“Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Coherence is more than just a philosophical idea. The shift towards integrating mind-body-emotional coherence into coaching and personal transformation practices is supported by a growing body of research that emphasises the profound connection between our physiological and psychological states.
One key framework that has influenced this area is Polyvagal Theory, which explains how our autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses—such as the fight, flight, or freeze mechanisms—affect our ability to engage socially, regulate emotions, and manage stress. Coaches are increasingly incorporating practices like mindfulness, breathwork, and body-awareness techniques to help clients regulate their ANS, fostering greater emotional coherence and resilience (NeuroTransformational).
Mind-body coherence itself refers to the alignment of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Studies show that when this coherence is achieved, there is a tangible reduction in stress hormones, improved immune function, and an overall boost in mental clarity and well-being. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and movement practices like yoga and tai chi are frequently used in coaching to cultivate this balance
(Coaching Consciousness) (PositivePsychology.com).
Additionally, emerging research from neurocoaching emphasises the use of brain and physiological data (like EEG and skin conductance) to measure the impact of relational dynamics between coach and client. This kind of coherence between mind, body, and emotions can deepen self-awareness and improve decision-making, especially during significant life transitions
( MDPI).