Until recently, it was thought that genes were god-given, and unchangeable. That they were just something you blessed, or cursed, to have. Something you had to learn to just accept as fate.
Then along came epigenetics. Epigenetics is a new field of study that looks at the environment your genes exist within – the terrain in, and around, your genes.
Root cause recovery demands that we look at not only the three root causes (genes, inflammation, and digestion) but also the twelve aspects that influence those root causes. Mindset is one of the four aspectst that influences your genes.
Mindset is a way of thinking; an attitude or opinion, especially a habitual one.
It refers to the thoughts that continually repeat whether you’re aware of them or not. They are a vote to improve, or worsen, physical symptoms, and outcomes in general and need to be considered in every healing story.
“The mind-body connection isn’t just an idea. There’s an entire field of science called psychoneuroimmunology that studies this connection. How we feel in our body affects how we feel in our minds, and our thoughts and feelings impact our physical health”. – Eileen Laird
From birth to age seven, subconscious programming occurs due to influences by those who raise us, our experiences, home life, and more. Individual perception of memory can influence individual outcomes. In other words, the way you view a memory has a bigger impact on your health than the actual event that occurred.
While it is true that you can’t change the past, you CAN change the way you perceive, or feel about, the past. This is powerful!
If you had loving, emotionally available parents you likely developed a mindset that you are generally safe, loved, and capable. Other childhood experiences can lead to feeling inadequate and that things like healing are not yours to control. You may be in the habit of self-criticism, feeling unworthy, or a perpetual state of seeking outside yourself.
For example, when a child is raised in a home where external support like seeing a doctor or taking a pill is the first priority, the child may form a subconscious belief that they are excluded, or passive in the healing process. It becomes difficult or impossible to attain wellness without the patient being included as a necessary partner in the process. If your needs were met more consistently by external help, being involved in your own healing may feel woo-woo, or inconsequential. You may have developed a mindset that you are not worthy, or valuable when it comes to your healing experience.
Get curious about your own childhood. Did you feel included as a participant in creating your own health and wellness?
Physical symptoms influenced by mindset:
If you’re experiencing physical symptoms, your mindset is likely contributing in some way. Consider a time when you’ve experienced an intense feeling like anger, or fear that resulted in a red, flushed face, or a racing heart. Or consider a time with friends, enjoying yourself – you likely felt physically good! Maybe you danced, or laughed. And you noticed that your physical symptoms improved.
All of the following symptoms are influenced by mindset:
- Digestive disorders (IBS, colitis, etc)
- Chronic illness/weakened immune system
- Migraines
- Acne
- Issues with family, friends, or job
- Chronic fatigue
- Impaired liver function
- Suppressed emotions
- Poor sleep
- Weight gain/loss
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Joint pain
Dr. Satchin Patel eloquently puts it this way: “The mind is woven into every part of us…”.
How can I apply mindset to improve my own life?
Even though mindset stems back to childhood, it can, and should be nurtured throughout life. Tune in to the present moment, be curious about your body and the physical messages it sends to you in the form of symptoms.
Here are some simple ways to get started:
Be Mindful.
Being mindful is a buzzword in modern life, but what does it really mean?
Mindfulness can be summed up as tuning into your five senses in a practical way. Bring your attention to the present moment and name what you hear, see, smell, taste, and feel. This is an effective technique whe you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Reframe the Story.
Remember that how we perceive a memory often has more influence than the actual event. Sit with each story or symptom and get curious about the story embedded in it. What really happened? What did I make that mean about me? As an adult, is it possible that you could re-write the ending and see yourself in a position with more power? Try a mind/body technique like journalling, positive visualization, or EFT to help tap into the underlying story and reframe it so you feel stronger in the end.
Cultivate Self-Compassion.
Self-compassion helps us connect to the wisdom that allows for grace, imperfection, and healing. Start from a place of fullness and a desire to care for yourself and meet your own needs. Prioritize self-care activities like sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and good relationships. Be wary of the perfection/failure cycle that keeps you stuck.
Integrate the learnings.
A healing mindset doesn’t always naturally exist, it needs regular feeding.
Mindset also doesn’t mean you have to “feel happy” all the time. Not at all! But by becoming aware of your embedded mindset and being mindful of how it influences your health, you too will be able to harness this important functional tool
Take some time to choose a way to tune into your mindset and give it a boost of positivity! Be sure to schedule mindset activities into your regular routine.
To integrate the work you’ve done, schedule a celebration into your calendar. Take some time to treat yourself, visit a loved one, or get some extra sleep!
To get support with a healing mindset and other functional nutrition benefits, book a call with me and find out how you can work with me.
