A Dutch saying goes:
“He heard the bell ringing but doesn’t know where the clapper hangs.”
It can be said about me; like most people, I don’t understand anything about DNA.
My idea was that DNA was primarily concerned with physical aspects, such as the color of your hair or eyes or the inheritance of a specific illness.
Experiencing Family Constellations during the ’90s, and later also in other ways of Personal Growth work, made it clear that we also carry emotional pain and trauma of our family — the so-called generational traumas.
When someone told me it had to do with our DNA, it sparked my curiosity to explore the matter.
And why I like to share it with people on the path is because what I learned about it is promising.
It explains not only why it is so difficult to let go of the past, but also that our bodies contain the tools to grow towards more conscious beings.
Epigenetics
Our Master often talks about pumpkin or coconut heads, sheep and camels when he refers to our behaviors, and I love it. Better than a hard-boiled egg.
However, my search taught me that our entire DNA determines that we are born humans, not animals or plants. Even if we have much in common with other species.
DNA also determines how the design will function and develop, and not so long ago scientists discovered an Operating System that directs the genes, known as epigenetics.
It is the study of how our behavior and environmental factors can influence the way genes work without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
This explanation made sense to me; my mind could compare it to the software that runs our computers — knowing that it needs to be updated regularly to keep everything running smoothly, so that everything works as it should.
Epigenetic Changes
Continuing with my study, it became clear that the genes also function like a biological record of what our ancestors experienced.
They discovered that factors such as trauma, environmental pollution, malnutrition, and dire circumstances can lead to negative epigenetic changes.
Studies during the last decennia show significant effects on descendants of people who suffered from circumstances like the holocaust, slavery, wars, genocide, and hunger epidemics. Including the generations of native communities all over the world; of veterans, families with a military history, refugees, rescue workers etc., etc.
These experiences are not only transmitted through illnesses or bodily malfunctions, but can also lead to inherited beliefs, behavioral patterns, and emotional and mental patterns.
‘Reset and Update’ the Old Programs
The latest research is about resetting epigenetic changes, which is promising. Mainly, it focuses on physical resets.
Thanks to the work and expertise of researchers in neuroscience, mindfulness, and trauma-related therapeutic methods, we have access now to methods that can positively reverse inherited behavioral, emotional, and mental patterns.
Not only it is possible for what we inherited from our ancestors, it also works for what we unsconsciously copied from others and the culture we live in.
Meditation and various ways to cultivate awareness are key components of experiencing a more natural and authentic life in the present moment.
Jai to all beloved Masters for sharing their light on our path.
Sources:
Can trauma be inherited through genes? | National Geographic
Understanding epigenetics: how trauma is passed on through our family members | Arkansas Advocate
Can the legacy of trauma be passed down the generations?
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The Software of our DNA
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