The Science of Setting Intentions 🧠
When we focus on a specific intention and pair it with strong emotions, we trigger an essential part of our brain known as the reticular activating system (RAS).
The RAS, located in the brainstem, filters information and determines what catches our attention. By intentionally focusing on what we want, we prompt the RAS to notice opportunities and resources that align with our intentions.
A practical example of the RAS at work is when we start seeing something frequently after focusing on it. For example, buying a new car might make us notice that model more often, as our RAS filters for that specific information.
Activating the RAS is Simple and Impactful.
A few minutes of intentional focus daily can activate this brain function, helping us to notice opportunities that align with our goals instead of obstacles.
The best proof is in experience, so why not try it and see how it can work for you?
Focused Attention Can Shape Our Lives Positively
Scientific studies support the idea that thoughts and beliefs can influence our outcomes. One study in the Journal of Positive Psychology showed that people with a strong life purpose report greater health and well-being, while another in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that belief in self-efficacy enhances goal achievement.
A Sacred Intention Workout
Activate Your Reticular Activating System with Intention + Emotion [1]
And as always, the proof is only ever found in the pudding. So let’s get cooking!
- Choose something that’s important to you in your life, that you would like to be easier, more fulfilling, or better in some meaningful way to you. It could be a relationship, or a project, or an area of your life (like health, finances, career, etc). It could be anything.
- Now close your eyes and take a deep breath. Relax. Let go. Just breathe and relax for a few moments.
- Ok now visualize yourself engaging with your life in this way, feeling and experiencing the absolute best outcome you could imagine.
- Now let yourself find a really powerful moment in time to imagine, visualize and feel. For example if it’s a relationship, see a particular moment when you’re together. Imagine and see and feel and smell every part of that moment. Or for a project, see the outcome in some specific moment of time, it could be a celebration or the moment you get the results or report. Or for an area of your life like your health, imagine a specific moment that represents health to you in the most profound way, it could be you playing with your family being able to move, and breathe and stretch with so much energy and ease.
- Once you have this particular moment in time, visualize it and now feel the positive emotions and sensations associated with it for at least 17 seconds.
- Open your eyes and go about your day.
- Notice if your RAS starts filtering for opportunities and resources that align with your goal?! Take action on any opportunities that arise!
