Many
spiritual teachers have talked about the connectedness of all life
for hundreds even thousands of years. American Indians teach that decisions made need to be made so they will benefit the next seven
generations. The Big Bang theory (not the show) teaches that
everything started from a hot and extremely dense state expanding
rapidly. After the initial expansion, the Universe cooled down and
converted the particles into neutrons, protons and electrons.
Expressed by this theory is the idea that everything that exists
comes from those initial “building blocks.” (This is extremely
simplified; if you want a scientific explanation do further
research). Both theories point toward the connectedness of all life.
In
current society, the norm is to live as if we are the only ones who
matter as long as we are comfortable. However, we may want to reconsider this trend. I came across another
scientific discovery, epigenetics, which might stir us out of our
comfort zone.
Epigenetics
is the theory that genes need instructions of what to do. The
“instructor” is the epigenome. If the epigenome controls the
expression of the genes, it will account for the sameness and the
difference even in identical twins. Even though it accounts for
differences it is also a force that connects all life through its
influence on the genes.
There
have been findings1
that famine, poor nutrition and health might affect people a century
later and might show up as diabetes or other diseases. A Grandmother
exposed to famine in the womb will have granddaughters who die on
average much earlier from that exposure. Other findings are that
pesticides have affects on people showing Kidney disease, Immune
deficiency etc., and showing that environmental toxins effect several
generations down the line.
A
major point to focus your attention toward is nurture or lack of
nurture in children. Research is in the process of showing how this
will affect DNA/genes. There was an experiment done in which rats not
nurtured showed a higher stress response and higher blood pressure.
The behavior of the mother has impact years from now on its
offspring. It has been assumed by researchers that there is a “mark”
in the genes that imprints that memory. Less nurtured rats had
dimmed gene's activity. This raises the question “What are the
effects on our children if they are abused or neglected?”
Conclusively our children are more susceptible to developing
depression, diabetes and heart disease.
Can
we sit quietly watching children being trafficked, exposed to hideous
torture or war because we prefer to be comfortable rather than
involved?
I
am grateful to the scientific community for their research and
findings. Research confirms that we truly are connected in an amazing
design. Whatever your beliefs you cannot deny this design of connectedness which
obviously shows a greater intelligence at the core of all life. We
cannot say anymore “this or that does not affect me” because it
actually does! All life is connected; we live in a web of life and if
we engage in harmful activity toward any life form than we conjure up
consequences, we may have no idea what the impact may be. Sometimes
those consequences harm US. As human beings, we have a responsibility
toward our children and toward our family and yes, even our
neighbors.
1“Ghost
in your Genes” NOVA copyrighted 2006 BBC, and 2008 WGBH
Educational Foundation
