Daniel J. Benor, MD, ABIHM

I was startled to read that "…positive and negative emotions need to be measured separately in research on well-being. It cannot be assumed that the presence of one indicates the absence of the other." (Emmons, 2003, p. 44)

I find that people are able to rapidly release negative, bothersome thoughts, memories and emotions with WHEE (Whole Health – Easily and Effectively). I find that most people will spontaneously come into more positive thoughts and feelings when they have released their negative issues down to the level of zero (on a scale of 10) or close to zero.

I had assumed therefore that through the reduction and then absence of negativity, people are freed up to shift into positivity. Conversely, I expected that people who have positive worldviews would be generally more free of negativity.

According to Robert Emmons (2003), research shows that this is not the case. People who are generally positive may be carrying considerable loads of negative emotions.

The good news is that WHEE can help on both ends of the spectrum. I am increasingly impressed with the benefits of investing in installing and strengthening positive cognitions and feelings. People who do this regularly (including myself) generally feel happier and better resourced for dealing with life's challenges.

Another good piece of news is that people often tell me that they don't actually have to install positive cognitions and emotions by using the full affirmation + alternate right and left tapping. The tapping alone will frequently suffice to strengthen whatever positives they focus upon.

Reference:
Emmons, Robert A. The Psychology of Ultimate Concerns: Motivation and Spirituality in Personality. New York: Guilford 2003.

Related articles:

Challenging experiences need not be negative

Negativity Is Only Negativity If We Call It Negative: Out of negativity can come great positivity

A Place of Peace and Safety when Using WHEE for Emotional Distress

You may reproduce all or parts of this article in your journal, magazine, ezine, blog or other web or paper publication on condition that you credit the source as follows: Copyright © 2012 Daniel J. Benor, MD, ABHM   All rights reserved. Original publication at WholisticHealingResearch.com where you will find many more related articles on this and similar subjects of wholistic healing. 

Further information about WHEE

Basics of the WHEE process

WHEE Videos

Appreciations for benefits of WHEE

Problems helped by WHEE

Book on WHEE for Pain 

WHEE workbook

WHEE workshops

Articles:
   Introductory WHEE article

   WHEE for trauma and re-entry problems 

   WHEE for children

   WHEE-kly brief articles

WHEE research