Some time ago, there was an extensive article in a major newspaper that already echoed in its title: “There Probably Isn’t Any Depression Genes.” The article referred to a research by the University of Colorado Boulder that found they “hadn’t found a slightest evidence” that there was a gene that predisposes to depression.
This was the largest study ever on the subject, and it thus completely underestimated the narrower studies that depression might be hereditary.
The article states that “bubbles can form in science. First, one group publishes something startling. Then other groups start factoring similar types of studies, which become similarly startling results.
At some point, a study will appear that refutes their correctness. In the end, the questioners will get followers, and the scientific journals in the field will be filled with studies that show that the phenomenon did not even exist at the beginning.”
This is undoubtedly one of the problems of science.
On the other hand, American cell biologist Dr. Bruce H. Lipton has shown in his research that we can even change our genetic heritage through our thinking and attitude.
In his book “The Biology of Belief”, Dr. Lipton states e.g. the following: “Genes control biology has been so frequently repeated for such a long period of time that scientists have forgotten it is a hypothesis, not a truth. In reality, the idea that genes control biology is a supposition, which has never been proven and, in fact, has been undermined by the latest scientific research.”
According to another prevailing theory, our growth environment largely determines what or how we become. In fact, I’m more inclined to believe this theory.
But even that is also not completely waterproof. There is a tremendous number of “exceptions” in the world, which seem to have “broken out” of their surroundings and achieved something completely different, be it in the field of sports, science or the arts.
According to Dr. Lipton, we are guided primarily by our beliefs. According to the current understanding, most of our beliefs were formed when we are young children, under the influence of our environment.
Yet, beliefs are just beliefs, our own perceptions and assessments of ourselves, other people, and the world around us. They are not actual truths.
“When we change the way we perceive the world, that is, when we “change our beliefs,” we change the blood’s neurochemical composition, which then initiates a complementary change in the body’s cells.” -Dr. Bruce H. Lipton
So when we change our perceptions and assessments – in other words, our thinking – we can influence on ourselves even at the cellular level.
“Your genes do not dictate your life and you can change your life when you change your beliefs.” -Dr. Bruce H. Lipton
So it’s largely about your own subjective experiences, thoughts, and beliefs, not what statistics and probabilities show (and which science largely studies).
Our beliefs shape our thinking as if it were automatic responses to different things and situations in life, mainly through unconscious processes, that is. Regardless, we can change them.
How can we change our beliefs?
For one thing, by becoming aware of our beliefs.
For example, whenever you experience negative emotions, you may ask yourself, “What do I have to believe about myself, other people, and the world around me to experience this/the situation in this way?” Then, as you begin to identify your own beliefs, you may begin to choose new beliefs for yourself.
I know this may seem awkward and frustrating at first, but just like with any new thing, by practicing you start to get control of your own thinking.
In principle so. However, most of our thought and behavior is controlled by the programming of our unconscious mind, and therefore we need to change this programming above all to bring about effective change. NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), hypnosis and meditation can be effective in this.
In any case, it would seem that we are not determined by our genes or our environment, but ultimately by our own choices. And while we make the vast majority of our daily choices through the processes of the unconscious mind, we can change them as well.
Is it laborious and cumbersome then?
It can be, especially if you don’t master the right models and tools. In any case, I believe that it is ultimately about a lifelong process and, through it, the right attitude towards change and life.
“If you want things to change to different things, you must think different thoughts. And that simply requires finding unfamiliar ways of approaching familiar subjects.” -Esther and Jerry Hicks
