Epigenetics, DNA and Being Reborn

DEVOTIONAL READING
Epigenetics, definition (Google) - "The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself."  

Thriving on Super-Experience, Poem by Michelle Murphy
​I used to want to be saturated to death with All That Is - and I have been,
I thrive on super-experience.
Yet I’ve been reborn with a love for the small things.

It was all about:
Climax.
Being invigorated.
Super-heroes and champions.
Saturation.
Conflict.
Apocalyptic scenarios.
Above and beyond.
Complexity.
Tying knots to resolve chaos.
Last minute endings.
Resolving the unresolvable.
Secrets. 
Super-intelligence.
Extremes.
Terror.
Infatuation.
Desperation.
Russian roulette.
Overcoming.
Roads that don’t end.
Deep colors of red and purple; black.
The world.

Now it’s all about:
Nature. 
Wonder.
Appeal.
Everyday people.
Breathing deep.
Local events.
Confidence.
Cycles and perfection.
Truth in context.
Smarts.
Creativity.
Love.
Good sleep.
Worthwhile challenges.
Here and now.
Appreciation.
Continuous movements.
Wisdom.
Roads of contentment.
Deep conversations.
Fractals of light.
Small things.

Is something still missing?
Am I done with super-experience?
Or is it game-on?

DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE
Guess what? Humans are organisms, or if cells are organisms then various types of cells make us up. From the study of this gene expression within epigenetics, it has been found we can alter organisms and ourselves through gene expression willfully. With the outcome of each memory we make in our lifetime our gene expression is made up; even our ancestors pass down their experiences to us through the gene expression phenomenon. Ways of thinking, visuals, recovery or non-recovery from trauma, nutrition, and attitude can all alter our gene expression.  At any moment we can create a positive change, and when positive changes accumulate direction can be changed - we can recover from cancer, our mental problems can diminish, and life can be better enjoyed. We can set new patterns based on old patterns and send positive vibes onto the next generation through birth. We can be reborn ourselves.

For instance being diagnosed with any mental illness, if it is related to any particular gene, should show up under the gene expression umbrella of the DNA code rather than just the code.  It appears we can mingle or co-mingle with the present to alter our physical makeup in a way that can re-route us towards recovery. Just knowing we can make a line in the sand and walk over it a new person is encouraging.  Here are a few tips related to creating new positive habits from the book Self Discipline by James Daugherty - (1) It takes 21 successful days in a row to develop a new habit, work through the hump, (2) Remind yourself of the goals you feel inspired and motivated to complete, every day. (3) Deny yourself of something to strengthen self-discipline muscles. (4) Visualize and imagine how you will be (picture yourself and your way of being) if you incorporate these new habits for 6 months, 1 year, etc. (5) Remind yourself of what inspired you to set these goals.

My poem, Thriving on Super-Experience, is about a period in my life when I depended on super-experience.  Later I was reborn and my life changed. The before and after is given above as best I can explain it. A similar thing occurs when giving up alcoholism and taking on a new life, or the rebirth associated with baptism in the Christian religion; much is expected when giving up one way of life, and then taking on or following a new way of life. Stumbling blocks continue to persist but with confidence and prayer we can boost ourselves to a level that we have finally passed that line in the sand; we can be rerouted to success or recovery and our gene expression can help us as we provide it with better experiences, thoughts and memories. If there are a series of memories flowing through our life as each event goes on each day, then we must develop the framework to make those memories gene-boosting. We must choose wisely what we read and stimulate ourselves with. Wise attitudes are important. Conversations with loved ones weigh into the future. 

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER
Dear God, When I was baptized and I dedicated my life to following Christ I had still several stumbling blocks to over come. With time and slow-but-steady dedication I have overturned most of those stones and am finally living the Christian life I wanted to live back then. God, Your hand, is always there to nudge me along and hopefully my joys are Your joys. There are other lines in the sand I hope to cross to alter my gene expression and help me potentially at work and with family and friends. Your creation is full of mystery and wonder. Amen.