The 16 Universal Emotions: A GPS Guide to their Ascending Energy

Wow that is a mouthful. Hopefully it will spark enough curiosity to explore this website. In it we will flesh out the 16 Universal Emotions derived from David Hawkins MD PhD’s famous Map of Consciousness. The Emotions are separated into two contrasting realms. Using inspiration from the structure of music, imagine an upper octave of 8 ascending “notes” or feelings, each with its own emotional tone and energy. Then add a lower octave of 8 more notes of feelings, this time as distinct descending notes and levels of emotion and energy. More on this to come.

As one’s emotional ears becomes more attuned to precisely recognizing each emotional note, you become more “pitch perfect”. In essence knowing more clearly the emotional music of what you are feeling inside.

Also developing with practice is one’s ability to cut straight through the noise of others’ words and messages to capture the real underlying feeling tone. This emotional accuracy can be so invaluable in effectively communicating… because so many feelings can be “Lost in Translation”.

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What transformations can occur as you begin to clearly “hear” your 16 emotions?

  • Shifting away from the confining reflex patterns of the Lower Octave → to the Freedom and Power of the Upper Octave Emotions

  • Recognizing more quickly what you and others are feeling

  • Identifying the conditions that trigger feelings from both the Lower and Higher Octaves so as to build resilience for stressful events

  • Communicating your desires and feelings with more clarity in your relationships

  • Feeling calmer grounded, and more steady day to day

The Two Octaves & Their 16 Notes

Lower-octave states drain energy and narrow awareness. Upper-octave states generate energy and expand awareness.
The skill is learning the notes—and learning how to move upward.

Lower Octave - Ego Driven

“Draining”

  • Pride (polarizing judgements)

  • Anger (Frustrations)

  • Desire (Motivations)

  • Fear (Stress & Anxiety)

  • Grief (Losses)

  • Apathy (Depression)

  • Guilt (Regrets)

  • Shame (self-condemnations)

Upper Octave - Authentic Self

“Life Giving”

  • Peace (Unshakeable Calmness)

  • Joy (Gratitude)

  • Love (Compassionate Kindness)

  • Reason(Logic Objectivity)

  • Acceptance (Forgiveness)

  • Willingness(Letting Go & Surrender)

  • Neutrality (Humility)

  • Courage (Faith)

Having a map for guidance and direction

The Importance of Your Inner GPS/ Emotional Map for Direction in Life

  1. Learn the Two Octaves — recognize when you’re in lower-octave reactivity vs upper-octave clarity

  2. Hear the 16 Notes — identify what’s actually playing in real time (and what it’s costing you)

  3. Practice letting go — release the lower notes and move upward in the moments that matter

Brad is an clinical Psychologist teaching emotional mastery using a clear framework and a set of immediately useful practices. 16 ascending emotional states are clearly outlined within two contrasting octaves. In the 8 emotions of the lower Octave our clever ego self/personality remains separate from the Unifying 8 emotions of our Authentic Self.

In learning the Octaves you’ll:

  • Identify the energy/vibe/emotional “notes” you default to under stress

  • Learn how to the shift out of lower octave emotional patterns that keeps you stuck

  • Practice letting go so old triggers to naturally move into the High Octave states of Consciousness

  • Apply 2 Octave insights to complex situations: hard conversations, conflicts and ,decisions

  • Build skills using this “Emotional GPS” to orient accurately to your own and others emotional notes.

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Tell me what you’re dealing with and what you want to be different. I’ll reply personally.

You don’t have to stay stuck in the lower octave.

If you want help applying the Two Octaves and the 16 Notes to your real life—anxiety, conflict, patterns you keep repeating—reach out using the Contact Brad form above. Brad will reply personally.