The Importance of Expressing vs. Suppressing Our Emotions

I am not sure if it was the product of being a child of the 80s, but growing up, it wasn't common practice in our house to actively voice how we felt when something sparked a negatively charged emotion. Don't get me wrong, harsh words were exchanged, people shouted, doors were slammed. But the default was to suppress rather than to express. If we want to use the analogy of sweeping things under a rug, by the time our house had three teenage occupants, the rug was resembling Mt. Everest proportions.

Unsurprisingly, the default of suppress rather than express followed me into adult life. I would shudder at the thought of confrontation or a looming conversation I knew would be uncomfortable. Every fibre of my being had an extreme aversion to speaking my truth. As a result, I wasn't connected to my authentic self.

This poses problems—problems that only get bigger. I honestly had the view that any emotion with a negative charge is a bad thing. Whether I was on the receiving end of it or knowingly communicating something to someone that would set off their own negative charge.

So what changed? A perception shift. Emotions, whether they be positive or negative, are designed to be expressed. Obviously, our frontal lobe is there to ensure we are expressing them appropriately. But when we don’t express them, the negative charge stays in our system and gets stuck.

When expressing our emotions, we want to come from a place of empathy and compassion. It's also tremendously important to see it as a beautiful teaching moment for everyone involved. If you're unable to express emotions right away—like during a boardroom meeting or when your reaction doesn’t match the trigger—remember this: the physiological response to negative emotion only lasts 90 seconds. What makes it last longer is the mind attaching stories to the emotion. That’s why we can stay upset about something that happened years ago—our minds keep replaying the narrative.

When you feel emotion rising, become an observer. Notice where you feel it in your body—your stomach, your chest. Is it hot or cold? Does it have a colour or shape? Stay curious and watch how the emotion dissipates after 90 seconds; you will see it lose its steam and intensity.

One of the key benefits of a daily meditation practice is that it helps create space between your emotional reactions and responses. Incorporating Vedic meditation into your daily routine can significantly enhance your ability to express emotions constructively. This ancient practice not only promotes relaxation but also develops self-awareness, allowing individuals to observe their inner emotional landscape without judgement.

By settling the mind, Vedic meditation encourages a deeper understanding of one’s feelings, which is essential for effective emotional expression. When we meditate, we train our brains to respond rather than react, transforming potentially overwhelming emotions into opportunities for insight and empathy.

Moreover, Vedic meditation fosters a sense of peace that can reduce anxiety, making it easier to face difficult conversations and express oneself freely. As you progress in your meditation practice, you may find that your emotional responses become more balanced and measured. Ultimately, this leads to healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life where expressing emotions is seen not as a burden but as a vital part of human connection.

Experience the transformative power of Vedic meditation courses today to unlock your emotional potential and cultivate inner harmony. You will find yourself spending more time in the present—less in the past and future—and feeling a lot more compassionate and empathetic. You will see your Mount Everest rug start to get much smaller.