Ever wonder why you notice certain things and not others from time to time? No coincidence, really. Especially when you can’t seem to shake off that stupid song in your head. Or why you’re suddenly aware of every instance of a particular word or phrase after hearing it for the first time? 

What we’re looking for can be found by hitting the pause button on our daily rush. The Reticular Activating System is one of those brain functions we rarely think about, but it’s working overtime. Your brain has a super-efficient editor that screens everything you see, hear, and experience, deciding what gets to reach your conscious awareness.

The Gatekeeper of Perception

We mentioned already that the RAS is like a bouncer at the door of your brain, deciding what gets in and what stays out. But to be more specific,

it’s responsible for sensory gating, the process of filtering out irrelevant sensory information to prevent overwhelm. Picture a mental framework where everything else fades into the background, and what’s left is an electrifying focus – this filter is the architect of that universe. Slip out of RAS balance, and you may find yourself hurled into a maelstrom of anxiety, ADHD, and depression – outcomes that can feel impossible to escape.

Mindfulness and Meditation: The RAS Hackers

So, how do we optimize this powerful system? Enter mindfulness and meditation, two practices that have been misunderstood as mere spiritual fluff. Strip away the hype and you’re left with hard science, plus a profound effect on the RAS that’s tough to ignore.

Mindfulness and meditation rewire the RAS, increasing its efficiency and flexibility. By training your brain to focus on the present moment, you’re essentially hacking your RAS to:

• Filter out distractions: Reduce mind-wandering and increase attention span [1]
• Enhance cognitive function: Improve memory, problem-solving, and creativity [2]
• Regulate emotions: Decrease stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity [3]

The Science Behind Meditation

Meditation is not just about sitting cross-legged and chanting mantras. It’s a scientifically-backed practice that alters brain structure and function. Regular meditation has been shown to:

• Thicken the prefrontal cortex, associated with attention, decision-making, and impulse control [4]
• Increase grey matter, leading to improved emotional regulation and cognitive function [5]
• Reduce inflammation, a key contributor to chronic diseases [6]

Demystifying Meditation

Meditation is not a supernatural phenomenon, but a biological response to specific practices. Stop focusing on elevated states and start understanding the simple truths – that’s what really matters. What if you could squeeze more creativity and clarity out of your mind – every day? Harness the power of smooth, seamless operations.

The core idea is simple: this is what you need to grasp.

Weave mindfulness and meditation into your daily schedule, and get ready to Experience a profound Supercharge your reticular activating system (RAS) to start achieving your goals. When cognitive abilities sharpen, emotions fall into line, and suddenly, life feels more stable and fulfilling.

Take the First Step Toward Transforming Your RAS Experience

Uncover the richness of a breakthrough moment, like a burst of sunshine, can suddenly render the Reticular Activating System awake, alert, and back in the driver’s seat. Uncover the hidden driver within your mind that can rev up your inner strength and take control of your life’s direction.

References

[1] Killingsworth, M. A., & Gilbert, D. T. (2010). A wandering brain is a unhappy brain. Science, 330(6003), 932.

[2] Lutz, A., Slagter, H. A., Dunne, J. D., & Davidson, R. J. (2008). Attention regulation and monitoring in meditation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(4), 163-169.

[3] Hofmann, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., Witt, A. A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169-183.

[4] Luders, E., Clark, K., Narr, K. L., & Toga, A. W. (2013). Neuroplasticity is a powerful force, as meditation shows us. Witness the astonishing growth of the corpus callosum in practitioners who devote themselves to stillness. Suddenly, mind and body are brought into a state of perfect harmony. NeuroImage, 82, 158-166.

[5] Leclerc, S., Tartar, J. L., & Bartholomew, J. B. (2014). Assessing the effects of meditation on gray matter volume and cortical thickness: A systematic review. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 46, 330-341.

[6] Oken, B. S., Salinsky, E., & Salinsky, S. (2012). Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: A systematic review. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 26(2), 274-284.