It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle

the DNA responsible for transmitting physical traits, such as the color of our hair, eyes, and skin—surprisingly makes up less than 2 percent of our total DNA.14 The other 98 percent consists of what is called noncoding DNA (ncDNA), and is responsible for many of the emotional, behavioral, and personality traits we inherit.

when brain pathways of remembering are hindered during periods of threat or danger.

Bessel van der Kolk

a secret language of our suffering

loss for words

blocked, suppressed, or repressed

The past is never dead. It’s not even past.

right timing, the right words, and the right image

specific words that led to the origin of their pain

heal, our pacing must be in tune