"Hey, Ellen," a friend called to me from two check-out counters away in the supermarket, "did you see the story in TIME magazine?"
He wasn't the only one asking me if I'd seen the issue a few months ago about epigenetics called "Why Genes Aren't Destiny." They were all aware that in my talks I tell about the latest scientific findings in epigenetics that prove beliefs and thoughts affect how the body changes with age. And I always quote the first scientist to share his research findings on epigenetics, the internationally recognized cell biologist, Dr. Bruce Lipton.
Imagine my surprise - then dismay, then outrage - when Dr. Lipton wasn't even mentioned in the article! It was 1985 when Dr. Lipton introduced the notion of perception influencing genes. He was considered a radical weirdo in the science community at that time and in his "Wisdom of Your Cells" he tells the story of speaking to an audience of scientists about his discovery that the mind can turn our genes on and off. Their reaction to his research findings? Scoffing would be putting it mildly.
Yet today, 25 years later, TIME magazine is publishing the evidence of other scientists' findings in this new field of epigenetics and ignoring Bruce Lipton's decades of research and breakthrough findings.
I must say that although there's not even a nod to Dr. Lipton (or Gregg Braden, a brilliant scientist who is the author of a number of bestselling books on science and spirituality,) the article is quite interesting. It explains how your environment and your choices can influence your genetic code - and that of your kids.
The TIME article by John Cloud states, "There's evidence that lifestyle choices like smoking and eating too much can change the epigenetic marks atop your DNA in ways that cause the genes for obesity to express themselves too strongly and the genes for longevity to express themselves too weakly. We all know that you can truncate your own life if you smoke or overeat, but it's becoming clear that those same bad behaviors can also predispose your kids - before they are even conceived - to disease and early death."
Environment and lifestyle choices also strongly impact how you age. Hang out with people who see themselves as old and always give you an organ recital if you ask how they are, and it will influence your thinking - and your body's cells.
How you eat, exercise, take care of your skin and your attitude towards life (this means more than seeing the glass as half full - it's about joy!) are all factors in whether you'll live a long, healthy, active life or progressively deteriorate and die prematurely. In his book "Biology of Belief"

Lipton shows that genes and DNA do not control our biology; that instead DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts. This is great news! It means you can affect your biology with your thoughts and beliefs - and reverse aging!
I wanted to be able to listen to Dr. Lipton while I drive so I got his CD set, "The Wisdom of Your Cells," which is excellent.

I can also highly recommend "The Science of Miracles" by Gregg Braden - it's fascinating!

It's never too late to start growing younger so start your journey to a younger you today. And when you have a minute, send an email to Dr. Lipton (bruce@brucelipton.com). Thank him for not only sharing with the world his research into epigenetics years before it was "cool" but, more importantly, for teaching us how to use the new science to create and maintain a "new," happy, healthy life.
Joy and Blessings,
Ellen
ellen@howtogrowyounger.com