There will be many potential uses for the science of epigenetics, from preemptively treating genetic “defects” in the womb to deactivating harmful genes later in life. Yet, beyond being another tool of modern medicine, epigenetics raises interesting questions about free will and the creative power of our own choices.
Since DNA and genetics first became common topics in popular culture there has been a tendency to describe things that we do not understand, especially regarding our physical and mental development, as “genetic.” Why do certain families tend to get cancer more frequently, and of a certain type, than other people? The underlying cause may be “genetic,” in that a particular gene or combinations of genes predispose an individual to developing cancer. But not everyone with those genes will get cancer. So the cause may also be “epigenetic”; lifestyle choices, environment, even stress levels could turn on or turn off those critical genes.
Could we then, aside from medical treatment, find a way to affect our epigenetic processes intentionally? Is there a way to use our brains so that we turn on the beneficial genes and turn off the ones that cause problems? Perhaps there is, and it may be more familiar than we would think. Perhaps epigenetics is a new way to understand and describe the purpose behind age-old practices like meditation, energy training, and even martial arts and mind-body harmonization.
Many ancient cultures speak of a natural “self-healing” ability within the body, and the importance of a healthy and peaceful mind to activate that ability. In more modern terms, we might say that staying healthy is dependent on our ability to effectively manage stress. Epigenetics gives us greater understanding of how training our brains to be peaceful and positive facilitates a natural healing ability at the level of DNA expression.
Much as quantum mechanics has done for physics, epigenetics has invited a sense of mystery and potential into the study of our genome. No longer are answers found only in neat mathematical relationships and mechanical determinism. Probabilities have suddenly become paramount. There are multiple, sometimes infinite, possibilities at each genetic fork in the road.
Imagine the true scope of the human genome. A code of over 3 billion base pairs, wrapping around itself to form a double helix of unimaginable complexity. What if the potential for everything already exists within that code? What if there are untapped abilities and awareness present in our DNA, in our own bodies, waiting to be unlocked? What if the way we activate and deactivate our DNA has the potential to change us in brilliant, unbelievable ways, or on the other hand, to bring us more disease and suffering?
The key is how we use our brains. Do we use them to get in touch with ourselves, to become aware of who we are and what it means to be truly healthy? Or do we use our brains to avoid looking inside? There is a world of possibilities right now in our DNA and the greatest tool we have to access them is the brain. Through the brain we can watch ourselves and communicate with ourselves. We can find a balance. We can activate new abilities and powers. People do it every day. Some call it being self-aware. Some call it “being in the zone.” Others may call it enlightenment. Whatever you call it, science is catching up to what great philosophers have been saying for thousands of years: If you choose, it will happen.
This article was originally published in the Spring 2015 issue of Brain World Magazine.
