Let's explore Chapter 13, where we discover how your environment shapes not just your behavior, but your very biology.
Chapter 13: Environment is Medicine
Here's a truth that might change everything: Your environment is not just where you live - it's what makes you live.
Think about it. Every cell in your body is constantly responding to environmental signals. As Dr. Bruce Lipton reveals,
"The environment, not genes, determines the vast majority of our traits" (Lipton, 2005).
The Power of Place
As you run through this list; consider your home environment, where you live, dwell and sleep right now.
Let's break down your environmental influences:
Physical Environment
- Light exposure
- Air quality
- Sound levels
- Temperature
- Spatial design
Chemical Environment
- Air pollutants
- Water quality
- Food contamination
- Electromagnetic fields
- Building materials
Social Environment
- Relationships
- Community
- Culture
- Support systems
- Social norms
As Dr. Zach Bush notes,
"The environment is not something outside of us. It is us" (Bush, 2019).
The Science of Environmental Medicine
Research shows that your environment affects:
Gene Expression
"Your genes load the gun, but your environment pulls the trigger" (Bland, 2015).
- Epigenetic changes
- Stress response
- Immune function
- Aging processes
Brain Function
"Your brain is constantly remodeling itself based on environmental input" (Doidge, 2007).
- Cognitive performance
- Emotional regulation
- Memory formation
- Stress resilience
Biological Rhythms
"Light is the most powerful synchronizer of our biological clocks" (Panda, 2018).
- Sleep cycles
- Hormone production
- Energy levels
- Metabolic health
As Arianna Huffington observes, "Our surroundings shape our behavior in ways we don't even notice" (Huffington, 2014).
Creating Healing Environments
Here's how to design spaces that support your wellbeing:
Physical Design
- Maximize natural light
- Ensure good ventilation
- Reduce noise pollution
- Include natural elements
- Create movement opportunities
Chemical Optimization
- Use non-toxic materials
- Filter air and water
- Choose organic products
- Minimize EMF exposure
- Incorporate plants
Social Architecture
- Design for connection
- Create gathering spaces
- Support privacy needs
- Enable natural movement
- Foster community
As Dr. Esther Sternberg explains in "Healing Spaces,"
"The right environment can promote healing in all its dimensions" (Sternberg, 2009).
Practical Implementation
Start with these steps:
Assess Your Environment
- Light quality
- Air quality
- Sound levels
- Toxic exposure
- Social support
Make Strategic Changes
- Morning sunlight exposure
- Air purification
- Noise reduction
- Natural materials
- Community spaces
Monitor Effects
- Sleep quality
- Energy levels
- Mood
- Productivity
- Health markers
As Dr. Mark Hyman reminds us,
"Your environment is more powerful than your willpower" (Hyman, 2018).
The 12 Medicines of SelfCare recognize environment as a crucial medicine because it shapes everything else. As Winston Churchill said, "We shape our buildings, and afterwards, our buildings shape us."
Remember:
- Your environment shapes your biology
- Small changes can have big effects
- Design determines behavior
Ask yourself:
- How does my environment support or hinder my wellbeing?
- What one change would make the biggest difference?
- How can I create more nourishing spaces?
Your environment is either medicine or poison. Which will you choose?
References:
Bland, J. (2015). The Disease Delusion. Harper Wave.
Bush, Z. (2019). The Microbiome Solution. Harmony Books.
Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Penguin Books.
Huffington, A. (2014). Thrive. Harmony Books.
Hyman, M. (2018). Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? Little, Brown Spark.
Lipton, B. (2005). The Biology of Belief. Mountain of Love Productions.
Panda, S. (2018). The Circadian Code. Rodale Books.
Sternberg, E. (2009). Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and Well-Being. Harvard University Press.
