Releasing Negative Emotions through Emotion Flipping
About eight years ago, my mom introduced me to the book Feelings Buried Alive Never Die by Karol K. Truman, and it deeply shifted how I approach my emotions. One section introduced the idea of recognizing and "flipping" negative emotions—something I now use regularly. This simple yet powerful practice has become one of my go-to tools for releasing old emotional patterns and gently realigning with clarity, and purpose. In the paragraphs below, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use this technique so you can experience the shift for yourself.
“Emotions aren’t life sentences—they’re gentle signals. When we pause and listen, we can choose a higher path forward.”
Emotional flipping can be a powerful tool so let’s walk through how to actually do it. This process is simple, mindful, and something you can practice anytime—whether you’re in the middle of a busy day or winding down at night. Here’s what I’ll guide you through next:
How to become aware of what you're truly feeling in the moment without judgement
How to choose a higher emotion that supports your well-being
Simple phrases and affirmations that help shift the energy
Tips for making emotion flipping a daily, soul-nourishing habit
Becoming Aware of Your Feelings
This step is essential. Most of us move through the day without really naming what we’re feeling. We know when we feel “good” or “off,” but often default to vague statements like, “I’m just tired,” or “I don’t feel great.” These don’t usually reflect the real emotion underneath. To shift anything, we first have to name it.
Start by giving yourself permission to feel—without judgment. Come to this process with humility, love, and a willingness to forgive yourself. Your emotions aren’t wrong or bad—they’re simply messengers.
Begin noticing when you feel low or off-balance. Many of us live in a constant low-vibration state without even realizing it—it becomes our “normal.” I started by checking in with myself during certain times of day or in stressful situations and asking:
“What am I feeling right now? Is it good or heavy? What’s the actual emotion?” Your body is wanting to tell you so just listen and use your intuition. The feeling will come to your mind.
It may take practice. At first, I didn’t always know right away. I had to sit with it for a moment and listen to what my body was trying to say. Over time, it became easier. Now I can usually name the emotion quickly and even sense where I’m holding it in my body. For example, when I am feeling anxious I feel it from the top of my head down to my toes. It encompasses my whole body. When I am feeling annoyed or frustrated I feel it in my heart.
The key is to pinpoint the actual feeling—not just “bad,” but something like frustrated, sad, overwhelmed, discouraged, or numb. The more specific you are, the more power you have to shift it.
“Tip: Ask yourself, “What is this emotion I’m feeling?” Let the answer rise gently. You may feel the emotion in a specific place—your chest, gut, shoulders—and the name of it may come to mind when you tune in.”
Flipping the Emotion
Once you’ve identified the emotion you’re feeling, the next step is to flip it—to consciously shift it into something higher and more supportive. This isn’t about ignoring or pushing away what you feel. It’s about honoring it, then choosing to move into a better emotional state.
Start by asking yourself:
“What is the opposite or higher version of this feeling?”
For example:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might flip to peace or clarity.
If you’re feeling angry, the flip might be calm or understood.
If you’re feeling insecure, you could move toward confidence or trust.
There’s no perfect formula—just trust your intuition. You’ll often feel a gentle knowing of what the next best emotion is.
Once you know the flip, speak it out loud or silently affirm it. For example:
🔥 “I release overwhelm and welcome peace.”
🔥 “I let go of frustration and invite clarity.”
🔥 “I no longer carry self-doubt; I stand in trust and light.”
You can also choose to use the Affirmation Bridge tool.
🔥 “I want to feel trusting of myself.
🔥 “I feel trusting.
🔥 “II am trusting myself.
You can place your hand over your heart, breathe deeply, and let the new emotion settle in your body. Feel what it’s like to choose it. Even if it feels small or subtle at first, you’re shifting energy—and that matters.
“Tip: It helps to create a small list of common negative emotions you experience and their empowering flips. Keep it somewhere visible as a reminder.”
Examples
Angry > Forgiving, Loving, Peaceful, Calm, Merciful
Annoyed > Accepting, Calm, Undisturbed, Forgiving
Depressed > Joyful, Enthused About Life, Happy, Excited
Cruel > Kind, Gentle, Loving, Compassionate
Hectic > Carefree, Calm, Organized
Uncomfortable > Comfortable, At Ease, Undisturbed
Be Patient—Small Shifts Become Powerful Change
This tool is truly powerful—you may notice a shift the very first time you use it. But like anything meaningful, lasting change comes with consistency and patience. Trust the process, honor each small step, and over time, you’ll begin to feel the deep, beautiful transformation from within.
My biggest takeaways are that I now have a clear understanding of what I’m feeling in the moment. I recognize my triggers and can prepare myself with more intention. I’ve also learned where certain emotions show up in my body, which helps me tune in faster. When life gets busy and I slip into “task mode,” my body gently brings me back into awareness, helping me pause, readjust, and return to balance.
Personal Experience With Emotional Flipping
In my part of the world, driving can be one of the most stressful daily experiences. It often feels like many people on the road are in a rush, disconnected, and not interested in sharing space with kindness. Coming from places where traffic laws were respected and enforced, it was especially frustrating to witness how chaotic it could be—and it began to affect my energy every time I got in the car.
But I realized I had a choice. I couldn’t control how others drove, but I could control how I experienced it. So I began to shift the energy. I started by raising the vibration of my car (something I can do for you in a session if you're interested), then filled it with love, calm, and patience. I even began to visualize little hearts flowing from my car as I drove—spreading peace instead of absorbing frustration.
Now, driving has become an intentional practice for me. I flip negative emotions as they arise and focus on what I can control: my presence, my peace, and my energy. I’ve become more patient, more giving, and far less reactive. What once drained me now feels neutral—or even peaceful. It’s just a task, but now, it’s one I can move through with grace.
If there’s a daily task in your life that feels heavy or draining—driving, laundry, dishes, meal times or even morning routines—know that it can shift. With a little intention, love, and energetic support, even the most frustrating parts of your day can become neutral… or surprisingly peaceful.
If you're ready to experience this kind of energetic shift, I’d love to help you. You can schedule a session with me where we clear stuck emotions, raise the vibration around a specific task, or energetically reset a space—like your car, your home, or even your morning routine. It’s simple, powerful, and so worth it.
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