There are a few scientific misconceptions that affect all of us and have shaped our culture in unhealthy ways that most of us are unaware of. Science is always evolving but people can become dogmatic and resist new information. As new information is presented we will be liberated if we have the courage to change our belief systems and worldview to evolve our lives accordingly. This requires a certain degree of mindfulness, humor, and humility but the results can bring a profound transformation in the way we live.
I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with world-renowned biologist, Bruce Lipton who inspired this article. As a scholar, researcher, and Cellular Biologist Bruce is probably best known for his contributions to the field of epigenetics along with his seminal book, The Biology of Belief, Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, and Miracles. His work has opened the door for science and spirituality to be reconciled heralding a new paradigm in the way we think about biological systems and evolution.
We can learn how to positively affect our physiology by becoming conscious of how to better use our thoughts and feelings. The idea is that once you understand how your beliefs change your life, you know that if you want to change your life, you have to change your perceptions. -Bruce Lipton
Misconception #1: Competition is Greater Than Cooperation
We are told that the driving force of evolution is “survival of the fittest”, and (in the case of Social Darwinism) we have applied that to justify war, genocide, colonialism, and our capitalistic economic system. Though Darwin understood that his theory was being co-opted and misinterpreted, there was little he could do to stop the gears that were in motion culturally. He wrote about it in his later book The Descent of Man where he emphasized that cooperation played an even more crucial role in the evolution of species than competition.
Those communities which included the greatest number of the most sympathetic members would flourish best, and rear the greatest number of offspring. – Charles Darwin, the Descent of Man
In a majority of plant and animal communities struggle is replaced by co-operation which results in the development of intellectual and moral faculties that secure to the species the best conditions for survival. Plant species in the forest or jungle have evolved and adapted to support a thriving community of biological diversity that also includes bugs and animals. In using the phrase, Survival of the Fittest Darwin’s definition of “fittest” is not limited to the physically strongest but is also applied to those who learn to work together to mutually support each other, strong and weak alike, for the welfare of the greater community. History shows us that societies based on homogeneity and dominance often devolve into fascism and eventually devouring themselves.
Misconception #2: We are the Result of Random Mutations
The more accurate terminology is actually adaptive mutations. Random mutation implies accidental, meaningless and without pattern whereas adaptive mutation implies conscious evolution, which also invites us to explore meaning, function and pattern within the biological process. As biological beings, each adaptive mutation in our history was an effort at improving, becoming more efficient and increasing our functionality. We are the result of billions of cells working in cooperation as a unified organism and this is no accident!
This realization implies that we humans have role to play in the larger biological system that we inhabit. As an apex species we have the ability to destroy the environment that sustains our lives, or be the conscious stewards and protectors of this delicate balance which allows all life to thrive. There has never been more scientific evidence or spiritual need for us to support and enhance conscious evolution on the planet.
Misconception #3: Genes Control Us
The idea of genetic determinism, which says that we are controlled by our genes, has been challenged and overturned by the new biology of epigenetics. Epi-genetics, meaning above the gene, informs us that what controls the genes is above the genes, which includes environmental factors. In other words, inherited changes in a gene’s expression doesn’t involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. This change in phenotype (physical traits of an organism) without a change in genotype (inherited genetic characteristics) tells us that we are not victims of our genes. Changes to environment, beliefs, and other factors determine how we adapt and evolve biologically. All of this strengthens and supports the invitation for conscious evolution of ourselves, our society, and our planet!
The field is the sole governing agency of the particle – Albert Einstein
Humans are an apex species, this means that we have been bestowed with enormous power by the forces of biology that have shaped us for eons. With power comes responsibility! Ignorance in the age of information is a poor choice. Knowledge has the ability to empower and liberate us in unimaginable ways if we are ready to take the reigns of our our collective destiny.
Do You Feel Connected?
Consider the ways that your beliefs and perceptions create an inner environment that your biology is responding to. How do you interact with your natural environment, do you feel connected to the larger field around you or isolated? What kind of field of energy do you emit onto the world around you? By taking some time with these questions and entertaining possibilities you will begin to change your biology. Consciousness is the destination and it is already right here, right now. Lifestyle changes are soon to follow!
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