Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that shines a light on what makes life worth living. Rather than focusing solely on dysfunction, it explores well-being, happiness, and the role of positive emotions in helping us thrive.
This emphasis on positivity aligns beautifully with the Law of Attraction, which suggests that how we feel—our emotional state or “vibration”—influences what we attract into our lives. According to the teachings of Abraham, channeled by Esther Hicks, emotions form a kind of scale. At the top are states like love, joy, and appreciation—our most powerful emotional set points for creating the life we want.
Why Do Positive Emotions Matter So Much?
Barbara Fredrickson, a leading voice in positive psychology, developed the Broaden-and-Build theory to explain how positive emotions benefit us. According to her research, emotions like joy, love, gratitude, and hope don’t just feel good—they expand our awareness, helping us think more creatively, see new possibilities, and make wiser choices.
This is the “broaden” part of her theory. When we’re feeling uplifted, we’re more open, more resourceful, and better able to navigate challenges. In contrast, negative emotions like fear or anger narrow our focus, which is helpful in emergency situations but can limit our problem-solving and emotional resilience in everyday life.
The “build” part refers to the way positive emotions lay the foundation for long-term well-being. Over time, they help us build psychological resilience, social connections, cognitive flexibility, and even physical health.
The 3-to-1 Positivity Ratio
In her book Positivity, Fredrickson introduces the idea of the “3-to-1 positivity ratio.” This simply means that we thrive when we experience at least three positive emotions for every negative one. It’s not about denying life’s difficulties, but about tipping the balance toward optimism and uplift, fostering emotional resilience and creating “upward spirals” where one good thing naturally leads to another.
These upward spirals improve everything from mental health and creativity to physical vitality and relationships. And because emotions are contagious, the positivity we cultivate often lifts others, too.
Emotional Scale and the Law of Attraction
The emotional scale offered by Abraham Hicks provides a helpful, practical way to shift our vibrational state. By identifying where we are emotionally and intentionally reaching for the next better-feeling emotion, we move ourselves gradually up the scale—from fear or frustration toward hope, optimism, joy, and beyond.
This proactive emotional guidance system supports Fredrickson’s positivity research. Both frameworks encourage us to catch ourselves early when we dip into negativity and reach for a better perspective, not by force, but by gentle reframing and self-awareness.
Key Benefits of Positive Emotions: The Broaden-and-Build Effects
Broaden Effect:
- Positive emotions open our minds, encouraging exploration, learning, and connection.
- They shift us out of tunnel vision and help us see new opportunities and creative solutions.
Build Effect:
Over time, this broadened awareness helps us build:
- Psychological resources like resilience, optimism, and self-confidence.
- Social resources like deeper friendships and stronger support systems.
- Cognitive resources like flexible thinking and problem-solving.
- Physical resources like better sleep, lower stress, and improved immunity.
Research Supports the Power of Positivity
Science backs up the idea that feeling good helps us do better. Studies show that people who regularly experience positive emotions:
- Bounce back faster from stress
- Form stronger social connections
- Enjoy greater creativity and focus
- Report higher levels of life satisfaction and purpose
Practices like gratitude, mindfulness, optimism, and flow (those moments when you’re completely absorbed and energized by what you’re doing) all help cultivate this emotional well-being.
It’s Not About Being Happy All the Time
Both positive psychology and the Law of Attraction agree—this isn’t about ignoring pain or pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. It’s about identifying with things that support growth through challenges, not getting stuck in them. When we actively lean into emotions like appreciation, curiosity, or joy, we increase our inner capacity to handle whatever life brings.
Daily Strategies for Cultivating Positivity
- Practice gratitude – even noticing small things can shift your emotional baseline.
- Engage in meaningful activities that put you in flow.
- Stay present with mindfulness or breathwork.
- Choose uplifting relationships and environments.
- Use the emotional scale to nudge yourself gently toward better-feeling thoughts.
In the end, both science and spiritual teachings remind us that positive emotions are not just fleeting pleasures—they are tools for transformation. They empower us to live more resilient, connected, and fulfilled lives, while naturally attracting more of what we want. So whether you’re tapping into joy through EFT, tuning your vibration with Abraham’s teachings, or savoring the moment with a deep breath, every step toward positivity is a step toward well-being.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
