Published in the Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology Newsletter
Volume 7, Issue 2 - Summer, 2006
Laura Maciuika, EdD, EFT-ADV
Within discussions of Energy Psychology, we often focus on techniques. And well we might; EP techniques are revolutionizing the health and healing realms. Even as we use these effective tools, there are times when the technique isn’t quite working with a client, the symptoms seem stuck or stubborn, and then suddenly the technique clicks; something begins to shift. With Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for example, those moments can occur when we intuitively choose a different Set-up or Reminder phrase as we tap with our clients. Beyond choosing just the right language, however, another dynamic is at play that we need to consider within the EP field. When we choose just the right words, and our techniques with stubborn problems finally “take,” when we connect with a client on levels of understanding beyond words—those compelling moments of resonance also are influenced by the interaction and quality of our bodies’ energy fields.
How can we better understand resonance as EP practitioners? And is it possible to create more resonant moments in our work so our clients experience even more consistent success and relief?
Resonance is an event of subtle energy or vibration. The origin of “resonance” is Latin, resonantia, meaning “echo,” implying the movement of sound waves that are similar to each other. Many definitions of “resonance” are found across the fields of physics and chemistry, music and literature. Most applicable here is the description in physics of electro-magnetic (EM) resonance, for it illumines a potential energy dynamic between two people; in our case, between an EP practitioner and client.
Scientist William Tiller1 describes sympathetic resonance in atoms, and draws out a connection to human interactions. In brief, let’s suppose atoms A and B are moving along broadcasting their particular electro-magnetic (EM) frequencies. When atom A approaches atom B, if B’s field is responsive to the frequency range of A, then B will start to oscillate (move back and forth) in A’s rhythm. B also will send toward A an EM wave that is similar to, or in phase with, A’s rhythm. When that EM wave comes in contact with A, it actually gives A an “in-phase push on a swing,” causing A’s energy to build higher.
In humans there are many bio-field interactions when two people are near each other. Of the specific field locations in the body, Dr. Tiller reports the heart is “the strongest EM oscillator” both at the physical and the subtle energy levels. As a primary broadcaster of EM frequencies, if the heart has both greater power and a broader band of frequencies, it will be a more effective transmitter to a greater number of people. A person with a smaller frequency range, who is more polarized internally (rigid or judgmental) is less responsive to the broadcast radiations of others; there is less bandwidth available to align and resonate with others’ frequencies coming in. However, when both sufficient frequency and power exist in the heart of at least one of the individuals, sympathetic resonance can occur. A result of that resonance, which Dr. Tiller describes mathematically, is an actual increase of energy. Another result is an increase in bandwidth, or a “major increase in channel capacity,” meaning the ability to both access and process information.
How does this translate to practitioners of Energy Psychology?
A more open, non-judgmental EP practitioner with sufficiently strong energy in his or her field has a broader spectrum of strong EM frequencies. That practitioner has the capacity to receive and resonate more often with a greater number of frequencies broadcast by clients, and to create sympathetic resonance on a more regular basis. Within that resonance, there is likely to be an easier sense of connection, and more moments of intuiting which language to use to be most effective with EP techniques. In the most mathematically direct parallels, resonance will result in giving clients more energy—in actually strengthening their energy system. Resonance will also increase clients’ bandwidths, or their capacity for accessing and processing information, in effect expanding both their capacity and their consciousness.
As EP practitioners, when our clients walk through the door, we can’t control the strength of their energy (although we can suggest energy therapies that help build the body’s energy). Nor can we control the range of frequencies in which our clients habitually broadcast (although we can help expand those frequencies with our work). What we can do is become more aware of the energy we hold and broadcast. We can pay attention to and develop both the strength of our own energy, and its openness or bandwidth.
By becoming more aware of our energetic broadcasting, we can consciously develop the capacity to create regular experiences of resonance with our clients. This raises questions for us as EP practitioners. What do we habitually broadcast to others, to our clients? How do we manage our own energy effectively and well? How do we keep ourselves filled up, our energy strong, our hearts as clear and open, as free of rigidity and judgment, as possible?
We can consider these questions as individuals, and within the field of EP. We certainly have many techniques available to support this quest, including the ancient energy managing science of Chi Gong. We can also broaden our scope further: these questions about energy have been addressed within the fields of healing and spiritual practices, through both ancient and modern knowledge of how to gather and maintain energy with integrity and healing intention. As Energy Psychology practitioners, resonance presents us with an invitation to examine and refine our own part in the energetic exchange that occurs as two people meet in a healing space. In accepting that invitation we can grow in effectiveness and expansiveness as practitioners, and as human beings.
1 See Tiller, William A. Science and Human Transformation: Subtle energies, intentionality and consciousness. Walnut Creek, CA: Pavior Press, Chapter 5 for a detailed explanation of waves, including a full description of EM interactions of atoms, with further descriptions of these subtle energy dynamics in human interactions.