Be bigger than the sum of your parts: gaming epigenetics
Hi! I love the science of epigenetics, especially in relation to intergenerational trauma. Diggin' right in, k?
In Mia words, epigenetics is the study of which genes "turn on and off" in your DNA code. Read the scientific explanation here. Nature and nurture influence who we are - which genes turn on and off - starting from when we were conceived and formed in our mother's womb. So, even though my sister and I (cute lady standing, pictured) share the same parents and grew up in the same home, epigenetically we're very different due to the mental, emotional, and physical conditions of our parents when we were respectively conceived, on the nutrition and rest our mom received when she was building us in her body, and by the choices we make, now. My sister and I are really different and we're also the same in our commitment to making healthy choices in our lives.
Our parents survived epic levels of trauma as children and adults. Since trauma changes brain chemistry and more in a person, their unprocessed trauma affected the way we were created, nurtured, and raised. Even with parents who may not have been as traumatized, you're also the product of who, what, where, when, why, and how your parents were when you were born and raised. The residue of trauma your parents may have survived influences you and your body, which is intergenerational trauma. We definitely can't escape the close connection we have with our folks, regardless of our current relationship with them.
And we can make choices that help us become more than the sum of our parts. What choices do you regularly make that you love, and which choices do you want to change? Keep in touch and let's make those healthy choices, together.
I'm so excited to teach taiji in Chicago's gorgeous Millenium Park in July, all live, all in person, no Zoomin'. Whew. On July 3, 10, 31 from 8:30-9:15AM, let's practice esoteric Daoist taiji on The Great Lawn. Read more here.
I can't get enough of this savory Korean dipping sauce, great for veggies, on omelets, try it on everything! There are many variations, try this recipe to start. Try not to get addicted.
August 7, 6:30-8PM. Please save this date and attend a very special workshop I'm doing at Sat Nam Yoga Chicago. Sunset Maha Mrityunjaya Yoga Nidra is what I'm talking about. Blending the therapies of sound, chanting, mantra, restorative yoga, and yoga nidra - or yoga sleep, you are bound to have a deeply restful experience. In person, on Zoom, and recorded with video access for 30 hours. Stay tuned for more info.
Wake up and practice yoga for low back, yoga for shoulders and neck, yoga for hips, and more. It's been a while since I've taught yoga classes with movement and I'm committed to doing so in July on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Join me from 7-8AM live on my Instagram account and also on Zoom. See MiaParkYoga.com for details or email me. Let's get balanced and strong together!
To be clear, there's always been anti-Asain racism in America, it's just more obvious now and more violent. On May 20, President Biden made history by signing an anti-Asian hate crime bill, saying ""For centuries, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, diverse and vibrant communities have helped build this nation only to be often stepped over, forgotten, or ignored. My message to all of those who are hurting is, we see you. And the Congress has said, we see you. And we are committed to stop the hatred and the bias."
If you also want to be an ally to stop hate crimes against Asian Pacific Island Desi Americans - APIDA:
-check your biases
-LISTEN
-BE HUMBLE
-don't assume you're the authority on how to help others, or authority about anything, especially if you're white
-donate money or time to help the APIDA cause
-boost ADIPA signals by sharing on your social media and talking about important issues, learn about some here
-don't be a jerk to yourself or anyone
What are other ways you think you can help? Thanks for being an ally and not part of the problem.
Black lives matter. Racial injustice is slow to change and the struggle must be steady to make sustainable shifts. Donate, call, march, pray, and most importantly, start with examining your personal biases and have those uncomfortable conversations with yourself. National Resources for BLM.
Rocío Sagrado Boutique is a true DIY organic business from Argentina that my friend Jai has run for over 10 years. She's been making 100% Pure & Natural Handmade Cosmetics & Fragrances with hand-picked plants & flowers fresh from her garden with love. Homemade Goodness. Nothing else. Click here and email her for a catalog and check them our on Instagram.
