~~We have all heard this phrase at one time or another about various conditions ranging from cancer to diabetes. But, what do these two words really mean, and what if anything can you do to combat the effects of both?
If we look at the true definitions of both words, we will perhaps see something different than what we commonly think of when we hear the words. The definition of the word "Nature" is "The material world and its phenomena." Another definition of "Nature" is "The world of living things and the outdoors." O.K., but that doesn't necessarily define the word correctly when we link the two words together. Alright, hang in there for a minute and we will make more sense of this one, but let's take a look at the other coupled word here and see if that seems to have a logical definition in this context.
The definition of the word "Nurture" is "To raise or educate." Another definition is "The action of raising, or caring for offspring." O.K., this one makes a little more sense when we link the two words together, but not totally.
Let's look at how we commonly think of these two words when we link them together. In this context we commonly think of the word "Nature" as our genetic makeup. In other words, what we are predestined to due to our genes, which were passed down to us by our ancestors. In other words, the things we simply have "no control over." I can tell you emphatically that this simply is not true.
Now that we have burst that bubble, let's look at the second linked word in this simple phrase that many of you banter around commonly, perhaps even on a daily basis. So, what is the inference when we look at this word's true meaning when we link the two together? Well, I must admit that the true definition, and the meaning in our context here are more similar. Nurture is really the environmental factors that impact upon us. These range from our physical environment including temperature, humidity, climate, the food we eat, the water we drink, air pollution, as well as the way we are raised. The self-image we develop based on our caregivers. All these elements collectively encompass the "Nurture" component of this phrase. I must once again call your attention to the fact that you will often hear a cop out comment such as "I can't help it; it's because of the way I was raised."
So, the simple synonyms for these two words in this phrase are "Genetics vs. Environment". And the common connotation is that we have no control over either one of these two variables.
I am here to tell you this is an outright LIE! You, my Friends, have control over both of these two variables. Let's look at your genetics first.
Do you actually have control over your genetics? You absolutely do, and it is a whole new field of study called "epigenetics". Essentially, you have the ability to "Up-Regulate", or turn on certain genes. We attempt to do this with "good genes". The ones that will help us to live a "Longer Healthier Life". You can also "Down-Regulate" or turn off other genes. These are the genes we would consider to be "bad genes". The ones that predispose us to such things as Alzheimer's or breast cancer.
Now for the important question you should all be asking; "Just how do I do this?" Well it can be as simple as drinking more water or getting more sleep. It really comes down to making sure that you support the "Four Pillars of Health".
What I want all of you to take away from this is that you have to take the responsibility right now to make the appropriate changes in your lifestyle in order to divert your life path from the "Disease and Sickness Paradigm" to the "Health and Wellness Paradigm". That is the first step.
Sometimes, though, in this endeavor you will need help. You may need a teacher to help you gain the information and knowledge to lead you to the end point you desire. You may need a doctor to guide you with the natural, holistic processes and procedures necessary to get you there. You will definitely also need a coach to encourage you, since this path will have its pitfalls and challenges, and you will need not only a guide, but also a "cheerleader" to point out your "wins".
If you feel you want to make the changes necessary in order to move you toward the Ultimate Health and Wellness Paradigm and away from the disease and sickness path that you've been traveling, and you feel you would like the guidance and support necessary to succeed, please feel free give Kerry at call at the Center (215-679-9355) and schedule a consultation. If you mention this article to her at the that time, she will include a complimentary copy of my book, and a 20% discount on your initial consultation and analysis at the Center.