What is the Emotional Guidance Scale?

The Emotional Guidance Scale is a tool from Abraham Hicks (Esther and Jerry Hicks) that ranks 22 emotional states from highest vibration (1: Joy/Love/Freedom) to lowest (22: Fear/Grief/Depression/Powerlessness). It helps you identify where you are emotionally and guides you toward better-feeling thoughts by moving up one level at a time rather than trying to leap from despair to joy.

Why is anger higher on the Emotional Guidance Scale than depression?

Anger (#17) is higher than depression (#22) because anger has energy and momentum, while depression is characterized by powerlessness and inability to act. When someone moves from depression to anger, they're actually making progress because they've found enough energy to feel something and potentially take action. Anger can be redirected, while depression feels stuck. This is why Abraham Hicks teaches that getting angry when you've been depressed is actually an improvement.

How do I move up the Emotional Guidance Scale?

Move up the scale by reaching for thoughts that feel slightly better—not by trying to jump from #22 to #1. First, honestly identify where you are. Then look at the emotion one level above and ask 'What thought could help me feel that instead?' For example, from powerlessness (#22), reach for anger (#17) by thinking 'I'm so tired of feeling this way!' From anger, reach for blame (#15), then frustration (#10). Each small shift brings relief and builds momentum.

Can I skip emotions on the Emotional Guidance Scale?

While you don't have to experience every single emotion on the scale, trying to skip too many levels usually doesn't work and can feel forced or fake. The scale reflects natural emotional progression. You might move up 2-3 levels at once when you find a really good-feeling thought, but jumping from depression (#22) directly to joy (#1) is unrealistic for most people. Sustainable emotional shifts happen gradually, and each level you move through helps release resistance.

How long does it take to move up the Emotional Guidance Scale?

There's no set timeline—it depends on the situation and your practice. You might move up several levels in an hour during a focused process, or it might take days to shift from deep grief. The key is not to rush. Sometimes sitting with an emotion and fully feeling it helps you move through it faster than resisting it. With practice, you'll get better at recognizing where you are and reaching for relief more quickly.

Is it bad to feel negative emotions on the Emotional Guidance Scale?

No. All emotions are valid and serve as guidance—they tell you whether your current thoughts align with your true self and desires. Negative emotions aren't 'bad'; they're information. The goal isn't to never feel jealousy, anger, or fear. The goal is to recognize these emotions without judgment, honor what they're telling you, and then gently guide yourself toward thoughts that bring relief. Suppressing emotions actually keeps you stuck.

What if I'm stuck at the same level on the Emotional Guidance Scale?

If you're stuck, you might be trying to jump too far too fast, or you might be resisting the emotion you're in. Try these approaches: 1) Fully accept where you are without judgment—sometimes acknowledgment alone brings relief. 2) Aim for a smaller shift—even moving from 'hopeless' to 'angry' is progress. 3) Distract yourself temporarily with something that feels neutral (not trying to feel good, just different). 4) Focus on physical relief first—sleep, movement, nature—which can shift your baseline.

What book is the Emotional Guidance Scale from?

The Emotional Guidance Scale is from 'Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires' by Esther and Jerry Hicks (The Teachings of Abraham), published in 2004. The scale appears in Chapter 22 along with 22 processes for moving up the emotional scale. Abraham Hicks has also discussed the scale extensively in workshops, YouTube videos, and other books like 'The Astonishing Power of Emotions.'

What's the difference between the Emotional Guidance Scale and a mood chart?

A mood chart typically tracks your emotions over time for awareness or clinical purposes. The Emotional Guidance Scale is specifically designed as a tool for deliberate emotional improvement—it shows you the natural progression of emotions and teaches you how to intentionally shift your state by reaching for better-feeling thoughts. It's based on the Law of Attraction principle that your emotions indicate your vibrational alignment with your desires.

Does the Emotional Guidance Scale actually work?

Many people find the Emotional Guidance Scale helpful because it provides a practical framework for emotional self-regulation rather than just saying 'think positive.' It works by: 1) Normalizing negative emotions as part of a spectrum rather than failures. 2) Giving realistic small steps instead of demanding impossible leaps. 3) Helping you recognize progress even when you're not yet 'happy.' 4) Teaching that relief (not joy) is the immediate goal. Results vary, but the approach aligns with cognitive reframing techniques used in therapy.

The Emotional Guidance Scale

Your Internal Compass for Navigating Life

Have you ever wondered why some days everything flows effortlessly while other days feel like wading through mud? The answer often lies in your emotional state—and more importantly, your awareness of it.

The Emotional Guidance Scale, introduced by Abraham Hicks in Ask and It Is Given, maps 22 emotional states from the highest vibration (joy, love, freedom) to the lowest (fear, grief, powerlessness). Think of it as your internal compass—it shows you exactly where you are so you can consciously choose where to go next.

The goal isn’t to leap from despair to joy in one giant jump. That’s not how emotions work. Instead, the scale teaches us to reach for thoughts that feel just a little bit better—to move up one notch at a time. Even moving from depression (#22) to anger (#17) is progress, because anger has more energy and momentum than powerlessness.

“You can’t get sick enough to help sick people get better. You can’t get poor enough to help poor people thrive. It is only in your thriving that you have anything to offer anyone.”

— Abraham Hicks

Below you’ll find all 22 emotions with real-life examples of what each one looks and feels like. Use this as a reference to identify where you are right now—and as inspiration for reaching toward something that feels better.

High Vibration States

1
Joy / Appreciation / Empowerment / Freedom / Love

What it feels like: Pure bliss. Everything feels possible. You’re in love with life itself.

Examples: Holding your newborn child for the first time. Watching a breathtaking sunset and feeling connected to something larger. Laughing so hard with friends that your stomach hurts. Deep gratitude for simply being alive.

2
Passion

What it feels like: Intense excitement and drive. You’re so engaged that time disappears.

Examples: Working on a creative project and losing track of hours. The electric feeling of a new romance. Being so absorbed in your work that you forget to eat. Talking about something you love and watching others catch your enthusiasm.

3
Enthusiasm / Eagerness / Happiness

What it feels like: Bubbling excitement. You can’t wait for what’s coming.

Examples: The night before a vacation you’ve been planning for months. Starting a new job you’re genuinely excited about. Planning a party for someone you love. The feeling of “I get to do this” rather than “I have to do this.”

4
Positive Expectation / Belief

What it feels like: Confident certainty that good things are coming. Trust in the process.

Examples: Applying for a job and genuinely believing you’ll get it. Knowing your relationship will work out even during a rough patch. Planting seeds and trusting they’ll grow. Feeling certain that the universe has your back.

Positive States

5
Optimism

What it feels like: Looking on the bright side. Expecting things to work out.

Examples: “This might actually turn out better than I expected.” Seeing a setback as a setup for something better. Focusing on what could go right instead of what could go wrong. Trusting that challenges are temporary.

6
Hopefulness

What it feels like: A light at the end of the tunnel. Things could get better.

Examples: “Maybe this will work out after all.” Seeing a path forward after feeling stuck. Getting encouraging news from the doctor. Allowing yourself to imagine a better future, even if you’re not fully convinced yet.

7
Contentment

What it feels like: Peaceful satisfaction. Nothing needs to change right now.

Examples: Sitting on your porch with a cup of coffee, needing nothing. Finishing a good meal and feeling satisfied. A quiet evening at home with no agenda. Looking at your life and thinking, “This is enough.”

The Turning Point

8
Boredom

What it feels like: Flat. Uninterested. Nothing excites you.

Examples: Scrolling through your phone but nothing catches your attention. Sitting in a meeting that has nothing to do with you. Feeling like every day is the same. Waiting for something—anything—to happen.

9
Pessimism

What it feels like: Expecting the worst. Why bother?

Examples: “It probably won’t work anyway.” Assuming the traffic will be bad. Expecting people to let you down. Looking at opportunities and only seeing the reasons they’ll fail.

10
Frustration / Irritation / Impatience

What it feels like: Annoyed. Things aren’t moving fast enough. Small obstacles feel big.

Examples: Getting stuck behind a slow driver when you’re already late. Technology not working when you need it. Waiting on hold for customer service. Wanting results now but not seeing them yet.

11
Overwhelm

What it feels like: Too much. Can’t cope. Don’t know where to start.

Examples: Looking at your to-do list and feeling paralyzed. Too many emails, too many demands, not enough time. “I can’t handle one more thing.” Feeling like you’re drowning in responsibilities.

Challenging States

12
Disappointment

What it feels like: Let down. Things didn’t turn out as hoped.

Examples: Not getting the job you interviewed for. A friend canceling plans you were looking forward to. Realizing someone isn’t who you thought they were.

13
Doubt

What it feels like: Uncertain. Second-guessing yourself. Maybe I’m wrong.

Examples: “Am I making the right decision?” Questioning your abilities before a big presentation. Doubting whether you’re cut out for your career.

14
Worry

What it feels like: Anxious thoughts on repeat. What if something goes wrong?

Examples: Lying awake thinking about tomorrow’s problems. Imagining worst-case scenarios. “What if I fail?” “What if they don’t like me?” The mental hamster wheel that won’t stop.

15
Blame

What it feels like: It’s their fault. They caused this. Pointing fingers outward.

Examples: “If my parents had been different, I’d be more successful.” Blaming your partner for the state of your relationship. Finding fault with others rather than looking at your own role.

16
Discouragement

What it feels like: Losing heart. What’s the point of trying?

Examples: Applying for jobs and getting rejection after rejection. Trying to lose weight and not seeing results. “I’ve tried everything and nothing works.” Feeling like giving up on a dream.

The Depths

These emotions, while painful, contain energy that can be redirected. Anger is higher than depression because it has momentum. The goal from here is to reach for anything that feels slightly better.

17
Anger

What it feels like: Hot, intense, ready to fight. Something is wrong and someone needs to fix it.

Examples: Slamming doors. Feeling your face get hot during an argument. The urge to break something. Note: Anger has energy and momentum—it’s actually movement upward from powerlessness.

18
Revenge

What it feels like: They hurt me, and I want them to hurt too. Plotting payback.

Examples: Fantasizing about your ex seeing how great your life is now. Wanting to expose someone who wronged you. “I’ll show them.”

19
Hatred / Rage

What it feels like: Consuming fury. All-encompassing negativity toward someone or something.

Examples: Hating someone so much you can’t stop thinking about them. Rage that makes you shake. Being unable to see any good in someone.

20
Jealousy

What it feels like: They have what I want and I resent them for it.

Examples: Scrolling social media and feeling bitter about others’ success. Resenting a coworker’s promotion. “It’s not fair that they got that opportunity.”

21
Insecurity / Guilt / Unworthiness

What it feels like: I’m not good enough. I don’t deserve good things. I’m fundamentally flawed.

Examples: Constant self-criticism. Feeling like a fraud despite evidence of your competence. “Who am I to want that?” Believing deep down that you’re unlovable or broken.

22
Fear / Grief / Depression / Despair / Powerlessness

What it feels like: Empty. Hopeless. Nothing matters. Can’t move. Complete loss of power.

Examples: Unable to get out of bed. Feeling like a heavy weight is pressing on your chest. “What’s the point?” Loss of interest in things that used to bring joy. The profound absence that follows deep loss.

How to Use the Scale

The Emotional Guidance Scale isn’t about judging yourself for where you are. It’s about awareness—and then gently reaching for relief.

The One-Notch Method

Step 1: Identify where you are. Be honest. No judgment.

Step 2: Look at the emotion one level above you. What thought could help you get there?

Step 3: Reach for that thought. Don’t try to leap to joy—just reach for relief.

Example: If you’re in depression (#22), anger (#17) is actually progress. “I’m so tired of feeling this way!” has more energy than “Nothing matters.” From anger, reach for blame (#15), then frustration (#10)—each step feeling slightly better.

“The key is not to try to jump from wherever you are to where you want to be. Just reach for the thought that feels a little bit better, and the next thought that feels a little bit better, and the next…”

— Abraham Hicks

Remember: Every emotion on this scale is valid. You’re not “bad” for feeling jealousy or “good” for feeling joy. Emotions are simply guidance—they tell you whether your current thoughts are aligned with who you really are and what you truly want.

The goal is not to never feel negative emotions. The goal is to recognize them, honor them, and then gently guide yourself toward thoughts that bring relief.

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