What is coherence?
In everyday language, coherence means your nervous system is working with you instead of against you.
When you’re in a coherent state:
Your heart and brain are in sync
Your breath, thoughts, and body start to align
You can feel steady, focused, and more in control of your emotions
When we’re out of coherence—overstimulated, anxious, irritable—our nervous system gets stuck in survival mode. That’s when it becomes hard to concentrate, sleep, regulate emotions, or connect with others.
But coherence is trainable. That’s the beautiful part.
🧠 How Do We Work With It?
I use tools developed by the HeartMath® Institute, an organization that’s spent over 30 years researching the connection between heart rhythms, emotion, and performance. With a small sensor clipped to your ear or finger, we can track your Heart Rate Variability (HRV)—the tiny fluctuations in time between heartbeats that reflect your nervous system’s balance.
Why does this matter?
Because HRV is one of the clearest indicators of how regulated (or dysregulated) your system is. Higher coherence in your HRV means your body is in a more harmonious, restorative state.
HeartMath techniques are simple and evidence-based. They involve breathwork, intention, and emotional awareness—and they work for children, adults, and even entire classrooms.
Research shows that HeartMath practices improve emotional regulation, attention, and stress management in children, while also supporting caregiver resilience.
– McCraty & Shaffer, 2015; HeartMath Institute Research Library
👧 Why It’s Especially Powerful for Kids
Coherence tools are incredibly helpful for children—especially those who are sensitive, easily overwhelmed, or struggle with emotional regulation.
I’ve worked with many families who’ve said things like:
“My child knows what to do now when they’re starting to spiral.”
“We use the breathing together during meltdowns—it helps both of us.”
One mom shared this:
“When I recenter, I can respond with more empathy and help my child regulate.” —Chelsea, parent
When a child learns to shift into coherence (even just for a few moments), it’s like giving them a steering wheel inside themselves. And when a parent learns to do it too, the whole emotional climate of the family begins to shift.
🌲 What Makes Living Resonance Different?
I don’t just teach coherence from a screen or a workbook.
At Living Resonance, I combine HRV technology with nature-based practices, storytelling, breathwork, and hands-on, heart-centered tools—like the Luna Deck for emotional regulation or plant music sessions to create wonder and connection.
We work outdoors when possible. We let kids move, play, draw, or build while practicing. Sessions are gentle, non-clinical, and adapted to each child or family.
We’re not here to “fix” anyone. We’re here to help you remember your own internal rhythm—and build tools to return to it when life gets hard.
📍Interested in Exploring Coherence?
We offer:
HRV Assessments for children and adults
1-on-1 Sessions for emotional regulation and nervous system support
Family workshops, nature pop-ups, and small group programs in Los Alamos, NM
[ 👉 Book a session ] or [ contact] for details or questions.
🧾 Want to Read More?
Here are a few resources if you’re curious about the science:
HeartMath Institute Research Center: www.heartmath.org/research
McCraty, R. & Shaffer, F. (2015). Heart Rate Variability: New Perspectives on Physiological Mechanisms, Assessment of Self-regulatory Capacity, and Health Risk. Frontiers in Public Health.
Geisler, F.C.M., et al. (2010). Heart rate variability predicts self-control in goal pursuit. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
