Why I value “resonance” & things that make you go “hmmm...”
One of my most centrally held values is resonance. I’ve come to define it for myself as a felt-sense of shared meaning and interconnection.
When I think about the word “resonance” it really is an experience… it’s the sensation of vibrations moving through you. When you hum, when you sing, when you’re in a room where someone is playing music and you can feel the vibrations in your chest. It’s like your whole body is vibing with the sound. Your physical being is riding the waves of sound!
And it's good! It’s shared between you and the sound maker (even when you yourself are making the sound!). There is no discord. Nothing is strident. Everything is “humming along” as the saying goes.
As a value, resonance is deeper than just sound. It’s when two or more beings can have a shared sense of meaning. When we realize that we are interconnected. We have the awareness that our presence and our experiences are influencing one another in positive and mutually supportive ways.
I believe this is what coaching should be. Resonant. When I am present with an individual client or a group, I can tune in to their frequency. I can sense the vibration and we start humming along together. At the same time, they feel held, they feel witnessed, they feel supported.
This may sound esoteric, but it’s so simple and familiar! Think of those interactions you have with a trusted mentor or friend when it’s just so clear that they get you. You feel seen, heard, and buoyed! Or those times you’re with dear friends and one person starts laughing and the laughter becomes contagious. Your cheeks start to hurt and you’re riding the same waves - you’ve found resonance.
I hold resonance as a value in my business quite simply because I don’t want to work without it! I listen deeply so that I can hear the spoken and unspoken sentiments. I help connect dots so I can mirror back the resonance I see, hear, and feel when working with someone. I stay in dialogue - even through dissonance - so that we can get to a shared, felt-sense of interconnection and clarity.
What feels most resonant for you in your life right now? Is it that perfectly crafted sandwich you had for lunch that just lights your taste buds on fire and makes you want to groan with a mouthful of delight, “oh my gawd, that’s so gooooood!”? Is it that work project that you’ve finally disentangled, are making progress on, and is allowing you to tap into your knowledge base and your creativity? Or is it that conversation you had with a loved one that reminded you of their strength / your strength, their wisdom / your wisdom, their joy / your joy?
If you’re interested in more musings about values + business, sign up for my email list. Let’s find resonance, together!
But right now, just hum for 20 seconds and see what happens - seriously! Send me an email and let me know what you experience :-)
