“If you believe you can, or if you believe you can’t, – you’re right.” Henry Ford
Have you ever wondered how our thoughts affect physical reality
Or just how negative belief patterns can contribute to illness?
And what the mechanics are behind this?
I learned about this fascinating topic when I read, “The Biology of Belief,” by Bruce Lipton, Ph.D. a former Stanford University biologist whose work focused on cloning.
He writes that unlike what most of us learned in life science classes in elementary school, the nucleus of a cell is not the brains of the cell. The membrane, or what he calls the “mem-brain,” which is outer skin of the cell, is the actual brain. It’s this outer skin that turns on the release of certain proteins in the cell depending on the information that the “mem-brain” receives from its environment.
This is a real break through in understanding how thoughts control your life, and physiology because what Lipton is saying is that cellular function is not hard wired by DNA, but influenced by stimuli, or thought fields, in the environment. The stimuli, or thought forms trigger one of two states; growth or protection, and a cell cannot be in both states simultaneously. It’s either growing, or it’s not.
Lipton gives the example of how thought energy can activate or inhibit the cell’s function.
When you’re scared, or fearful your body produces cortisol the stress hormone. When the stress hormone is registered by the cell membrane it goes into the protection response and puts up a barrier to keep out foreign substances – even nutrients – which it likens to invaders. Over time if the level of cortisol remains high that cell will starve and become sick, or die because the protection response is one of shutting down and barricading itself against the enemy.
It is the opposite of growth. When the body is in a relaxed state it’s in a growth state and the membrane easily allows nutrients to pass through to nourish the cell.
What this shows is that our thoughts, or state of mind, directly affects us on a cellular level.
If we let fears and negative beliefs and thought patterns control us we inhibit our cellular growth and can eventually produce disease, or dis-ease, in our bodies and our minds. And, it makes no difference if the fears or beliefs are unfounded either, because the cell will go into protection response regardless of whether the thoughts have a basis in truth, or not.
Also, we can’t shout, “I’m fine!” if deep down we don’t believe it. Either way, our deeply ingrained subconscious beliefs win out every time. So, it’s really important to weed our minds of unfounded fears and beliefs if we want to succeed. By learning to be conscious of our thoughts we also take control of our health.
Here are three simple practices you can use to tackle reprogramming your beliefs, reduce stress and keep the cortisol at bay:
1. Turn off negative mind chatter and clear negative belief patterns by meditating daily. If you get into the habit of doing it everyday you’ll see a dramatic reduction in your stress level and tremendous increase in your happiness quotient. If your looking for a simple meditation technique read my post titled, “Seven Simple Steps to A Great Meditation.”
2. To change belief patterns work with affirmations. The best book I’ve ever read on using affirmations is, “You Can Heal Your Life,” by Louise Hay. I highly recommend it. Writing positive affirmations or repeating them helps to calm the stressed mind.
3. Exercise regularly especially outdoors. Exercise releases endorphins which elevate the mood helping to keep you in a better mood. Being outdoors in nature is really soothing to the soul. I find that I like to repeat affirmations when I go for a walk.
I’d recommend trying all three and one more thing – turn off your cell phone and blackberry once in a while. I find having mine on 24/7 for my job very very stressful.
Are you aware of any limiting beliefs that are affecting your health, or holding you back in your life? We all carry around the baggage of limiting beliefs – what’s yours?
If you enjoyed this article please Retweet on Twitter or share on Facbook, thank you.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Subconscious Beliefs What They Are, How They Control Our Lives And How They Can Be Changed (slideshare.net)
- The Biology of Your Beliefs (rawlivingfoods.typepad.com)
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Tags: Bruce Lipton, Change your thinking, Spiritual self improvement
Hi Angela,
I agree with much of what you are saying, but I think you forgot something. I think we all need a bit of time to play and laugh.
Best wishes,
Sandy
Angela,
What a wonderful read, I just got back from a short trip with family. I agree with this much more so now. We took this trip almost unplanned at last minute (which is very unlike me), and we thought we will have a great time and we did, despite not knowing site seeing places, or booking a hotel. It was crazy, but I like to believe our beliefs that things will go fine and it did. It is like book “secret”, what you wish, it may happen so be careful what you wish for !
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ross Arntson, Angela Artemis. Angela Artemis said: New Blog Post: DNA Is Not Destiny http://www.mysticmusingsandmeditations.com/2010/06/dna-is-not-destiny/ [...]
Hi Sandy,
How right you are! I absolutely should have added that we need to play and laugh.
You know, I tend to be a pretty intense person who can forget to “play and laugh” myself – no wonder I left it out.
I thank you so much for point it out to me though.
And, thank you for visiting and commenting.
Hi Zengirl,
Thank you! I’m glad your vacation turned out well.
And, yes that’s exactly how it is – if we focus on what’s right and don’t let all the other things stress us out we’ll create more good experiences.
One more thing – I think many people believe that in order to have a good vacation you need to do all this planning and researching. Judging by your experience that’s a false belief that you’ve just disproved!
Thank you so much for your comments. It’s always a pleasure seeing you here.
I loved that Bruce Lipton book. It definitely woke me up to a new way of looking at things.
When I read the question at the end of your article I realized I don’t have any limiting beliefs anymore . . . now, I do say things like ‘I’m not good at math,’ etc., but even there I’m not sure I believe that on a deep level. On a heart level I really believe in a life without limits.
I read Brue Lipton’s book and as you say, it is eye opening. Most especially because it comes from a scientist who was not looking for a spiritual answer but by studying cells he learned their true nature. Needless to say, as always you have summarized his findings beautifully. Getting to the subconscious is the hard part. And yes, I agree meditation is the answerr.
Hi Jean,
No limiting beliefs – hooray! I knew you were Superwoman when I told you that I thought you could do anything!
So glad you read the book. There’s so much more I couldn’t cover in my blog post.
Thank you so much for your visits here and your comments!
Hi Rosemarie,
It was your book I borrowed and read – thanks so much.
You’re right about Bruce Lipton. I’ve listened to several interviews with him and he does say that he wasn’t looking for anything spiritual when he was working on these experiments.
Our limiting beliefs will hold up back every time! Getting to the core beliefs and looking at how you’re thinking is the answer.
Thank you so much for visiting and commenting.
Hi Angela,
This is another fantastic post!
I definitely think that our thoughts and feelings shape our reality. I have learned to be very aware of when I’m thinking negative thoughts or feeling down. I try to immediately shift to thinking more positive thoughts and feeling better.
I am very big into meditation and exercise (as you suggest, I try to run outside as much as I can!), so I’m very happy that you mentioned them. I also really enjoyed Louise Hay’s “You Can Heal Your Life” DVD, especially disc #2 which has hours of interviews.
Hi Greg,
So nice to see you. How are things going over at H20 Car blog? I hope all is well.
Thank you for the lovely compliment on the post. I think as Rosemarie pointed out in her comment that the best thing about this book was that it was written by an academician, not someone looking to validate a spiritual theory. His scientific experiments validate what has been said for thousands of years dating back to many early civilizations. Our thoughts do indeed affect physical reality.
Becoming aware of your thoughts it the foundational key to huge changes in your life Greg! Once you get a handle on that – the world is yours!
I did see the Louise Hay movie and I thought it was very well done. I had read her book when it came out in the 1980s. I’ve given it away numerous times over the years to people and always ended up buying it again. If you have time – I’d read the book. She has the most fabulous affirmations in it – covering every area of beliefs.
Thanks so much for you comments Greg.
Hi Angela,
Sunshine and exercise are in order, right after this comment
Affirmations are a conscious activity, so I recommend them upon awakening in the morning or prior to sleep — both are times when the subconscious mind is more receptive.
Thank you for another wonderful post!
Hi Kim,
Great advice to help us absorb the affirmations – thank you!
I hope you enjoy the sunshine and exercise today.
Thank you for visiting and commenting. It’s always a pleasure to see you here!
Fascinating article, Angela. I must pick up that book at once! To know that all the things we practice regularly effects us to a cellular level further reinforces that thoughts are things. I have always found that any colds or sickness that I get directly corresponds to stress in my life. This is why placebos are found to be just as effective as drugs… it takes convincing the mind before any healing can begin.
Through constant vigilance, awareness and repetition, we are all marvelously made and destined to win at WHATEVER we set our mind to!
Hi Rob,
I’m so happy that you found it fascinating. It’s an amazing book. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
You know, if you’re interested there are quite a few interviews with Bruce Lipton on You Tube where he discusses this and more including the placebo and nocebo effect.
Me too. Whenever I get sick it’s when I’m under too much stress.
Thanks so much for your comments Rob. It’s always a pleasure having you visit.
Hi Angela, I also agree that when we are born, our DNA does not always determine who we will become in the future. We have to constantly use our subconscious mind to help us achieve what we want and who we want to be. Sometimes we let our fears and negative beliefs ruin our positive cycle and I like your methods that you described here, including doing meditation, affirmations, and outdoor activity in order to prevent them from happening. Thanks again Angela for another great post!
Hi Hulbert,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
You’re absolutely right – we do need to override our negative beliefs and fears in order to achieve what we set out to do.
I think meditation can work miracles along with affirmations and being out in nature. I believe it helps connect back to our source that is already whole and complete in every way.
Thank you so much for visiting and for your comments!
Angela: Very interesting post loaded with great information. So often we hear that we need to control our thoughts and that by doing so, our lives will be positively impacted. It makes sense to follow this guidance, but sometimes when you have a little more explanation and reasoning, it makes it all that much easier. I think that is what you provided with this post and the scientific support behind a theory that can be hard to grasp on its own. Great post. I really enjoyed reading it.
Hi Sibyl,
I’m so glad you found this post helpful. It does help to understand the science behind how our thoughts affect physical reality doesn’t it?
While I might be a psychic – I’m still interested in science. I believe that everything we consider to be paranormal will someday be understood scientifically.
It’s not unlike the power of electricity or gravity – we can’t see them but they do exist. Now that they are scientifically understood no one questions their existence.
Thank you so much for your insightful comments Sibyl. It’s a pleasure having you visit here.
Dear wise Angela, help me get back on my daily meditation. I love every second of it when I do it but alas, it falls by the wayside. I tell my husband not to admit me to bed if I haven’t meditated daily but he just doesn’t have the heart to turn me away at the end of a very tiring day! So I resolve right here with you to everything you say here. Heavy negative thoughts LITERALLY weigh me down and I must learn to dispel them. But on a bright note, I started spinning/cycling again and am very excited to get back into serious cardio (in addition to the yoga which I always do). Thank you for the insight!!!!
Hi Farnoosh,
I’m glad you found this article inspiring enough to want to begin meditating again. I hope you can fit it into your very busy schedule. I find the best time to meditate is when I first get up.
I understand your feeling of being weighed down by heavy negative thoughts. I feel exactly the same.
I’m so glad you started spinning again. My friend at work has been trying to get me to go with her. She loves it too!
Yoga is a wonderful practice. I used to do it years ago, but got out of the habit.
You’re welcome – thank you so much for your comments and visiting here.
Angela, you are right about limiting beliefs and thoughts. I hear it in the repetitive language of one of my friends. She talks “aging”. She’s either calling herself old or menopausal, or she’s talking in terms of “at our age”. It’s a tone of giving up or giving in. She likes to include me but it’s not working. I’m getting younger every day because I think I am. Daily runs and blogging both help me stay positive. The blogging community is a fountain of positive images, ideas and inspiration. You being among the most positive.
Hi Katie,
I have a friend who is exactly the same. Always trying to suck me into her way of thinking, particularly regarding aging. I agree – it is a tone of giving up. I don’t feel old!
I agree – we’re are getting younger every day and the positivity we’re exposed to on the Net through blogging is really awesome. Aaah, I can feel my little mem-brains letting in nourishment now…..
Thank you for your very kind words Katie. I think you’re a fountain of positivity as well!
I will help you get back into yoga if you help me meditate again
Thanks Angela…Off to spinning class #2! I am psyched.
Have a super Saturday and keep blogging wonderful stuff like this!
I have long believed that the cells had memory that triggered certain responses and have worked to reprogram mine. But I have not read this book and think it will be a fascinating read. Thanks for leading me to it.
Okay, it’s a deal!
Enjoy spinning. My exercise today is mulching, cutting hedges and resanding my patio!
You have a wonderful weekend as well.
Thank you so much for the lovely compliment on the article.
Hi Leisa,
Welcome to my blog.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the post and want to read Bruce Lipton’s book now.
You were really onto something though since you already believed that cellular memory played a part in certain responses.
Thank you so much for your comment. I look forward to more “conversations” with you.
Hi Angela,
Insightful post!
I liked reading about the more biological scientific effects that are happening in our body when we either think negative our positive thoughts, great job at describing this!
I actually have like written affirmations around my bedroom walls, just as a reminder of who I am and what I intend to recieve in physical form. These are great because, even if I don’t read them at all during the course of a day, I will notice them and my subconsious mind picks that up somehow. Our words truly have the power to create our world.
Insightful post!
Hi Baker,
Thank you for the compliment. I know that you speak from your heart!
It’s fascinating to learn of the scientific evidence to back up what we believe isn’t it?
Glad you found the description helpful too.
Cool! Affirmations on the bedroom walls – I love it! If I weren’t selling my house I’d love to do that.
I never thought of that – they do seep in subconsciously don’t they? Wow, what a great idea Baker.
Thank you so much for commenting!
[...] This post was Twitted by KaizenVision [...]
What a great post! I haven’t read The Biology of Belief, but it sounds like it’s one I will love!
When I read “we can’t shout, “I’m fine!” if deep down we don’t believe it” it reminded me of when I began using affirmations and I felt like I was lying to myself – it’s the belief behind the words that really matters – but sometimes we have to go through the phase of just saying the words until we connect it to being true.
Your three practices for reprogramming your beliefs – are brilliant! I love Louise Hay’s “You can Heal Your Life” – very powerful!! Adding mediation and exercise – that is one great recipe!!!
Great article and a very easy on the eye and intuitive layout which highlights the most important bits. A pleasant surprise.
Hi Aileen,
Thank you for the Retweet!
Hi Aileen,
I’m so glad you found this article helpful. I know that I’m already a believer in the power of thought to create – but finding the science behind it is also a passion of mine.
I hope you read the book and let me know how you like it afterward.
Yes, it’s true about affirmations – we do feel like a phony at first but after awhile they do start to sink in and we change.
I do love Louise Hay – her book really did change my life when it came out.
I’m glad you like my “recipe” too!
Thanks so much for all your positive support Aileen. I look forward to your “visits” here very much!
Hi Jonny,
Thank you for visiting my blog. I’m glad you liked the article and the formatting too. I appreciate your comments very much.
I look forward to seeing you here again soon.
Sincerely,
Angela
I love that Henry Ford quote, one of my all time favourites!
Hi Claire, welcome to my blog. I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Also, that you found the quote inspiring.
I look forward to seeing you here again.
Thank you for your comment!
Great article. No surprise to me that our thoughts and feelings impact us at a cellular level, we see this all the time in people who live very stressful lives. It does take more awareness to understand how our thoughts affect our body when we are not under a great deal of stress however it happens all the time. Your tips are spot on, thanks for sharing them.
Hi Mark, Thank you so much for your very kind words! Yes, I can easily see how people under terrible constant stress develop disease.
We do need to develop awareness of how our thoughts affect our bodies – you’re so right about that.
I’m glad you found my tips helpful. It’s my pleasure to share them.
Thank you so much for your comments and visiting here.