By Jenny Tinmouth
17/08/2023
The Power of Focus - How Your Mind Shapes Your Reality
Your focus plays a significant role in shaping Your reality. The phrase "what you focus on becomes powerful" is not just a catchy saying; it's grounded in real science, known as experience-dependent neuroplasticity.
The Role of Reticular Activating System (RAS)
Your brain is designed to filter information, and the Reticular Activating System (RAS), a network of neurons at the base of your brain stem, is responsible for this vital task. Acting like a gatekeeper between your conscious and subconscious minds, the RAS helps you stay focused and prevents sensory overload. By understanding this process, you can consciously shape your reality and work towards achieving your goals.
Think of the RAS as your personal assistant, curating your reality based on what you prioritise and value. It filters out less critical or repetitive data, allowing only relevant information to reach your higher brain centres. This filtering mechanism is crucial for maintaining focus and avoiding sensory overload. What you choose to focus on shapes your perception and attention, influencing various aspects of your life.
The RAS goes beyond being a mere filter; it actively shapes your perceptions, emotions, and actions. It is influenced not only by external factors but also by your beliefs, fears, and focus. By consciously or subconsciously conveying what's important to you and what you value, you attract more of whatever you concentrate on.
The Power of Directed Focus
Consciously directing your focus and attention empowers you to achieve your goals. When you align your thoughts and aspirations, the RAS prioritises relevant information, paving the way towards your desired outcomes.
However, it's essential to be mindful of your thoughts and emotions. Negative thoughts and feelings can reinforce negative neural pathways, impacting your overall well-being and mental health. Instead, choose positive experiences and practice gratitude to rewire your brain for resilience and optimism.
Balancing Negative Emotions
It's crucial to strike a balance between acknowledging negative emotions for personal growth and actively working towards positivity and inner wisdom. Catching yourself when thinking negatively and redirecting your focus towards the positive is key to nurturing positive neural pathways. By recognising negative thoughts and shifting focus, you can help the RAS prioritise constructive experiences and rewire your brain to become more resilient and optimistic.
Enhancing Positive Neural Pathways
Repetition and focus are fundamental to the process of neural rewiring. When you repeatedly experience or concentrate on something, the connections between neurons grow stronger. A classic example is how we effortlessly recite our timetables after years of practice. These reinforced connections shape the brain's architecture and extend their influence on our genes, affecting their function.
The Impact on Reality
Your focus has the power to shape your reality. By harnessing the potential of the RAS and being mindful of your thoughts and feelings, you can consciously create a more empowering and fulfilling life. Choose positivity, practice gratitude, and nurture positive neural pathways through repetition and focus to achieve your goals and lead a happier life.
“Our thoughts create our reality - where we put our focus is the direction we tend to go.”
Peter McWilliams
This article is for information purposes only and should not be treated as a professional opinion or advice. The content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, accurate, or error-free and is not offered as a substitute for professional advice. By reading this blog, you acknowledge and agree that any actions you take based on the provided information or channels are executed at your own risk.