4. Unlike last year, epigenetics is also one of the sections of the conference this year. Can you talk about its importance for our lives?
Epigenetics is the branch of science that studies changes in gene expression that are hereditary but do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenomes, which are mechanisms that control and regulate gene functioning, are described by scientists as being “above” the genes. This mechanism, which determines when, where, and how much genes will work—in other words, the changes in the expression of genetic information encoded in DNA without any change in the DNA structure or sequence—is called “epigenetics,” meaning “genetics above genetics.”
Epigenomes control all genetic activity by telling genes how to behave, thereby raising or lowering gene quality. Epigenetic science has proven that lifestyle changes are far more effective in preventing diseases than genes themselves. In short, epigenetic research shows that:
While only 5% of diseases are linked directly to genes, the remaining 95% can be controlled through epigenetics.
In my book Your Genes Are Not Your Destiny (Genleriniz Kaderiniz Değildir), published in 2018, I focused entirely on this topic. I detailed the latest scientific conclusions regarding our genes and how we can integrate recommended lifestyle changes into our lives without pushing ourselves too far out of our comfort zones. This book serves as a lifelong reference guide.
In short, for a better life structure, it is high time we step out of the victim role and take responsibility for our well-being in the light of science. You no longer have to fly thousands of miles to mountains, temples, or remote centers for this. It is enough to research accurate information and guidance sources. This practice can be integrated step-by-step into the lives of people rushing around in major metropolises. In our country, too, there are tens of thousands of examples of elevated well-being resulting from lifestyle changes over the last 12 years.
5. What does wellbeing encompass?
The term wellbeing refers to daily lifestyle choices that ensure balance across our three primary bodies—physical, mental, and spiritual—while simultaneously establishing balance in Career, Financial, Social, and Environmental life, as identified in GALLUP’s landmark 2010 global Wellbeing Study (representing 98% of the world’s population). It is an all-encompassing umbrella term that houses all wellness and preventive medicine practices.
Wellbeing is still frequently confused with wellness. Wellness typically refers only to fitness, nutrition, and SPA practices. Wellbeing, however, is the overarching umbrella term that includes wellness practices as well.
In short, wellbeing expresses a complete state of balance and a harmonious life within our professional, social, and financial lives, as well as our physical, mental, and spiritual body health. It can be defined as “Holistic Health, Happiness, and a State of Being Well.” Ultimately, our overall quality of life is the clearest indicator of our state of wellbeing.
According to epigenetic science and ancient wisdom, our lifestyle is the most critical determinant of our health, mind-body balance, and wellbeing. In other words, being better and happier depends on the seemingly minor choices we make daily.
6. I would also like to talk about meditation. In previous years, I noticed that people were much more prejudiced about this. They always worry that “I can’t do it.” Is there any change in this now? What are your observations?
Yes, you are absolutely right. Over the last 12 years, we have made significant positive progress regarding meditation in Turkey. The questions we used to get years ago, like “Is meditation a sin?” have completely stopped over the last 6-7 years.
Meditation, in short, is a scientific technique to rest the mind.
Associating it with any religion is highly inaccurate. Meditative practices exist in all monotheistic religions and spiritual disciplines. The most important reason for this is that it clears the mind of “clutter thoughts” and carries the individual toward their true potential.
My introduction to all these wellbeing practices started with the Meditation and Ayurveda certificate programs I completed at the Chopra Center in the US. I can clearly divide my life into two halves: Before Meditation and After Meditation. I have taught thousands of people how to meditate based on scientific principles, and I have observed—and continue to witness—hundreds of transformed lives after they simply started practicing meditation regularly.
In fact, when I first started, I thought to myself: “If a rational-minded, former stockbroker like me can be convinced, anyone can be convinced,” and that is how I began teaching.
Scientists define meditation as the “antidote to stress.”
And they are absolutely right! If you cannot manage your stress levels, you cannot manage your life, meaning you are being tossed around in life like a dry leaf in the wind. We practice meditation primarily for stress management. Beyond that, the benefits are too many to list.
7. Since we are on the subject, could you briefly talk about what meditation brings to our lives?
Even though meditation is not an intellectual practice, it is extremely important for our logical mind to understand its scientific effects and be convinced, as this ensures the sustainability of the practice. Meditation is a state where we step out of the state of “DOING” and shift into the state of “BEING.” Its positive effects on our physical, mental, and spiritual health have been proven by highly respected international scientific studies for nearly 30 years.
Research conducted by prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School, MIT, Yale University, and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital has demonstrated changes in brain neuroplasticity. According to these studies, regular meditation rapidly evolves the way neurons in the brain connect and relate to one another, changing the brain’s chemistry. In other words, regular meditation rewires how our mind works.
Of course, there are hundreds of different meditation techniques. Does it matter which technique you practice? Absolutely.
Particularly, Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2009 along with Carol W. Greider and Jack W. Szostak for discovering the role of telomeres and the telomerase enzyme in aging, has proven through years of research that mantra-based meditation techniques (such as Kirtan) significantly boost the secretion of the telomerase enzyme.
To summarize the key benefits of meditation proven by these international universities and clinics over the last 30 years:
Relieves stress
Prevents premature aging
Triggers the “well-aging” process by lengthening telomeres
Improves sleep quality
Alleviates heart palpitations
Lowers high blood pressure and reduces blood pressure variance
Facilitates physical and mental detoxification
Reduces anxiety, worry, and various fears
Heals and improves relationships
Brings inner peace
Awakens creativity and intuition
Strengthens the immune system
Eliminates chronic fatigue
Enhances the ability to focus and strengthens concentration
Fosters a less judgmental attitude toward oneself and others
