An integral, positive psychology paradigm for global coherence, research, and health promotion

Abstract

This study is motivated by many problems confronting planet Earth. Its goal is to promote local and global coherence, research and health. An integral theoretical, positive psychological paradigm is used to introduce HeartMath and Global Coherence Initiatives as evidence based interventions for promoting coherence, research, health and well-being. Interventions are essentially scientific advances on cardiorespiratory based methods which have been used for millennia in various wisdom, knowledge and spiritual traditions such as ancestral consciousness and reverence, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Islam. The article reviews research evidence in relation to psychophysiological coherence, which is characterised by a heart rhythm pattern of elevated amplitude in low frequency heart rate variability of around 0.1 Hz. This is associated with synchronisation between various physiological systems, positive emotions, athletes’ “zone” experience, enhanced spirituality, effective prayer, personal, social and global coherence and health. For example, research evidence is provided for the effectiveness of an African heart breath healing method, specifically developed around the concept Shiso, an ancient isiZulu respectful (hlonipha) term for a human being, which became an acronym for Spirit (umoya), Heart (inhlizyo), Image (umcabango), Soul (umphefumulo) and Oneness (ubunye). Subsequent independent and collaborative South African research, validating various HeartMath techniques, is described. This includes an African Global Coherence Initiative Site, established on a private game reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal, providing valuable research data, applicable to all academic fields and scientific disciplines, which is freely available for use. It is concluded that many more integral healing approaches are needed, as is collaboration between all caring stakeholder individuals, communities and countries in the world.