thoughts , emotions , choices , and actions — are inherited . Clinical studies have proven that emotional trauma experienced by our parents and grandparents ( and even further back in our genetic line ), leave physical markers on our genes , affecting gene expression . These markers make us prone to the same kinds of trauma , over and over again .

The patterns of victimization — unconscious ways of thinking , feeling , and acting that attract abuse — are literally passed down epigenetically from generation to generation . This is what I term “ emotional DNA .” The same holds true for abusers / perpetrators . How many times do we find that an abusive parent was also subjected to violence as a child ? Too often . The inherited pattern of being an abuser is also passed down .

The next thing we need to do is see that abuse and victimization are not serving our personal growth , happiness , or overall social advancement . We need to understand that anger and outrage , lashing out , seeking punishment , and reparations for old sins is simply a continuation of the very dynamic we ’ re hurt by and angry about .

Metapatterns are in us . And they are destined to unconsciously drive us and run our lives ( from one side of the issue or the other ) until we see them , acknowledge them , and choose to change and elevate their shape and effect . Only then can we move beyond them .

How do you recognize when a pattern or metapattern is affecting you ? It shows up in our language and as symptoms : discomfort , irritation , a block to some desire , boredom , a lack of progress , ill health . Sometimes it manifests as a variety of symptoms . When it comes to the metapatterns of victimization ,