As we make our way up the tree, having already explored the seed and the soil, we now find ourselves at the trunk. The trunk gives us some incredible insights that can help us when setting intentions for 2025. Today I’m going to explain to you just how phenomenal the trunk really is through biomagnetism and natural resonance, but before I do that, I want to introduce you to Sophie…

I walk past Sophie Khosa who runs our Spaza shop (this is our version of a corner store stocked with essentials and treats ). Her smile reaches into her eyes and emanates from her entire being. In her presence I can feel my own heart expand. There are certain people that you will walk by in life and immediately feel energised and happy in their presence. Sophie is consistently this person to all who have the pleasure of knowing her.

Sophie’s heart has a very specific resonance.

Sophie from our village underneath the Nelson Mandela Mural

When we think about hearts, we often picture the pump of a beating organ. But beneath this mechanical rhythm lies something far more fascinating: a dynamic electromagnetic field that extends well beyond our physical bodies. This field, generated by the synchronised firing of thousands of cardiac cells, bears a striking resemblance to another marvel of nature – the electromagnetic field of trees.

The heart’s electromagnetic field is about 100 times stronger than the brain’s electrical field and can be detected several feet away from the body using sensitive magnetometers. What’s particularly intriguing is the concept of heart coherence – a state where the heart’s rhythmic patterns become smooth and ordered, creating what scientists call a sine-wave-like pattern. This coherence isn’t just about the heart beating steadily; it reflects a harmonious state of the entire autonomic nervous system.

Trees, though rooted and seemingly static, generate their own subtle electromagnetic fields through the movement of water and minerals in their vascular systems, much like our circulatory system. The electrical potential differences between their roots and canopy create a bioelectric field that influences their immediate environment. This field varies with the daily cycles of photosynthesis and respiration, creating a natural rhythm that some researchers suggest can influence nearby living organisms. When we enter a tree’s electromagnetic field, something remarkable happens: our heart’s rhythm often begins to entrain with the tree’s more stable field through a process called frequency coupling. Think of it like two pendulums swinging near each other – gradually, they begin to synchronize. The tree’s slower, more regulated electromagnetic pattern can help guide our heart into a more coherent state.

The age of the trees matters too. Older trees, with their more established electromagnetic fields and deeper root systems, often create stronger resonance effects than younger trees. Ancient trees, having maintained stable rhythms for hundreds or thousands of years, might be particularly powerful harmonisers of human heart coherence. This could explain why guests experience such profound feelings in our Northern territory’s Leadwood forest, where ancient trees have stood for hundreds of years. In their presence, many visitors have reported experiencing a deep sense of calm and what could best be described as a spiritual connection to something greater than themselves—a comforting touch of heaven on earth.

The concept of resonance ties these two systems together in an unexpected way. Just as a tuning fork can cause another tuning fork of the same frequency to vibrate in sympathy, living systems can influence each other through their electromagnetic fields. This phenomenon, known as frequency entrainment, might explain why spending time near trees often feels calming and grounding. The slower, more stable electromagnetic rhythms of trees could potentially help regulate our own biological rhythms.

Research has shown that when we achieve heart coherence, our heart rate variability falls into a specific frequency range around 0.1 Hz, often called the resonant frequency. Interestingly, this frequency appears repeatedly in natural systems, including the electrical oscillations observed in tree sap flow under certain conditions. This suggests a possible electromagnetic “conversation” between humans and trees that we’re only just beginning to understand.

The Earth itself maintains a background frequency known as the Schumann resonance, approximately 7.83 Hz, which both trees and humans are attuned to. This planetary rhythm might serve as a common conductor, orchestrating the subtle electromagnetic dance between all living things. When we practice heart coherence techniques – through steady breathing, positive emotions, or meditation – we might be doing more than just calming our nervous system. We could be synchronising with the broader electromagnetic symphony of nature. The Londolozi wilderness and ancient land carries a particularly unique frequency that we hope you get to experience in person.

This interaction becomes even more intriguing when we consider the role of magnetite, a naturally occurring magnetic mineral found in both human brain tissue and tree cells. These microscopic magnetic crystals might act as biological antenna, allowing living organisms to sense and respond to electromagnetic fields in their environment. The presence of these similar structures in both humans and trees suggests an ancient evolutionary connection, a shared language of magnetic resonance.

Understanding these subtle interactions challenges our traditional view of organisms as isolated entities. Instead, we might better understand ourselves as part of a vast network of electromagnetic relationships, where the coherence of one system can influence the harmony of another.

If you look at the life of Nelson Mandela you see his own experience of forgiveness created a powerful  heart coherence which it could be argued  influenced a peaceful outcome for our nation. He was profoundly influenced by his time here at Londolozi after his release from prison. His life is a powerful reminder that personal coherence can cause a great shift in society.

Each of us can be and spread a heart based movement of more unity, acceptance and harmony.

This perspective offers new insights into why practices like forest bathing or spending time in wilderness spaces can have measurable effects on our physical and emotional well-being. As we continue to explore these connections between heart coherence and the electromagnetic nature of trees, we open doors to new ways of understanding health and healing. Perhaps the age-old practice of seeking solace among trees isn’t just about the fresh air or peaceful surroundings, but about finding our place in nature’s electromagnetic orchestra, where each participant – whether human or tree – contributes to the greater harmony of life.

This field of study reminds us that the boundaries between living systems are more permeable than we once thought, and that health might be less about individual balance and more about finding our place in the greater rhythms of the natural world. Through this lens, the conscious practice of heart coherence becomes not just a personal practice, but a way of tuning into the vast electromagnetic symphony that surrounds us.

The Heart-Center Coherence Breath

Here is a Heart Coherence breath practice to try in your own time. Remember the more you practice the more you will experience the benefit. We recommend that you find a quiet place beneath a tree or beside a favourite houseplant. Remembering that you are a part of a greater field of consciousness than just your own.

Preparation: Find a comfortable seated position where your spine is naturally straight but relaxed. Place both feet flat on the floor to help you feel grounded. Rest your hands gently across the centre of your chest.

The Technique:

1. Heart Focus Begin by bringing your attention to the area of your heart. Imagine your awareness gently settling into the center of your chest, as if you’re looking at the world from this space. This shifts your attention from your head to your heart, activating the heart-brain connection.
2. Breathing Pattern

• Inhale slowly through your nose for 5 seconds, visualizing the breath flowing into your heart center
• Pause naturally at the top of the inhale for a moment (about 1 second)
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for 5 seconds, as if you’re gently blowing out a candle
• Pause briefly at the bottom of the exhale (about 1 second)

This creates a 12-second breath cycle, or about 5 breaths per minute – the optimal rhythm for promoting heart coherence.

3. Emotional Element: While maintaining this breathing pattern, recall a feeling of appreciation, gratitude, or love. This could be:

• The face of someone you love

• A beautiful moment in nature

• A cherished memory

• A pet’s unconditional love

• Simple gratitude for being alive

Let this positive feeling expand from your heart throughout your body with each breath.

Practice Duration: Start with 3 minutes and gradually extend to 10-15 minutes as it feels natural. Even three minutes of this practice can significantly shift your physiological state toward coherence.

Signs of Coherence: As you practice, you might notice:

• A sense of warmth in your chest
• A feeling of calm alertness
• Your thoughts becoming clearer
• A subtle rhythmic connection between your heart and breath
• A gentle sense of expansion in your chest

Important Notes:

• Keep the breath smooth and continuous – avoid forcing or straining
• The emotional element is crucial – breathing alone isn’t enough for full coherence
• If counting seconds feels mechanical, focus on making each breath smooth and even
• Practice at the same times daily to build a natural rhythm
• If you feel light-headed, return to your normal breathing pattern

Allow this coherence practice to purposefully  align your internal self with your external actions. Remember you are Magnetic.