Our Reticular Activation System (RAS)

What is the Reticular Activating System?
The reticular activating system (RAS) is a network of neurons located in the brain stem that project anteriorly to the hypothalamus to mediate behavior, as well as both posteriorly to the thalamus and directly to the cortex for activation of awake, desynchronized cortical EEG patterns.

The main function of RAS --  The reticular activating system (RAS) denotes that part of the brainstem reticular formation which performs a crucial role in maintaining behavioral arousal, consciousness, and motivation.

"Our brains are incredibly complex. We can sift through billions of bits of data at any given time. And somehow, so we don’t short circuit, we have to organize that information. The Reticular Activating System helps with that.

The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a bundle of nerves at our brainstem that filters out unnecessary information so the important stuff gets through.

The RAS is the reason you learn a new word and then start hearing it everywhere. It’s why you can tune out a crowd full of talking people, yet immediately snap to attention when someone says your name or something that at least sounds like it.

Your RAS takes what you focus on and creates a filter for it. It then sifts through the data and presents only the pieces that are important to you. All of this happens without you noticing, of course. The RAS programs itself to work in your favor without you actively doing anything. Pretty awesome, right?

In the same way, the RAS seeks information that validates your beliefs. It filters the world through the parameters you give it, and your beliefs shape those parameters. If you think you are bad at giving speeches, you probably will be. If you believe you work efficiently, you most likely do. The RAS helps you see what you want to see and in doing so, influences your actions.

Some people suggest that you can train your RAS by taking your subconscious thoughts and marrying them to your conscious thoughts. They call it “setting your intent.” This basically means that if you focus hard on your goals, your RAS will reveal the people, information and opportunities that help you achieve them."  SOURCE:  Personal Blog of Tobias van Schneider

THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE (TPI) agrees with this and for the past 40 years TPI has been improving productivity and profitability in organizations around the world, like but not limited to:  City College, Fonterra, Sasol, Scotia Gas Works, Unilever, National American University, Coca Cola, Fresenius, Schneider, and Midland...

And, they do this using a training program that they developed focused around and using THE RETICULAR ACTIVATING SYSTEM...  and, I know this as being TRUTH because I participation when I worked for a proprietary college in Kentucky and not only did I participate in the program but I taught it as well to other employees...  and, if you seriously apply the principles, it works.