When I was in fourth grade, my school offered us the opportunity to choose an instrument and take music lessons. I chose the violin.  I loved the sound of the instrument, the feel of the bow, the warmth and richness of the wood of the violin, and the feel of the reverberations when I bowed the strings. There is no other musical sound like a string when it’s been plucked, strummed, or bowed.

When I hear a beautifully played stringed instrument, it transports me. The vibrations of those strings create ethereal notes and tones. I literally feel the resonance of it in my body and spirit. It is as if I am tuned to those vibrations.

If you’ve ever studied music, particularly if you’ve played a stringed instrument, you may have learned of sympathetic resonance, also called sympathetic vibration. It is the harmonic phenomenon where a particular note (or vibration) of one string sets another string of similar tuning to vibrating. The classic example is when a tuning fork is struck and a similarly tuned fork nearby starts to vibrate. This phenomenon is also common with the strings of a piano that are an octave apart.

Like instruments, we feel vibrations and energy in our physical bodies but also on a spiritual level. Have you ever had the experience of meeting someone for the first time and you feel that instant connection with them? Or you begin talking with a stranger and feel that you’ve known them your whole life? That is what I would call a sympathetic vibration. On a level not fully registered in our conscious brain, we are recognizing someone with a similar energy and vibration.

It is a fact that everything is made of energy and energy vibrates at different frequencies. We will respond (sympathetically vibrate) to those people, situations, ideas, and things that connect to our vibratory level.

Here’s another fact:  We all come into this world with the light of Christ:

“That [meaning Christ] was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:9)

“And I [Christ] am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (D&C 93:2)

“He [Christ] that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; which truth shineth. This is the Light of Christ…” (D&C 88:6-7)

“And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.” (D&C 84:46)

It makes sense then that on a spiritual level we would respond to those things that are Christ centered, Christ confirming and affirming, right? Not necessarily. We have our agency and we can choose what influences we will respond to. We may feel the resonance but choose to ignore it.

This life, this world is challenging. There are many voices trying to pull us away from that which is good, righteous, and wholesome. Chances are you have a loved one or friend that was drawn towards the ‘wrong crowd.’ They connected with peers or mentors that influenced them to take a destructive path that led to heartache and worse. Sadly, the more they are immersed in that environment, the less they feel the higher vibration and pull towards that which is good.

On the other hand, we all know people that just light up a room when they walk in. Conversations immediately change and the atmosphere in the room becomes more energetic and positive. They exude love, care and confidence. Others are drawn to them.

That’s the main reason we want to associate with good people: our spirits recognize (resonate) with those folks and we are influenced for good, influenced to be better versions of ourselves.

The other reason to spend time with these beacon people (if you need one) is that the Lord delights in blessing those who are following him in action and word:

“…The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.” (Ezra 8:22)

“The steps of a good man [or woman] are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” (Ps. 37:23)

However, there are times as Christians we are called to serve in some pretty dark settings. That is part of our baptismal covenant, that we will be there for others, that we will share this gospel, that we will lift and strengthen.

“…and now, as yea are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him…” (Mosiah 18:8-10)

How do we do remain those ‘beacon’ people in those situations? How do we maintain those good vibrations that will lift others without ourselves being negatively affected? At one time I worked in a setting where the majority of people felt their situation was exceptionally difficult and they were correct. They saw few options available to them and had a general sense of ‘this is just my lot in life, it’s not going to ever be any better.’

So how do you stay upbeat and positive and how can you offer them the gospel message of love and hope? I determined to be diligent in the basics and believe you will find this works as well:

• Daily earnest prayer,
• Studying–not just reading—your scriptures,
• Learning everything you about Jesus Christ so you can work on becoming more like him,
• Attending the temple; and
• Keeping your covenants.

It is also important to make time to spend with those who exemplify the joy of living the gospel and following Christ. When I am so busy that I can’t be personally present with some of these wonderful people, I turn to conference talks or podcasts. (A couple podcasts I’d recommend are Magnify and Don’t Miss This.) 

I try to “Think Celestial” as Pres. Russell M. Nelson has advised. And I remember that I am mortal and I will make mistakes. It is one of God’s many tender mercies that He has provided me (and you!) a Savoir and Redeemer who, if I repent, will cover my sins through his atoning blood.

He will help us hold onto those good vibrations!

Wishing you peace in Christ,

Audrey