ABOUT THE ANCESTOR'S VOICES PROJECT

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can affect how cells read genes and can be influenced by various factors, including environment, lifestyle, and experiences. Essentially, epigenetics looks at how external factors can switch genes on or off and how these changes can be inherited by future generations.

Epigenetics helps explain how behaviors and various environments can affect the way genes work and provide insights into various biological phenomena, including development, aging, and the inheritance of traits and diseases. For example, trauma experienced by one generation can potentially influence the genetic expression in subsequent generations, a concept that is crucial in understanding inherited trauma.

Epigenetics influences our daily lives by modifying gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, based on environmental factors, lifestyle, and experiences. This can manifest in several ways:

1. Health and Disease: Diet, exercise, and exposure to pollutants can lead to epigenetic changes that affect disease risk, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
2. Stress Response: Early life experiences and parenting can cause epigenetic modifications that influence how individuals handle stress and their susceptibility to mental health issues.
3. Behavior and Cognition: Learning, memory, and addiction are impacted by epigenetic mechanisms, which regulate how neurons adapt and form connections in the brain.
4. Intergenerational Effects: The health and lifestyle of parents can lead to epigenetic changes in offspring, affecting their long-term health and vulnerability to stress and trauma.

In essence, epigenetics shows up in our daily lives by shaping our health, behavior, and how we interact with our environment, with potential effects that can span generations.

Ancestral trauma refers to the transmission of trauma and its effects across generations. It occurs when the traumatic experiences of ancestors, such as war, oppression, or abuse, leave psychological and physiological marks on their descendants. This can manifest as increased vulnerability to stress, mental health issues, and behavioral patterns that reflect the original trauma, even in those who did not directly experience the traumatic events themselves.

Inherited trauma shows up in our daily lives through increased stress sensitivity, anxiety, and behavioral patterns reflecting past traumas. It can manifest as heightened reactions to stress, difficulties in relationships, and mental health challenges like depression and PTSD, often without direct exposure to the original traumatic events. This trauma is passed down through epigenetic changes, affecting how genes are expressed across generations.

Yes! We are planning to offer more workshops.  You can find out more/be the first to know by signing up for our newsletter here.

During the workshops, attendees will be given instructions to explore different areas of movement, which include active listening exercises, journaling, drawing, and using co-created movement to examine intergenerational trauma.  Wear comfortable clothing you can move in and bring water with you.

The material gathered from these workshops will be used to create a dance piece