The Energy of Emotions

A Look at Feeling Frequencies Through the Lens of Power vs. Force

Today, while decluttering the stack of papers on my desk, I came across a list of emotions and their related frequencies, originally from the book Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior by Dr. David R. Hawkins.

It’s been a while since I read the book, but I still resonate with the compelling concept that every emotional state carries a measurable frequency—and that these frequencies can either drain or empower us.

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately sensed tension, even before anyone said a word? Or felt inexplicably lighter after spending time with someone calm and joyful?

These moments speak to something deeper than words—an energetic resonance we experience through emotions. In many ways, we’re like human tuning forks: attuned to the emotional frequency or nervous systems of those around us. Without even realizing it, we pick up on the signals others emit—and often respond in kind.

The Map of Consciousness

Central to Hawkins' work is what he calls the Map of Consciousness—a scale that assigns numerical values to emotional states. According to his model, emotions like shame and guilt reside at the lowest vibrational frequencies, while love, joy, and peace vibrate at much higher levels.

Here’s a snapshot of the lower end of the chart:

• Shame – 20
• Guilt – 30
• Apathy – 50
• Grief – 75
• Fear – 100
• Desire – 125
• Anger – 150
• Pride – 175
  

At 200, the scale shifts into more empowering territory, representing the threshold between destructive and constructive energy:

• Courage – 200
• Neutrality – 250
• Willingness – 310
• Acceptance – 350
• Reason – 400
• Love – 500
• Joy – 540
• Peace – 600
• Enlightenment – 700-1,000

Why This Matters

While Hawkins' model isn’t rooted in conventional science—and has been critiqued as pseudoscientific—it offers a useful metaphor for emotional awareness and personal growth. His framework encourages us to ask:

What emotional state am I operating from today? Is it empowering or depleting me? How is it impacting those around me?

It’s not about denying low-frequency emotions—they’re part of the human experience. But recognizing them gives us the opportunity to shift. For instance, noticing that you're stuck in guilt or apathy allows you to intentionally choose a new action or thought that moves you toward courage or acceptance.

Using the Chart in Everyday Life

Here are a few reflective questions to consider:

• When I feel drained, what emotion is present? Where might it fall on the chart?
  

• Are my thoughts and choices aligned with a frequency of force (e.g., fear, control) or power (e.g., authenticity, trust)?
  

• What practices help me elevate my emotional state? (Think: movement, nature, connection, creativity.) 

• How does intentionally shifting my emotional state—and thus my frequency—impact my experience today?

Energy is Contagious

As a therapist and wellness practitioner, I often see how these emotional frequencies ripple through relationships and communities. When someone shows up in low-vibrational energy, it impacts how they experience themselves physically and emotionally, how they communicate, and how they relate to and impact others.

For example, when a person operates from shame and fear, they often unintentionally push their partner away, creating distance and misunderstanding. When a mother is spiraling in guilt, it can influence her parenting and presence with her children. When a colleague or friend approaches interactions from a place of anxiety or self-doubt, it affects team dynamics and connection.

However, with intention, these emotional states can shift. When we embrace love, acceptance, or even just neutrality, we allow everything to soften and open ourselves up to more positive, compassionate engagement.

You don’t have to stay stuck in low-vibrational emotions. With awareness, intention, and support, you can move up the scale—one breath, one choice, one moment at a time.

Remember, emotional growth is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like support along the way.