The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & Miracles

by Bruce H. Lipton

A recent study revealed that just eight hours of mindful meditation was sufficient to significantly change vital gene functions. Compared to controls, meditators exhibited a range of genetic and molecular differences that included reduced levels of pro-inflammatory genes and altered levels of gene-regulating machinery. These observed changes in genetic expression are associated with faster physical recovery from stressful situations and prove that mindfulness practice can lead to health improvement through profound epigenetic alterations of the genome. (Kaliman, et al, 2014) Research suggests that a positive mindset can even trump some of the effects of aging. A number of studies have found that people who hold more positive stereotypes about aging behave differently as they age from those who hold more negative stereotypes, even when they are similar in other ways, including how healthy they are. Recently, Yale University and University of California, Berkeley researchers decided to study whether it is possible to counteract our culture’s undeniably negative view of aging and, in so doing, improve health.