environmental variables) could produce different images, but they would all
be expressions of that same blueprint.
Epigenetics empowers us to think about change more profoundly. The
epigenetic paradigm shift gives us free will to activate our own gene
activity and modify our genetic destiny. For the sake of example and
simplification, when I talk about activating a gene by expressing it in
different ways, I will refer to “turning it on.” In reality, genes don’t turn on
or off; they are activated by chemical signals, and they express themselves
in specific ways by making various proteins.
Just by changing our thoughts, feelings, emotional reactions, and
behaviors (for example, making healthier lifestyle choices with regard to
nutrition and stress level), we send our cells new signals, and they express
new proteins without changing the genetic blueprint. So while the DNA
code stays the same, once a cell is activated in a new way by new
information, the cell can create thousands of variations of the same gene.
We can signal our genes to rewrite our future.
Perpetuating Old States of Being Sets Us
Up for an Undesirable Genetic Destiny
Just as certain areas of the brain are hardwired, whereas other areas are
more plastic (able to be changed by learning and experience), I believe
genes are the same way. There are certain parts of our genetics that are
more easily turned on; while other genetic sequences are somewhat more
hardwired, which means they are harder to activate, because they have been
around longer in our genetic history. At least, that’s what science says right
now.
How do we keep certain genes turned on and others turned off? If we stay
in the same toxic state of anger, the same melancholy state of depression,
the same vigilant state of anxiety, or the same low state of unworthiness,
those redundant chemical signals we have talked about keep pushing the
same genetic buttons, which ultimately cause the activation of certain
diseases. Stressful emotions, as you will learn, actually pull the genetic
trigger, dysregulating the cells (dysregulation refers to impairment of a
physiological regulatory mechanism) and creating disease.