Resonance – The Principle Underlying all Change

The phrase, “That resonates” is often used nowadays but what does it actually mean and how can we leverage it as a tool in our work with clients?

In this conversation with Zen Master Ginny Jiko Whitelaw we explore the fundamental principle of the term, its applications in terms of personal and collective change, and how to create greater cohesion for your clients.

What is resonance

Resonance means “to vibrate with”. It is the principle of all change because it underpins how energy moves from one person or system to another, and how under certain conditions energy emerges as form. The nature of form is that it resonates.

Our nervous systems resonate with each other and when we say we’re on the same wavelength” with someone we’re actually referring to something literal – we are resonant instruments. Personal resonance is like a tuning fork – the essential part of ourselves with all that we have to offer the world.

What gets in the way of resonance

Stored fears, trauma and anxiety can get in the way of this essential resonance ringing purely. We can’t think our way back to resonance – thought is an energetic signal that has a particular frequency, but it doesn’t last long enough to change the deeper places of stored tension. Rather, it’s a multi-layered, embodied practice.

When the brain and the heart come into coherence we have an amplified signal; our electromagnetic field gets stronger and there’s a synchronisation of our nervous system. It feels like being more connected in oneself and in how we act; more whole.

Resonance and change

How do we change how change happens? By changing the conditions for resonance. It starts with how we ourselves resonate. Our approach to the problems facing the world becomes personal rather than abstract and “out there” by owning them and looking for how we are in relation to that issue.

To effectively change personally, it’s useful to engage two energy channels. The manifesting current is the current that goes from the top of the head down, from idea to action and manifestation in the world. The liberating current is what frees us and goes from the root chakra upwards, the clearing process of stored trauma.

To sense the subtle realm of our clients we need to meet the client where they’re at; get quiet, listen with your whole body, pick up the client’s “signal” and then a synchronisation begins to occur. That then informs where there are blocks, tensions, and what is needed next in the session.

Resources mentioned:
Resonate on Publishizer
The Tipping Point
Heartmath