Have you ever had the feeling that certain behaviors, ideas, or even emotions seem to repeat themselves as if they were in the air? As if there were an invisible field connecting people, groups, or even entire generations? Well, this is the essence of a fascinating and, at the same time, controversial theory: the morphogenetic fields.

Morphogenetic fields are a hypothesis proposed by biologist Rupert Sheldrake, which suggests the existence of invisible information fields capable of shaping patterns of behavior, memory, and form in living organisms. This idea, while not fully accepted by mainstream science, sparks enormous interest because it touches on something we all experience in our lives: the power of collective patterns and the invisible influence we receive from our environment.

What is most striking is that, by exploring this concept, we can create powerful metaphors to understand how our beliefs, thoughts and behaviors are formed — and, most importantly, how we can reprogram our mind to live more consciously. In this article, we'll explore this topic and discuss not only the controversial part of its hypothesis, but also ways to apply it. Let's dive in!

What are morphogenetic fields?

Simply put, the morphogenetic fields are presented as invisible fields that contain information capable of guiding the form and behavior of living beings. In this sense, we are not talking about something material, like genes or molecules, but rather a kind of "informational field" that influences the organization of life.

“Morphogenetic fields are proposed as invisible fields of information that influence the form and behavior of living beings.”

Thus, the idea suggests that every life form—from cells to societies—carries an invisible "template" that guides its structure and interactions. Thus, behavioral patterns, instincts, and even collective memories could be transmitted not only genetically but also through resonance with this field.

Rupert Sheldrake's theory

The name most associated with morphogenetic fields is that of the English biologist Rupert Sheldrake, who presented the theory in the 1980s. According to him, organisms do not develop only from genetic codes, but also from “fields” that contain organizing information.

One of the central concepts he proposed is that of morphic resonance: that is, the idea that when something is learned or experienced by a group, that information becomes available to other similar organisms, anywhere.

For example: if rats in a laboratory learn a new behavior, other rats, in different parts of the world, could learn that same behavior faster because they are connected to that “informational field”.

Another classic example used by Sheldrake is that of collective memory in species: once a pattern is established, it becomes easier for other members of the same species to repeat.

This view dialogues with ancient concepts, such as Carl Jung's collective unconscious, but brings a more biological and energetic perspective.

What Science Says About Morphogenetic Fields

It's important to be clear: Sheldrake's theory has never been fully accepted by the scientific community. After all, many scientists argue that there's a lack of concrete evidence and that the experiments he cites lack replicable evidence.

Still, the hypothesis remains alive in the realm of ideas precisely because it touches on something intuitive: the perception that we are influenced by collective patterns that go beyond DNA or education.

“Mainstream science has not proven morphogenetic fields, but the theory continues to be explored as an alternative hypothesis.”

The interesting dialogue is with areas such as epigenetics, which studies how environmental and behavioral factors can turn genes on or off, and even with neuroscience, when we think about brain plasticity, which allows us to create new patterns. However, while not the same thing, these areas show that biology is much more flexible and responsive to the environment than previously believed.

There are also attempts to relate Sheldrake's theory to principles of quantum physics, although caution is needed to avoid overinterpretation. Quantum physics does indeed show that particles can be connected beyond space and time, but this does not mean that the theory of morphogenetic fields is proven.

Morphogenetic fields and human development

Even without scientific proof, the concept of morphogenetic fields can be used as a powerful metaphor to understand how beliefs and behaviors are formed.

Consider, for example, collective beliefs like "working hard is a sign of success" or "money is hard to come by." In this sense, these ideas, passed down through generations, function as veritable "fields" that shape the mindset of entire groups.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) offers an interesting parallel: we speak of mental maps that filter our perception of reality. These maps are shaped by family, culture, and society, and often trap us in patterns that seem universal but aren't.

Likewise, this applies to the mindfulness: by practicing mindfulness, we break the automatic resonance with these “fields” of anxiety or fear and consciously choose a new pattern, redefining limiting beliefs.

Furthermore, positive psychology reinforces this view by showing that collective emotions, such as gratitude or hope, can spread in groups, creating environments that reinforce healthy behaviors.

Morphogenetic Fields and NLP: the mile record

One of the most frequently cited examples of collective beliefs is the mile record, broken in 1954 by Sir Roger Bannister. Until then, it was believed that no human being could run 1,609 meters in under 4 minutes. Therefore, this barrier was not only physical, but primarily mental.

When Bannister broke the record with 3 minutes and 59 seconds, something extraordinary happened: a few weeks later, other runners did the same, and in the following years, hundreds of athletes surpassed that mark.

For NLP, this case is a classic example of how a limiting belief can be overridden. That is, when someone demonstrates that it's possible, others believe it too—and this completely changes behavior and results.

On the other hand, for defenders of morphogenetic fields, this paradigm shift would be like new information recorded in a collective field, making it easier for others to access it and repeat the feat.

Either way, the lesson is clear: by changing our beliefs, we open up space for new realms of possibility.

NLP Modeling and Morphogenetic Fields

In NLP, the modeling is the process of observing and replicating other people's patterns of excellence. However, it's not just about copying, but about understanding how they think, feel, and act, and then applying those patterns to our own lives.

Just as Sheldrake suggests that new behaviors are recorded in a collective field, NLP shows that by modeling someone, we can access and replicate these patterns.

Roger Bannister's classic example reinforces this concept. According to field theory, this feat would have "entered the field" and facilitated others' achievement.

Either way, the message is clear: when someone paves a path, it becomes easier for others to follow. Thus, it's as if each individual achievement can become a collective possibility.

Morphogenetic Fields and Miguel Nicolelis' Brainet

While Rupert Sheldrake speaks of invisible fields connecting organisms, modern science is beginning to investigate something similar through other avenues. Brazilian neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis developed the concept of Brainet (also known in some translations as Brain-Net), a network of brains directly connected to each other.

In animal experiments, Nicolelis demonstrated that it was possible to create direct brain-to-brain communication using electrodes. In this way, rats and monkeys were able to share motor and sensory information in real time, functioning as a kind of "collective brain."

A fascinating detail is that many of these connections occurred unconsciously: the animals didn't know they were "sharing" data, but their brains synchronized and adjusted their behaviors as if a collective intelligence were at work. In other words, this suggests that the human brain can also be influenced by invisible networks of connections, without us being fully aware of it.

Brainet is still in its infancy, but it opens the possibility that, in the future, humans will be able to share thoughts and information collaboratively, without the need for language.

This concept brings an interesting parallel with morphogenetic fields: if Sheldrake spoke of an invisible transmission of patterns, Nicolelis shows that, biologically, it is possible to interconnect brains in a network of information.

In terms of mindset, this leads us to reflect: to what extent are our ideas and behaviors already shaped by invisible networks of connection? Whether by hypothetical fields or technology, the fact is that we never think alone.

Practical applications in everyday life

Even though it's a hypothesis, we can use the idea of morphogenetic fields as practical inspiration. How?

1. Collective visualization – by imagining yourself as part of a field of abundance or trust, you activate more positive emotional patterns within yourself.
2. Belief reprogramming – if collective patterns influence, you can consciously choose which patterns to reinforce.
3. Anchoring exercises – NLP techniques, such as associating positive emotions with gestures, work like creating a “personal field” of resources.
4. Group mindfulness – collective meditation practices can enhance states of presence and balance, as if the group created a shared field.

“Even without scientific proof, many people use the idea of morphogenetic fields as a metaphor for changing habits and beliefs.”

Morphogenetic Fields and Family Constellation

THE Family Constellation, developed by Bert Hellinger, is a therapeutic practice based on the principle that we are all part of a family field, which stores information, memories, and behavior patterns. Thus, it is precisely here that many constellators resort to the concept of morphogenetic fields to explain how these dynamics are perpetuated from generation to generation.

According to this view, the family field holds records that can unconsciously influence our choices, relationships, and even emotional difficulties. Thus, accessing this field allows the constellation to reveal and reorganize the invisible patterns that bind us to suffering.

Although there is no scientific evidence that the morphogenetic field explains how the constellation works, the metaphor helps us understand how invisible collective patterns shape our lives. This reinforces the importance of bringing familiar beliefs and dynamics to consciousness to transform them.

Reflections and care

It's important to maintain critical thinking. After all, morphogenetic fields are a theory, not a proven law of nature. Thus, using them as a metaphor is enriching, but we must not fall into the trap of blindly believing any unproven explanation.

What we can do is the following:

• Use the concept as inspiration to understand our collective and individual patterns.
• Integrate the metaphor with proven practices, such as mindfulness and positive psychology.
• Always maintain an open but also critical stance, valuing science and evidence.

Conclusion

The theory of morphogenetic fields is both provocative and inspiring. Above all, it invites us to reflect on the existence of invisible patterns that shape our lives and how we can free ourselves from those that limit us.

Even without scientific validation, its power lies in its metaphor: understanding that our beliefs, emotions, and behaviors are not fixed, but can be redefined. Therefore, just as the fields suggest that collective learning can influence an entire species, our personal changes can resonate beyond ourselves.

If you want to reprogram your own “mental field” and transform your life, you can start right now. Try integrating mindfulness practices, cultivating positive emotions, and applying NLP techniques to create internal patterns. This is the path to freeing yourself from limiting beliefs and live with more purpose.

FAQ – Questions and Answers about Morphogenetic Fields

1. What are morphogenetic fields in a nutshell?

Morphogenetic fields are a theory that proposes the existence of invisible fields of information capable of shaping forms and behaviors in living organisms.

2. What is the difference between morphogenetic fields and energy fields?

Energy fields are concepts more closely linked to spiritual traditions and alternative therapies. Morphogenetic fields, in turn, are a biological hypothesis proposed by Rupert Sheldrake, although they lack broad scientific validation.

3. Is Sheldrake's theory accepted by science?

No. Most scientists consider that solid evidence is lacking. Still, the hypothesis is interesting because it offers a new way of thinking about memory, behavior, and evolution.

4. How can this concept be used in personal development?

It can be seen as a metaphor for understanding collective beliefs and behavior patterns. Thus, it serves as inspiration for reprogramming the mind, cultivating new beliefs, and creating more positive environments.

5. Is there a relationship between morphogenetic fields and limiting beliefs?

Yes, metaphorically. Limiting beliefs can be seen as collective or familial "fields" that shape behaviors. By reprogramming your mind, you create new internal fields capable of positively influencing your life.

Image: Freepik

Marcel Castilho

Marcel Castilho is an expert in neuromarketing, neuroscience, mindfulness and positive psychology. In addition to being an advertiser, he also has a Master's degree in NLP – Neurolinguistic Programming. As the owner and founder of the communications agency VeroCom and also of the digital agency Vero Contents, he has been studying human behavior for over 30 years.