There is a story about a rich man who consulted a psychic to find out who he’d be in his next life. Planning to make out his will, he wanted to know about his future incarnation so that he could leave all his wealth to himself.
Well, obviously this isn’t a serious way to affect our future. But both the ancient science of yoga and the cutting-edge science of epigenetics give us understandings and tools for making actual, positive changes in what lies ahead.
“Divine Aspiration,” by Nayaswami Jyotish
More than fifty years ago Paramhansa Yogananda stated that the practice of meditation, and of Kriya Yoga in particular, actually changes the molecular structure of the brain. Modern neuroscience is now validating Yogananda’s claim: They’re finding that lifestyle changes such as meditation, positive thinking, good diet, and exercise do, in fact, change the brain’s structure.
These activities allow us to bring more energy to the brain’s prefrontal lobe, which is the center of joy, well-being, and solution orientation. By the same token, less energy is directed to the more primitive parts of the brain that relate to anxiety, depression, fear, and anger. Over time, the way we look at ourselves, others, and the world around us changes dramatically for the better.
But it goes further than this. The latest genetic research is finding that activities such as meditation and positive thinking can even affect our DNA. There are a raft of genes that are changeable in on/off positions. Genetically influenced conditions such as alcoholism, diabetes, and depression can be reset to an off position in our DNA according to our lifestyle, freeing us from their controlling effect.
Not only can you reset what you’ve inherited in your gene pool to improve your own future, but you can also pass on to your children the “off” settings of any deleterious genes you have switched off.
So meditation and a positive mental outlook have a tremendous influence on our future. Yoganandaji said that even if you’ve been chronically ill throughout an entire lifetime, if at the moment of death you strongly affirm, “I am WELL,” you will be reborn in a healthy body.
Swami Kriyananda was plagued with many physical ailments in the last years of his life, but inwardly he never identified with them. Once when he visited a new doctor who was reviewing his voluminous medical reports, the doctor asked him, “How is your health?”
“Excellent!” Swamiji replied. This was how he saw it, and why he was able to keep joyously serving God up to his last day.
“Everything in future will improve if you are making the right spiritual effort now.” This oft-made statement by Sri Yukteswar, Yoganandaji’s guru, was no mere sweet sentiment. It is a literal truth that shows us the way to glowing happiness, health, and fulfillment: today, tomorrow, and into the uncircumscribed future.
With joy in what lies ahead,
Nayaswami Devi
16 Comments
Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing. Recently I have been struggling with a thought if positive thinking is nothing but denial of facing the truth. After reading this things are clearer. Thanks and regards. Shivani.
Dearest Devi
Beautifully written and so true.
We create our “world” by the power of our thoughts, our choices, and our intent. It is all energy after all, isn’t it!
So exciting to witness how “Science” is validating the “Science of Yoga”. Hip Hip Hooray! for Dwapara Yuga!!!
Our evolution is upon us, and it’s time!
~~~Peace, Josette
I enjoyed reading this. I want to go back to my daily meditation ritual and this has inspired me and ignited an excitement in what my soul already have experienced before. I love meditating and the positivity it brings to my life. I am catholic and some would think of me as not following the teachings of the church but my experience with meditation is not satanic nor negative in any way, It brought back light on my overly negative mind before. On top of that I have renewed my faith in the Lord and feel much more closer to Him as before. That and yoga practice have renewed me. I highly recommend meditation to anyone who have negativity in their lives. I wish I could share more of it especially to my family and friends but I could only help them if they are truly open. Nonetheless, I really appreciate the goodness and love you put on this post. Thank you!
Dear Devi,
Thank you for this reminder. I am currently experiencing the appearance of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus in my Life. My gene pool presents this dis-ease on both my parents sides; two known generations back on my Mother’s side.
As I read your writing, I realized I am looking at my Life too much as a Registered Nurse, and not enough as radiant child of God! By the book, I am doomed and without Hope. Your letter has reminded me of the possibility of turning this around…of flipping the “switch off.”
You have reminded me of my true identity, and my true Nature!
In perfect Health,
Rajananda Marlon McConner, R.N.
Thank you Devi. An inspiring article.
Dear Nayaswami Devi Ji,
Thank you for such a motivational and inspiring letter :)
Joy..Prem
Well done Devi. Positive thinking plus the purifying light of Kriya Yoga meditation can change our DNA. Would love to see Ananda go deeper into this combination as a healing tool. Thank you!
Dear Ji
Wonderful Article Simple Tools Encouraging and Reminding to stay in the Path, with all that Soulful
Blessings to Lead a Blissful Life.
With Gratitude
R sundararajan
Dyno-mite, as always! :-)
Another great sharing; Thank you, Devi ! I had never heard the following reference to Master before:
“Yoganandaji said that even if you’ve been chronically ill throughout an entire lifetime, if at the moment of death you strongly affirm, “I am WELL,” you will be reborn in a healthy body.”
That’s very interesting, for sure. And, very promising ! Thanks again, I love reading these periodic emails from you and Jyotish ……
Fantastic.
Seems we are with are with the Lord allowing us to correct ourselves, this makes us coco dent about our abilities.
The Painting by Nayaswami Jyotish is highly INSPIRING. The Aura of Painting seems to engulf one with serenity.
I feel peaceful even on just seeing it.
~~~Ved
Heal your soul first ..everything will be healed…sickness is due to past life karma..by mere yoga or meditation wont help. .if the sickness in soul level treatment should be done at soul level.. Indian saints like Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Ramana Maharshi.. suffered lot…though they were saadak…
Dear Devi ji,
Very interesting,beautifully reminded article.Loved it.I Will start meditating more.
Thank you for the reminder! I will focus my practice on this over the following weeks. I am well!
Blessings for you and your entire community.
Adriana (from Mexico)
Thank u so much Devi ji fr the most inspiring thoughts ..
Beautifully written …
Om