“The more coherent the system, the greater its capacity to entrain other systems into synchronization with it. A stronger, more coherent field will tend to entrain (or organize) weaker, less coherent fields.”

Starting in physics, then mapping across to people and collaboration…

1. Coherence in Physics

• Definition: In physics, coherence refers to the correlation and alignment of waves in time and/or space.
  • Temporal coherence: how consistent the phase of a wave is over time (e.g. a laser beam where all photons are “in step”).
  • Spatial coherence: how aligned the phases are across space (e.g. across the width of a beam).
• Examples:
  • A laser vs. a flashlight: both emit light, but the laser is coherent (organized, powerful, able to focus) while the flashlight is incoherent (diffuse, weaker).
  • Pendulums or metronomes: when placed on a shared platform, their oscillations entrain into a common rhythm.
  • Heart/brain rhythms: measurable coherence shows up as smooth, ordered waveforms versus jagged, chaotic ones.
• Key insight: Coherence amplifies impact. Energy that is aligned and ordered can travel farther, with less dissipation, and can synchronize other systems.

2. Mapping to Human Systems

• Individuals:
  • A person with internal coherence (mind, body, emotions in alignment) is more stable, grounded, and able to influence the “resonance field” of others.
  • Think of someone calm in a crisis: their coherence entrains the group toward steadiness.
• Relationships:
  • When two or more people align intentions, values, and rhythms, they enter into resonance. This makes communication more fluid and reduces friction.
  • Incoherence (mixed signals, competing agendas) creates noise and drains energy.
• Groups and Movements:
  • A coherent group has shared purpose, rhythm, and trust — it becomes like a laser, able to direct collective energy with precision.
  • Movements with clarity of story and alignment of values can entrain many smaller, fragmented efforts, bringing them into phase.
  • Incoherent movements — lots of noise, competing narratives — lose power, like a flashlight beam scattering into the dark.

3. Principles for Collaboration

• Alignment of Frequency: Shared values and rhythms are like tuning forks. When they resonate, collaboration flows.
• Phase Matching: People and projects must “arrive” in sync — timing matters for entrainment.
• Field Strength: A strong, clear signal (vision, purpose, story) naturally organizes weaker or fragmented ones around it.
• Resonance vs. Forcing: Entrainment isn’t domination; it’s attraction. Coherence pulls others in because it feels stable, ordered, and generative.

4. Meditation / Visualization