How Do You Expect to Regulate an Emotion That You Don’t Allow Yourself to Feel?
At some point, we’ve all tried to avoid our emotions. We bury them deep, hoping they’ll vanish if we just pretend they’re not there. But emotions aren’t something we can simply ignore. In fact, when we deny them, they often find sneaky ways of resurfacing—whether through physical tension, anxious thoughts, or unexpected bursts of sadness or anger.
Here’s the thing: emotions are meant to be felt. They’re signals from within, telling us what’s really going on. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe you need rest. If you’re feeling anxious, maybe there’s an unresolved concern lingering in your life. By acknowledging these emotions, you take away their power to control you. You allow yourself to process them and eventually, let them go.
But how can we regulate what we don’t allow ourselves to feel? The truth is, we can’t. The key to emotional balance lies in giving yourself permission to feel. At Van Kappell, we understand that rituals can play a huge role in this process. By creating intentional space—whether through lighting a candle, journaling, or simply breathing—you give yourself the opportunity to sit with your feelings without judgment. Only then can you begin to move forward with a sense of peace.
So next time you feel like pushing those emotions aside, pause. Ask yourself: what is this feeling trying to tell me? And more importantly, how can I honor it?
Feel your feelings, because it’s only through feeling that we can heal.