Processing Emotional States

The next important element of Phase 1 is working with the emotional scale. At this stage, it is proposed to process a list of emotions and emotional states using the “Process this” processor. The list is based on the so-called AGFLAP–CAP scale proposed by Lester Levenson. In the original model, all emotions are conditionally grouped into nine categories: six of them are related to maladaptive states (apathy, grief, fear, lust, anger, and pride — abbreviated as AGFLAP), and three to more functional ones (courage, acceptance, and peace — CAP).

In this book, an expanded and revised version of this scale is used. This is the version that is intended to be worked through at the first stage.

The meaning of this process is as follows. Each emotion in the list is presented not as a single entity, but as a set of different shades and forms. By processing these states individually, we reduce the automaticity of their activation in response to typical external or internal triggers. At the same time, the stable response patterns associated with them, as well as the corresponding parts of the psyche that support these reactions, are weakened. The result is not suppression of emotions, but greater freedom in relation to them — the ability to experience emotional states without prolonged fixation or with minimal inertia.

As further work progresses (not only in Phase 1), the tendency to get stuck in emotions usually decreases significantly. If previously an unpleasant state could persist for hours or days, over time the duration of its active experience is reduced. In some cases, it becomes possible to return to a neutral or calm state quite quickly after an emotional spike. This is not about repression or suppression of emotions, but about reducing their automatic dominance over attention. Working with the emotional scale is the first step in this direction.

After working through a significant part of the list, some practitioners find themselves in a state of emotional neutrality: neither pronounced negativity nor pronounced euphoria is present. This state may seem unusual or even unsettling, especially for those who have not experienced it before. It is important to understand that this is not a loss of emotional capacity and not a “breakdown.” The ability to experience any emotions remains. What changes is only the degree of automaticity and lack of control in their emergence.

It should be emphasized separately: working through the emotional scale does not guarantee that you will never encounter these emotions again in the future. The emotional palette of a human being is far broader than any list. Therefore, the reappearance of a familiar state over time is not a sign of “rollback” or inefficiency of the work. However, with practice, automatic reactions become less and less sustainable, and this change is usually clearly noticeable in one’s own experience. Working through the scale is not an end goal, but a basic foundation for further work with the emotional sphere.

Technically, the process is extremely simple. It is recommended to start from the lower part of the scale — from the heaviest and most inert states. One emotion or state is taken from the list. You pronounce its name (aloud or silently), while trying to at least briefly register the corresponding experience, then you say the command “Process this.” The process is repeated until yawning occurs or up to ten repetitions. After that, you can move on to the next state or go about your normal activities. For example: “Hopelessness — process this.”

The entire list, at a moderate and regular pace, can be worked through in less than a month. Questions of acceptable speed and signs of overprocessing will be discussed in a separate chapter (“Work Plan”). Here it is important to fix the following: working with the emotional scale is a mandatory part of Phase 1. It cannot be skipped or shortened. The entire scale must be processed in full, including the states attributed to the “positive” part.

Processing emotions can be carried out in parallel with working on polarities — these processes do not interfere with each other. The key factor remains the individual pace. The task is not speed, but steady and careful progress without overload.