Have you ever felt, even for a second, that you've been reincarnated.
That there are certain memories, fears, dreams, and behaviors that you just can't explain.
For example, I'm a great swimmer, but I've always had a huge fear of drowning.
It's extremely hard to push that fear aside when I get in water, and I always wonder why I show signs of PTSD from something I've never experienced before.
If you're religious or spiritual, then you've definitely thought quite a bit about the soul.
The soul, or consciousness, is an essence that has boggled the minds of even the greatest scientists.
Many people believe these unexplained feelings come from their "old soul," which they believe to have been reincarnated once or many times.
If you're like me, and like to hear what science has to say about all this, there's actually scientific research explaining that memories can pass between generations.
These studies from a couple years ago will blow your mind...
Making Sense Of The Past
A 2016 study by Tel Aviv University found that stress and trauma can be passed from one generation to the next.
What's interesting is that memories can be passed down for several generations, meaning the memories of our ancestors are imprinted on our DNA.
By studying worms, these researchers were able to identify specific genes that can "produce and transmit" pertinent information "across generations."
"We previously showed that worms inherited small RNAs following the starvation and viral infections of their parents. These small RNAs helped prepare their offspring for similar hardships," lead author Oded Rechavi said.
In another study, researchers found that mice can also pass on learned information.
For example. rodents that have been trapped in a particular maze can transfer memories of what they've experienced so that their offspring don't have to start from scratch.
Isn't that mind-blowing! So what do these studies translate into for you?
What This All Means
If you can't seem to be able to explain certain memories or phobias, there's a chance that your ancestors, parents, or grandparents, have gone through those traumatic experiences.
Modern humans have learned quite a bit of their survival instincts from their ancestors, which has greatly shaped our genetic material.
So just how certain instincts, like the fear of spiders, is a defense mechanism, so can your irrational phobias.
The idea that humans can pass down memories can also explain how some people have a natural gift for something.
As more research is being done to understand genetic memory, the closer we'll get to better treating disorders like irrational phobias, anxiety, and PTSD.
Have you ever felt like you've been reincarnated?
Click here to read 15 signs that may hint that you have an "old soul."
[H/T: Science Daily / Hashem Al-Ghaili Facebook]