What is Heart Coherence?

What is Heart Coherence?

What does it mean to tune into your heart?

I found it really hard when I first started practising meditations that invited me to ‘tune into your heart.’ Like what is supposed to happen? What am I supposed to feel? I really didn't know what I was looking for and kept wondering what is this heart feeling everyone was talking about. And then suddenly, it clicked without me even noticing. At one point, I stopped asking and started feeling and before I knew it, I got really good at raising that feeling of love in my heart.

Now if you are curious about the logic (as much as one can try), keep reading as I’ll try to simplify what I learned. First and foremost, the most important fact is that according to the HeartMath Institute, the heart generates the largest electromagnetic field in the body, with an electrical field as measured in an electrocardiogram (ECG) that is about 60 times greater in amplitude than the brain waves recorded in an electroencephalogram (EEG). Given all the thinking we do all day, one would have guessed the brain had a higher electromagnetic field, yet the heart generates more energy.

Heart coherence is a state of physiological and emotional alignment that can be reached through various practices, including yoga and meditation. This idea has been popularised by Dr Joe Dispenza and the HeartMath Institute, who has conducted extensive research on the benefits of heart coherence for overall health and well-being.

"This type of coherent energy that the heart and the brain produce raises our consciousness and moves us closer to the present moment. And since consciousness is awareness and awareness is paying attention, and paying attention is being present and noticing, we can feel safe to create from the unknown." Dr Joe Dispenza

Heart coherence is where your heart, mind, and emotions work together in perfect harmony—like when all the instruments in a band work together to create beautiful music. When you're in a state of heart coherence, your heart rate becomes more regular and rhythmic, which means you feel less stressed and more resilient. It's like your heart is singing a happy tune!

At its core, heart coherence refers to synchronising the heart's rhythm with the breath and the brain's activity. This alignment creates a state of balance and harmony between the various systems of the body, which promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances cognitive function.

To achieve heart coherence, you can try the Quick Coherence Technique, which involves taking deep breaths while focusing on your heart and imagining positive feelings like gratitude or appreciation. It's like giving your heart a big warm hug. And the best part? Practising heart coherence can lead to many benefits, like reduced stress and anxiety, better immune function, and improved brain function. It's like hitting the jackpot of health and happiness.

Another way to cultivate heart coherence is through yoga, which incorporates breathing techniques, physical postures, and meditation. The breath is a powerful tool for regulating the body's response to stress, and yoga provides a structured framework for developing awareness and control over our breath patterns. When we practice yoga, we engage in movements and postures that promote circulation and flexibility, which help to increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to our cells. This, in turn, supports the health of our cardiovascular system and improves our ability to regulate our heart rate.

The HeartMath Institute has developed tools and techniques for measuring and enhancing heart coherence, including biofeedback devices that track heart rate variability and provide real-time feedback on the state of our nervous system. By using these tools, individuals can learn to cultivate heart coherence through simple practices such as breathing exercises, visualisation, and positive emotions.

Overall, the concept of heart coherence is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. By cultivating this alignment and balance, we can promote optimal health and well-being in all aspects of our lives. Whether through yoga, meditation, or other practices, the journey towards heart coherence is a worthwhile endeavour that can profoundly transform our lives.

So go ahead and give it a try. Get your heart and mind in sync and start feeling the love!

Learn about Yoga Postures to support Heart Coherence here.

Further reading about heart coherence from HeartMath Institute here.