A man’s thoughts are the threads of which the fabric of his days are woven.” ~ Marcus Aurelius
How much have you been following the human genome project?
If you’re like most people, it was like a blip on the radar screen. You mean they finished that project?
Is it done-done? Yes and no! They mapped it, but we’re still trying to comprehend its implications.
One of mankind’s greatest achievements — mapping the human genome — is giving us insights that can have an enormous impact on our lives.
While it is doubtful that the genome project will translate into any meaningful public health policy, there is no doubt that you will start to hear more and more about another type of study in genetics that is already impacting everyone called “epigenetics“.
Epigenetics: Your Thoughts, Feelings, Words, And Actions Impact Your Life
Recent discoveries have caused scientists to update our understanding of DNA that is decades old — dating back as far as the original discovery by Watson & Crick.
As most people understood them, our genes were considered to be fixed and unchanging — controlling every aspect of our physical being, our behavior, and our innate ability to ward off — or be susceptible to — disease.
We now know, however, the human genome is more fluid, more dynamic, and responds very quickly to all that we experience. Theories of evolution and genetics have long taught that genetic mutation is entirely random.
However, there is a new school of thought called “self-directed biological transformation” that puts us in control. What this means is that you have control over the genetic expression of your own DNA.
It turns out that yoga and meditation, for example, can trigger almost immediate responses in genetic activity.
Exercise, a balanced diet, good sleep, and stress reduction – all well-known for improving bodily function – exert beneficial effects on our genes. So now, if you say you really care about your health, there are no excuses!
You have control over your own health.
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