love or appreciation, are associated with a smooth, ordered, coherent pattern in the hearts rhythmic activity. In turn, these changes in the hearts beating patterns create corresponding changes in the structure of the electromagnetic field radiated by the heart, measurable by a technique called spectral analysis.More specifically, we have demonstrated that sustained positive emotions appear to give rise to a distinct mode of functioning, which we call psychophysiological coherence. During this mode, heart rhythms exhibit a sine wave-like pattern and the hearts electromagnetic field becomes correspondingly more organized.At the physiological level, this mode is characterized by increased efficiency and harmony in the activity and interactions of the bodys systems. [1]Psychologically, this mode is linked with a notable reduction in internal mental dialogue, reduced perceptions of stress, increased emotional balance, and enhanced mental clarity, intuitive discernment, and cognitive performance.In sum, our research suggests that psychophysiological coherence is important in enhancing consciousnessboth for the bodys sensory awareness of the information required to execute and coordinate physiological function, and also to optimize emotional stability, mental function, and intentional action. Furthermore, as we see next, there is experimental evidence that psychophysiological coherence may increase our awareness of and sensitivity to others around us. The Institute of HeartMath has created practical technologies and tools that all people can use to increase coherence.Heart Field Interactions Between IndividualsMost people think of social communication solely in terms of overt signals expressed through language, voice qualities, gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. However, there is now evidence that a subtle yet influential electromagnetic or energetic communication system operates just below our conscious awareness. Energetic interactions likely contribute to the magnetic attractions or repulsions that occur between individuals, and also affect social exchanges and relationships. Moreover, it appears that the hearts field plays an important role in communicating physiological, psychological, and social information between individuals.Experiments conducted at the Institute of HeartMath have found remarkable evidence that the hearts electromagnetic field can transmit information between people. We have been able to measure an exchange of heart energy between individuals up to 5 feet apart. We have also found that one persons brain waves can actually synchronize to another persons heart. Furthermore, when an individual is generating a coherent heart rhythm, synchronization between that persons brain waves and another persons heartbeat is more likely to occur. These findings have intriguing implications, suggesting that individuals in a psychophysiologically coherent state become more aware of the information encoded in the heart fields of those around them.The results of these experiments have led us to infer that the nervous system acts as an antenna, which is tuned to and responds to the electromagnetic fields produced by the hearts of other individuals. We believe this capacity for exchange of energetic information is an innate ability that heightens awareness and mediates important aspects of true empathy and sensitivity to others Furthermore, we have observed that this energetic communication ability can be intentionally enhanced, producing a much deeper level of nonverbal communication, understanding, and connection between people. There is also intriguing evidence that heart field interactions can occur between people