Heart coherence explained in 25 words or less

"Heart coherence is an optimal physiological state associated with increased cognitive function, self-regulatory capacity, emotional stability and resilience."

(19 words!)

Heart coherence is a state that supports clearer communication, better judgment and decision making during stressful situations, and more empathic responses to people including ourselves. It is a powerful way to move gracefully through intense situations at work, at home, or any time when you’re under pressure or dealing with people.

So how do you get there?

>> We can put ourselves into this state by:

1. slowing down our breath (5 counts in, 5 counts out is great if you can do it)

2. focusing on our hearts, and

3. focussing on someone or something that creates strong feelings of appreciation, gratitude, love.

4. Do this until you feel a state of 'flow'

Precisely because its so simple, this is a technique you can do any time, any place, and even while a stressful event is taking place. You can literally do this around a meeting room table, or before heading into a presentation. No-one needs to know that you’re doing it.

It works because we can regulate our heart rate/heart rate variability through our breathing.

Biologically, what we're doing is regulating the frequency of our body systems by regulating that of our heart. It works because as our organs function, they’re moving, vibrating, and in so doing they’re emitting a frequency. Our heart is the strongest frequency emitter, and can entrain the frequencies (energy waves) of the other organs in our bodies, including the brain.

When we’re stressed these frequencies are erratic, compared to when in a 'coherent' state during which our body's frequencies are smoother and more consistent:

Graph showing the difference in heart rate variability wave forms when someone is angry and in a disregulated state versus in a calm coherent state

Heart coherence has been rigorously studied in over 400 independent clinical studies.

It is so effective that its being employed in any field you can think of where optimal performance is sought - Special Forces on operations, first responders hitting the scene of a disaster, teams of neurosurgeons during delicate operations, creative performers on stage, students at all levels sitting exams, social workers engaging traumatised children.

Not only is it effective for improving individual performance, but there is an effect between individuals - people in a coherent state - feeling genuine care and compassionate - have a measurable uplifting effect on the people around them.

We've known forever that fear is contagious - how exciting to learn why positivity, love, and joy can also be contagious - this knowledge brings power to make a genuine positive impact on the world around us!

Heart coherence is a term coined by the HeartMath Institute, a California-based not for profit organisation that has been working since the 1990s with scientists including neuroscientists, psychologists, cardiologists, neurocardiologists and more to explore the exciting territory that bridges the sciences of the heart and brain.

There is so much more to say about these subjects and so much brilliant and accessible information available on the HeartMath Institute site. If you want more of the science, I recommend the accessible and very thorough book Science of the Heart, An Overview of Research Conducted by the HeartMath Institute.

Keen to come along to a workshop? Check out what's coming up >