HeartMath’s Resilience Advantage
Activating Inner Balance and Emotional Self-Regulation

by Ellen Synakowski

 Twenty-three years ago, my son was born with a devastating illness that required radical, brain surgery.

 For a decade I was lost.

 I didn’t know what to do with the unharnessed emotions and utter depletion that resulted from his needs and my exhaustion.

 Therapy didn’t help. Church never touched the pain.

 And no other parent seemed to know how to help me release this horror that would, I was convinced, define the rest of my life.

"HeartMath’s mission is to help people bring their physical, mental and emotional systems into balanced alignment with their heart’s intuitive  guidance.”

Then I stumbled on HeartMath Institute, the mission of which is to “. . . help people bring their physical, mental and emotional systems into balanced alignment with their heart’s intuitive guidance.”

They said I could choose how I felt, regardless of the stimulus around me.

 It sounded like hogwash because who could—SHOULD—feel good if your child is in pain?

 They said our emotions impact our wellbeing, the illnesses we are susceptible to, our lifespans, and how the people around us feel.

Now I was listening.

Did this mean my emotions might be contributing to my son’s and family’s angst, even if I had a smile on my face? 

I took the class to find out. And then I took it again. And I signed up a third time . . .

My breakthrough came when it sunk in that every HeartMath statement is backed by research. 

I learned that when we have life defeating feelings—anger, discouragement, even sadness—we are shooting into our bodies biochemicals and stress hormones—up to 1400 of them— that if left unchecked can negatively impact the way we feel about everything for 12+ hours!

 A 5-minute experience of anger can steal an entire day!

 And likewise, if we choose feelings like courage, appreciation and calm, we’re boosting our immune systems and brightening the lens through which we experience our world.

After practicing HeartMath for 6 years I became a certified trainer.

Now I help others shape the quality of the feelings they experience so they have inner balance and emotional self-regulation.

As for my son, he’s a thriving senior at the University of Arizona.

And though he lives with relentless headaches, he’s an unqualified source of joy in my life rather than the biggest stressor.

And yes, my husband, my son and my daughter have each taken this class . . . at least once!

Ellen Synakowski, RCST, is teaching Resilience Advantage online Thursdays: April 16, 23, 30, 2020. Register by April 3 and receive HeartMath’s online Stress and Wellbeing Assessment free ($99 value). This BCTA/NA class is open to friends and family as well as members.