Moving Beyond Hierarchies: Reimagining Emotions, Energies, and the Wholeness of Our Souls
Hello friends, it’s Whit, your Energy Empowerment Guide with a camp counselor vibe. Today, I want to share a perspective that challenges traditional ways of categorizing and labeling—particularly when it comes to how we think about emotions, energies, and our very essence as beings within all that is. These ideas came through while deeply connected and in tune with my higher self.
To begin with, I want to break down the concept of hierarchical thinking—a framework that often places things, people, emotions, experiences, and even metaphysical concepts on a linear scale of “higher” or “lower,” “better” or “worse.” While this approach may help us organize certain thoughts or tasks, it can also limit our understanding and acceptance of the full spectrum of existence. Today, let’s explore another perspective: the spherical, where everything exists within an unconditional loving whole.
The Y-Axis: Thinking in Hierarchies
Hierarchical thinking is something we see all around us. We categorize and rank things, often unconsciously, assigning “higher” or “lower” values to different experiences, people, or emotions. For example, when thinking about emotions, we might imagine love, joy, and gratitude as being at the “top” and anger, fear, or sadness as “lower” or “undesirable.” These categories may feel comforting or help us measure our own experiences against a standard of “good” or “bad,” but they can also create barriers.
Hierarchical systems are often seen in spiritual circles, where different levels of consciousness, souls, or realms might be talked about in terms of ascension or descent. But when we view everything as part of an ever-expanding whole, hierarchies can start to feel restrictive. Rather than being a “higher” soul in a hierarchy, what if each soul simply has its own unique awareness and access, expanding in different ways? Rather than “higher or lower,” each being or emotion exists with its own unique flavor, frequency, and purpose.
The X-Axis: Moving Beyond Better or Worse
An alternative to the hierarchical Y-axis is imagining a horizontal X-axis, where emotions, souls, or experiences sit on an equal playing field. Here, emotions aren’t ranked from “better” to “worse”; they are seen as equally important, each offering something valuable and necessary. Love, anger, joy, and sadness all sit side-by-side, without ranking.
But even the X-axis, while it flattens hierarchy, can still imply a linear view, suggesting that we can “move” left or right but only see emotions or experiences one-dimensionally. So what if we let go of the axis altogether? Let’s visualize something that more closely resembles the reality of our emotions, our energies, and our experiences.
The Spherical Perspective: Wholeness and Unconditional Love
Imagine all emotions, energies, and even entire realms of existence as part of a vast, multidimensional sphere. In this perspective, everything exists within an unconditional loving whole. Emotions like anger or sadness are not “lower” or “bad”—they simply exist in a different part of the sphere, and when we tune into them, they become part of our awareness and focus in that moment. In this way, nothing is better or worse. Everything just *is*, existing together within the sphere.
This sphere of wholeness allows us to see emotions as different frequencies, each valuable in its own way. They are all here to teach, guide, and support us. When we experience sadness, for example, we aren’t “lower” on a scale. Instead, our focus has shifted to an area of the sphere where sadness resides. The key is recognizing that it’s just one part of a much larger whole.
Spheres of the Soul: The Expansive Nature of Our Essence
This spherical perspective doesn’t just apply to emotions; it can also help us better understand our soul’s essence. When we think about our soul, our higher self, or even the concept of “all that is,” traditional models often place these on a hierarchy, with each level representing a higher state of awareness or purity.
Instead, I see souls—whether individual or as part of an “oversoul”—as continuously expanding and aware within a greater whole. Each soul has unique access and awareness, constantly evolving based on the experiences and expressions it chooses. The idea isn’t that one soul is “higher” or “better” than another but that each has different areas of awareness and focus. Just as a sphere contains an infinite number of points, each with its own perspective, our souls are unique expressions of a unified whole.
Ancient Wisdom on Wholeness and Connection
When we explore the spherical perspective of emotions and energies, it’s fascinating to see how this idea aligns with ancient and indigenous wisdom from around the world. Many cultures have long embraced non-linear understandings of existence, where everything is seen as interconnected, cyclical, and part of a harmonious whole. Let’s dive into some examples for awareness. I highly recommend going to direct sources from these cultures get the most in depth and accurate information as I am writing from my perspective outside of them.
The Medicine Wheel: A Sacred Circle of Balance
In Native American traditions, the Medicine Wheel is a powerful symbol representing balance, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life. Unlike hierarchical models, the Medicine Wheel places all elements—emotions, directions, seasons, and aspects of life—within a circular structure. Each quadrant of the wheel holds its own unique energy and purpose: north for wisdom, south for emotion, east for beginnings, and west for introspection.
This sacred circle reminds us that no one direction or element is superior to another. Instead, every part contributes to the whole, working together in balance. Emotions, much like the elements on the Medicine Wheel, are not labeled as “good” or “bad.” Anger might be the fire in the south, teaching us courage and boundaries. Sadness might flow like water in the west, guiding us toward deep self-reflection. Each emotion serves a purpose within the larger circle of our lives.
By approaching emotions and energies through this lens, we honor the interconnectedness of all things. It’s not about striving to stay in one quadrant but embracing the entire wheel, knowing each part is necessary for growth and understanding.
Taoism: Harmony Through Yin and Yang
In Taoist philosophy, the concepts of yin and yang illustrate the balance of opposites within a unified whole. Rather than viewing one aspect as superior to another, yin and yang are seen as complementary forces, eternally interconnected and cycling through one another. Light needs darkness, joy flows from sorrow, and stillness exists alongside movement.
Taoism teaches us to move with the natural rhythms of life, embracing all aspects of our existence without judgment. When we apply this to emotions, we see that joy and sadness, excitement and fear, are not enemies. They are partners in a dance, each revealing truths about who we are and where we are in our journey.
This ancient wisdom mirrors the spherical perspective perfectly: emotions are not linear, nor do they compete for dominance. They coexist as essential facets of the whole, each contributing to our unique human experience.
Modern Science and the Spherical Model
Science is finally catching up with ancient traditions in that everything in life, from our emotions to our physical reality, is deeply interconnected. Modern research supports the idea that embracing the full spectrum of emotions, rather than categorizing them as “good” or “bad,” leads to greater mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
The Neuroscience of Emotional Wholeness
Studies in neuroscience have shown that avoiding or suppressing “negative” emotions can increase stress and negatively impact our health. For example, research by the University of Texas found that suppressing emotions like sadness or anger can lead to heightened activity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, increasing stress hormones like cortisol.
In contrast, embracing and processing emotions—even the ones we might label as “undesirable”—helps regulate our nervous system. This practice engages the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and emotional regulation, and leads to greater resilience and emotional balance.
One study published in Psychological Science revealed that individuals who accepted their emotions without judgment were less likely to experience depressive symptoms, even in the face of stress. In other words, the more we embrace the wholeness of our emotional spectrum, the healthier and happier we become.
Heart-Brain Coherence: A Spherical Connection
The HeartMath Institute has done extensive research on the interconnectedness of the heart, brain, and emotions, offering a scientific basis for the spherical model of wholeness. According to their findings, emotions directly influence the heart’s rhythm, which in turn sends signals to the brain, affecting how we think and perceive the world.
When we experience emotions like gratitude or love, the heart rhythm becomes coherent, sending harmonious signals to the brain. This state of coherence supports optimal brain function, emotional stability, and even physical health. However, this coherence isn’t exclusive to “positive” emotions. Processing sadness or fear with compassion can also restore balance, showing us that all emotions have a role to play in maintaining our overall well-being.
By seeing emotions as part of an interconnected system—rather than isolated or ranked experiences—we align with the body’s natural design. Science reinforces the idea that every emotion holds value, offering us opportunities to grow, adapt, and thrive.
A Statistical Perspective
To put it into numbers, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, found that individuals who experienced a greater “emodiversity” (a wide range of emotions) reported higher life satisfaction and better physical health. In their study, participants with a high emodiversity score were 30% less likely to visit a doctor than those who primarily experienced just a few emotions.
This finding shows the importance of embracing all emotions as part of a rich and fulfilling life. Instead of striving to stay in a single emotional state, we thrive when we explore the vast spectrum of our feelings, just like turning the sphere of our soul to reveal different facets.
Practical Tips for Embracing the Sphere of Wholeness
This concept of the sphere can bring profound shifts in how we live our day-to-day lives. Here are a few ways to explore and engage with this idea:
1. Embrace All Emotions as Part of Your Whole Self: The next time you feel an intense emotion—whether it’s joy, sadness, or anger—try seeing it as just one part of a larger, loving whole. Ask yourself, “What is this emotion here to teach me or show me right now?” Practice welcoming it as a valid and valuable part of your experience.
2. Focus on the Now, Not the Latter: Often, we feel pressure to “get to a higher state” or “become more evolved.” Instead, try focusing on what’s present right now. Every experience, every emotion, and every thought is part of your personal sphere of awareness, and they all serve a purpose. The goal isn’t to “ascend” as much as it is to *expand* in all directions.
3. Release Comparisons: Comparing yourself to others can trap you in a hierarchical mindset. Remember, each person has unique awareness and access points within the larger whole. Their experiences, perspectives, or emotions are just different points within the sphere. Trust that your own focus and experiences are exactly what you need for your growth.
4. Meditate on the Sphere of Emotions: Visualize your emotions as a sphere. Imagine that as you turn this sphere, different emotions come to the forefront, based on what’s most important for you to experience or learn at that moment. Allow yourself to explore each one without judgment, knowing they all exist within you.
Letting Go of “Higher” and “Lower”: A Personal Story
For a long time, I held the belief that certain emotions were “better” than others. I tried hard to stay in states of joy and peace, judging myself whenever fear, frustration, or sadness crept in. It was exhausting, to say the least! When I finally began to see all of these emotions as natural and as teachers, it felt like I’d released a huge weight. Instead of resisting “lower” emotions, I learned to sit with them, understanding them as valid parts of my journey.
This spherical perspective shifted my experience. I realized I wasn’t failing by feeling sad or angry; I was simply exploring a different part of my emotional spectrum. And just like that, emotions became tools for growth, rather than obstacles to avoid.
Seeing Wholeness in a New Light
The sphere of wholeness can transform how we view not only our emotions but also our relationships with others, our perception of the world, and our understanding of ourselves. When we drop the hierarchy (at least as much as we can), life becomes a lot less about “better” or “worse” and more about *being* and *exploring*. Each moment, each feeling, and each connection is a point in the sphere of all that is. There is no end to this wholeness—just endless opportunity to learn, grow, and love.
So, as you go through your day, notice where you might be categorizing emotions, experiences, or people as “higher” or “lower.” Imagine shifting to a spherical perspective, where everything exists within a loving whole, each aspect a unique part of your journey. Life becomes richer when we step into the fullness of each experience, knowing that it all serves our growth.
Thank you for joining me in this exploration! Let’s continue expanding together, embracing the beautiful wholeness that each moment brings.
Love to you, always.
*I HIGHLY recommend checking out Native and Indigenous sources to do a deeper dive into the topic covered. The very short paragraph included here has the intention to bring awareness to this perspective, but not speak for it. Please check out more in depth information directly from the source!
