THE SCIENCE OF HEART

Since 1991, the HeartMath Institute has researched and developed reliable, scientifically based tools to help people bridge the connection between their hearts and minds, and deepen their connection with the hearts of others. HeartMath’s research shows how emotions change our heart rhythm patterns. Positive emotions create coherent heart rhythms, which look like rolling hills – it’s a smooth and ordered pattern. In contrast, negative emotions create chaotic, erratic patterns. Using a heart rhythm monitor, you can actually see your heart rhythms change in real time as you shift from stressful emotions like anger or anxiety to positive feelings like care or appreciation. Coherent heart rhythm patterns facilitate higher brain function, whereas negative emotions inhibit a person’s ability to think clearly. Coherent heart rhythms also create a feeling of solidity and security. Scientific research also shows that our heart emits an electromagnetic field that changes according to our emotions. This electromagnetic field, can be measured up to several feet away from our body and therefore not only impacts our own physiological and psychological state, but our electromagnetic field also influences the well-being of other people. As a certified HeartMath Trainer, it’s my passion to teach you everything about the intelligence of the heart and effective ways to bring your body systems into synchronous operation allowing you to move through life in a state of ease.

COHERENCE – A STATE OF OPTIMAL FUNCTION

The Institute of HeartMath’s research has shown that generating sustained positive emotions facilitates a body-wide shift to a specific, scientifically measurable state. This state is termed psychophysiological coherence, because it is characterized by increased order and harmony in both our psychological (mental and emotional) and physiological (bodily) processes. Psychophysiological coherence is the state of optimal function. Research shows that when we activate this state, our physiological systems function more efficiently, we experience greater emotional stability, and we also have increased mental clarity and improved cognitive function. Simply stated, our body and brain work better, we feel better, and we perform better.

STATE OF COHERENCE

We have the capacity to re-synchronize our body systems by creating a state of Coherence and thus improving our mental focus, emotional stability and physical resilience. This allows us to operate in a more efficient manner in all areas of life. The diagram on the left illustrates some physiological patterns before and after inducing a state of Coherence.

RHYTHMS AND EMOTIONS

Many factors influence the heart rate variability. One of the most powerful factors that affects our heart’s changing rhythm is our feelings and emotions. When our varying heart rate is plotted over time, the overall shape of the waveform produced is called the heart rhythm pattern. Emotional stress, like emotions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety, gives rise to heart rhythm patterns that appear irregular and erratic: the HRV waveform looks like a series of uneven, jagged peaks. When we experience uplifting emotions such as appreciation, joy, care, and love, our heart rhythm pattern becomes highly ordered, looking like a smooth, harmonious wave.

THE QUICK COHERENCE TECHNIQUE

Below, you see the two most important steps to start generating a more coherent heart pattern. Try to find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and practice this simple, yet effective and powerful exercise. During my workshops I explain in much more detail the effects of a coherent heart in our daily lives. You also get the chance to experiment with the professional equipment and read your own graph. In the mean time, you can order your own heart coherence device in the online store.

STEP 2:

ACTIVATE A POSITIVE FEELING

Make a sincere attempt to experience a regenerative feeling such as appreciation or care for someone or something in your life. SUGGESTION: Try to re-experience the feeling you have for someone you love, a pet, a special place, an accomplishment, etc., or focus on a feeling of calm or ease.