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Show Notes

Is the universe conspiring to bring us what we want in our lives? Probably not!

Are we able to focus our attention so that we notice previously unnoticed objects and information. Most certainly!

Does the Reticular Activating System guide our attention to the elements that are important for our lives. Contrary to popular opinion, absolutely not!

In this episode Tom airs his frustrations about an often referred to part of the brain called the Ascending Reticular Activating System, or the RAS for short. This brain region that sits in the brain stem does have an important function when it comes to attention, but it’s often interpreted as a completely different function. We discuss the RAS, what it actually does for us and what people tend to suggest that it is doing, even though the neuroscience doesn’t back this up. 

Tom loves a juicy bit of neuroscience, but does become slightly irritated by neuro-nonsense, so likes to set the record straight where he can. 

Join us for this fascinating exploration of an important part of the brain, its function and the myth that is attributed to it.