InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration
March 19, 2026
The Pathway to Integrated Living
— Daily reminders for a conscious, connected life —
We learned early on to suppress our emotions. Expressing anger made things worse. Crying wasn't allowed. Showing fear undermined our ability to lead. So we contracted, we clenched, we stuffed it all down. And the energy didn't go away — it just sank deeper. Over a lifetime, all that suppressed emotion clogs the river of vital energy flowing through us, like throwing stones into a rushing stream until it becomes sluggish and diminished. We die from slow self-strangulation, energetically disconnected from others and ourselves, chronically fatigued from the enormous effort required to keep everything stuffed away, unfelt and unnoticed.
The focus for today is:
When we suppress an emotion, the energy of that emotion does not go away. Instead, it subsides — it sinks deeper. We hold it deep inside and, typically, it stays inside.
Today's message is inspired by Michael Sky, author of the book: The Power of Emotion: Using Your Emotional Energy to Transform Your Life
Michael explains how suppressed emotional energy eventually becomes matter — tumors, hardened arteries, stiffened joints. It renders us less capable, deforms our bodies through chronic tension, and energetically disconnects us from others. As he writes: "We cannot intentionally hurt another person with whom we experience living oneness. To the contrary, before we actively attack or exploit another person or group we must first sever our common links." Today's invitation is to try his Tension Release Breath: Breathe in slowly through your nose. Tightly clench your toes, hands, and jaw. Then release with a long, soft "sssshhhh..." Do this three times. Notice what loosens.
CONTINUE READING the complete article here:
The Hidden Cost of Emotional Suppression
Author: Michael Sky
A Reminder:
When we suppress an emotion, the energy of that emotion does not go away. Instead, it subsides — it sinks deeper. We hold it deep inside and, typically, it stays inside.
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RELATED BOOK: The Power of Emotion: Using Your Emotional Energy to Transform Your Life
Create a lifestyle that frees suppressed emotional energies and allows for empowered responses. With meditative breathing practices at the end of each chapter and inspirational passages from the teachings of Adi Da, you will learn to positively experience and develop your emotions while enhancing your creativity and productivity to accomplish your goals.
Important: Use the book purchase link from the InnerSelf article page — not a generic Amazon or publisher link — to ensure affiliate credit and proper tracking.
For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition and Audiobook.
About the Author
Michael Sky was a breath work teacher, certified polarity therapist, and fire walking instructor, and also the author of Breathing: Expanding Your Power and Energy. Michael led human potential seminars for over twenty-five years, including more than 200 fire walks. He was survived by his wife and daughter who still live in the Pacific Northwest.
Author's website: [INSERT AUTHOR WEBSITE URL]
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