Effect of Thought on Genetics

I read an article on the web yesterday about recent research in Russia into the effects of thought and language on our genes

Absolutely fascinating ! Though not so surprising really as they are now confirming scientifically what has been understood in many circles for thousands of years.

That prayer, meditation and repetitive thought patterns have a definite effect on our very genes. Positive thinking can not only inhibit some unfortunate sequences of deterioration in our genetics ( think we call it healing!!) but perhaps even more intriguing, can also unlock sequences in what is called 'junk DNA'

Actually called 'junk' that because scientists can't yet work out what it's for!!!

In fact, it is estimated that 90% of our DNA is 'junk' ....that really got me to wondering just what that 90% could be for? Perhaps some of it is now redundant, but wouldn't it make equal sense that some of it is not yet activated ?

Doesn't that just remind you of similar figures that are estimated re the amount of our brain we currently use???!!!!

And it's fascinating too that the word E-Volution means literally to roll out..perhaps it's some of our latent DNA sequences which, when unlocked, open up the next stage on our long evolutionary journey.

Wonder what thoughts, what energy might be the triggers?

A Time of Transition

Recently I've been working with colleagues on a new webinar series, 'Living in Times of Change' Today I've been researching one of the series about being pioneers in a time of transition



I find the idea of being 'in transition' very liberating indeed. It acknowledges the reality of our current society breaking down and a new one appearing and ready to be born. It means we can know the worst about the problems, but not be based in them. Leaves us open to a new vision, new energy, new thinking ....and of course a great attraction to work along side others who feel the same way!

It reminds me of travelling overseas...when you break a long journey in the transit lounge. Last time I travelled from London to Sydney, I spent a few hours in Hong Kong 'in transit' Great feeling...on the move, no luggage, no worries ..time to explore and knowing there was another plane to take you to where you want to be!

Well, living today, it's not like we know quite what plane we are going to get on, in the bigger sense, or necessarily quite where we will arrive, but it does have that same sense of adventure and movement ..the need to travel light and be ready for imminent take off!!

PS You can hear a recording of the first webinar in the series on the TFC website www.templatesforchange.org or use the link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/470742048 if you would like to join in, free of charge, on the next one ...
Be great to get your comments and feedback!

Reflections

Travelling to work this morning, I heard a radio show which gave me food for thought. Over half the planet's population now live in cities. That's a lot of people!!


The presenter was commenting on one aspect of difference which was the degree to which people in the countryside identified in a loving way with the place where they lived, compared to those in the city.

It got me to thinking about how important a sense of belonging is, and how fortifying ones home ecology actually is to one's general sense of well being. I know life in the cities is more stimulating & culturally interesting, and for many fantastic and enjoyable places to be, as well as economically more rewarding or just plain necessary, but I wonder what percentage of those city dwellers feel they are transient and without real roots?

And how many still manage to keep alive that healing connection with the planet and the natural worlds which is such an important and stabilising part of life in fast moving times?

Isn't it Amazing ?

Isn't it brilliant that we have access to the micro worlds and the macro worlds?



One of the great benefits of modern technology is that we are admitted into worlds to which previous generations had no access.

We can appreciate the internal pattern of a cell, make comparison to the atoms spinning around the nucleus to the planets spinning around the sun ..allow our mind to be moved and stretched into the strange re-current patterns and templates at play within the universe.


Knowing that as we have new connective thoughts, so pathways form up in our brain .

I wonder if this ability of the mind to form these new pathways, in some strange way, helps build the inter-connectivity which scientists are discovering is a property throughout the universe? Is human consciousness part of the 'plasma' that brings it all together in a more intelligent, feeling way?

Updating our Psyche

I've written before about how unique this generation is, in terms of being the first ever to be able to participate in evolution consciously...and each time I think about it, it still thrills me!! However, on the weekend I was reading a great book by Thomas Berry and Brian Schwimme, where another angle of this was highlighted.

Throughout history right up to industrial times, cultures acorss the world have had a view of life which has appreciated the significance of the repetitional seasonal cycles of life. This has an obvious outplay and signficance in the seasons, both with reference to the practicalities of farming and fishing, and also with a ceremonial appreciation of the vibrancy of the re-appearance of spring (eg May Day Celebrations) or the fruiting of the harvest in Autumn ( eg Harvest Thanksgiving Festivals) This offered a powerful rhythm and stability to life.

However, with the new understandings about evolution and history, we now know that not only does life progress through the seasons, but that there are also times when humanity goes through radical leaps of update and progress....where old is left behind and new enters the arena of life on earth.

I wonder what effect that has on our psyche?

Neanderthal Woman Mock Up

Scanning through some articles on evolution and how previous species of humans may have looked, I came across this photo on the front of an old National Geographic. It was so unusual to find a computer mock up of a woman that I couldn't resist posting it on the blog...!!!

This has been recreated from cannibalised genetic material found about 43,000 years ago...and yes, they think some at least of the neanderthals had red hair!!!

Disturbing Fact

I just got an email in this morning from 'Food Matters' ....a fascinating organization in the US who research the connection between diet and mental health.

They mention that 10% of the population of the US are on Anti Depressants of some sort ....isn't that an astonishing percentage ? The kind of issue one would imagine would be top of any political agenda in one of the world's wealthiest countries to understand and address? They also mention that with all the health warnings about skin damage from the sun, perhaps 3 out of 4 people in the US are not getting enough Vit D.

What a crazy sort of world we live in ? Seems so vitally important to re-address the values and importances which have lead to this state of affairs.