive outcomes. Repeating phrases like “I am worthy of success” trains your brain to believe it, which then influences your actions and focus.

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Create three affirmations related to your goals. Repeat them out loud every day to reinforce your focus.

Benefits of Understanding the Reticular Activating System

Why should you care about your RAS? Understanding how it works can provide several life-changing benefits:

• Improved Focus:

• By consciously directing your RAS, you’ll find it easier to stay focused on your goals.

• Enhanced Problem-Solving:

• Your RAS will help you notice opportunities or solutions you might otherwise miss.

• Reduced Overwhelm:

• The RAS filters out distractions, helping you focus on what really matters.

• Faster Goal Achievement:

• When your RAS is attuned to your goals, you’re more likely to take actions that bring you closer to achieving them.

What Are the Disadvantages and Benefits of the Reticular Activating System?

While the RAS is incredibly powerful, it’s not without its downsides. Here’s a quick look at both the benefits and disadvantages:

Benefits:

• Increased Awareness:
• The RAS makes you more aware of opportunities aligned with your desires.
• Helps with Goal Focus:
• It keeps you laser-focused on what matters most.
• Personal Growth:
• By filtering information, the RAS aids in personal development, helping you focus on positive habits.

Disadvantages:

• Negative Focus:
• If you're fixated on negative thoughts, the RAS will filter for negative experiences, reinforcing the cycle.
• Bias Confirmation:
• The RAS can sometimes reinforce existing beliefs, making it hard to see things from new perspectives.
• Overload of Information:
• If you overload your mind with too many goals or conflicting priorities, the RAS might struggle to filter effectively.

Real-Life Examples of the Reticular Activating System in Action

Many successful individuals unknowingly use the RAS to their advantage. Take the example of a professional athlete. Athletes often visualize themselves performing at their best. By focusing on success, they train their RAS to look for opportunities in the game that lead to better performance. Similarly, entrepreneurs who practice daily goal-setting are programming their RAS to identify opportunities that align with their business vision.

A famous example is Jim Carrey, who wrote himself a $10 million check for acting services rendered before he became a successful actor. By focusing intensely on his goal, his RAS picked up on opportunities that led to his breakthrough role in Hollywood.

Conclusion:

The Reticular Activating System is like a high-powered spotlight that focuses on what you deem important. Whether you realize it or not, your RAS is constantly working in the background, filtering the flood of information around you to show you what’s relevant. When you combine the RAS with the principles of the Law of Attraction, you get a powerful tool for achieving your goals and transforming your life.

So, if you want to unlock your full potential, start paying attention to what you focus on. Set clear goals, practice visualization, and train your brain to look for opportunities that align with your dreams.

Your RAS is already working for you now it’s time to put it to work in a way that brings you closer to the life you’ve always wanted.