Did you know... holly leaves are spiky as a natural defense mechanism. Those sharp edges help protect the plant from animals that might try to nibble on its leaves. Over time, hollies in environments with more herbivores—such as deer or livestock—tend to develop even spikier leaves to deter hungry mouths. Interestingly, some holly plants can adjust the shape of their leaves based on environmental conditions; leaves closer to the ground, where animals are more likely to reach, are often spikier than those higher up. This clever adaptation helps holly survive and thrive by keeping its leaves safe from potential predators.
If you were taught Darwinian evolution then you may have internalized the belief that your makeup is mostly determined by genes over which you have no control. You may live according to the assumption that it takes generations to change gene expression and that, from a genetic perspective, you are stuck as you are.
But discoveries in epigenetics prove otherwise! Not only can gene expression change more rapidly than we once believed, it can change within your lifetime! And your experiences, choices, and behaviors influence those changes!
When you are exposed to toxic substances they can leave a chemical signature on your genes that negatively impacts how your body reads a DNA sequence resulting in unwanted changes such as health problems or behavior challenges. Happily, these changes are often reversible and the opposite is true as well - when your body is exposed to healthy inputs such as nutrient dense foods, healthy lifestyle choices, and supportive behaviors and habits, you can influence genes positively leading to better health and greater resilience!
Beyond genetics, our experiences also change our behaviors in more immediate ways. When we are harmed emotionally we can develop prickly edges meant to protect ourselves. And while those sharp points can keep us safe they can become limiting, preventing us from living the life we truly want. Overtime, those prickly edges will even impact our genetic expression and can lead to illness and other unwanted outcomes!
By giving ourselves the gift of mindful awareness we can begin to see where we are exposing ourselves to people, patterns, and poisons that are not only unhelpful but harmful. We can come to recognize how our defenses are no longer needed and maybe even harming us. And, step by step, we can bring about powerful changes that will lead to greater happiness and better health!
Take a step back and consider the choices you make each day. What is one habit or pattern you see that has negative implications for your health and happiness? Now consider one way you can replace that habit. For example, if your go to treat is an alcoholic drink and junk food on the couch, you might consider replacing the drink or snack (or both) with a healthier one ! Or you might choose to go for a walk instead of loafing on the couch.
Make your goals small, manageable, and realistic to set yourself up for success!
Before you know it, you will be closer to living the life you truly want to live. Best of all, not only will your life look different on the outside, you’ll also have changed your health from the inside by influencing your genes to keep building a better, stronger you!
Interested in more of our blogs? Check out our articles on each of these subjects below:
4 RIVERS OF TRANSFORMATION
