A Blissful Life 7/8/25: The Power Of Channeling Emotions

Relationships are one of life’s greatest teachers. They can bring deep joy and connection, but they can also be messy, uncomfortable, and emotionally challenging. Especially when those relationships span decades and have been built around certain roles or expectations.

As we grow and evolve, it’s natural that our values, boundaries, and sense of self shift. But, not everyone grows at the same pace or in the same direction. People who’ve known us our entire lives may not agree with how we live now, what we believe, or the choices we make. And when those people are close (parents, siblings, lifelong friends) it can be especially painful when they disapprove, misunderstand, or question our path.

Even if you’re doing your best, living with integrity, and trying to be a kind, conscious human being, the people around you may resist the new version of you– especially if it disrupts a dynamic they’ve grown comfortable with. If you’ve always been the peacemaker, the one who says yes, the one who puts others’ comfort ahead of your own, the moment you begin to set boundaries or speak truthfully, it can feel threatening to them. This tension is real. And it hurts.

But here’s what I’ve learned: you cannot sacrifice your truth for the comfort of others. Especially if you’ve spent years people-pleasing. That path, while seemingly smooth on the surface, will eventually lead to resentment, burnout, and disconnection from your authentic self.

Honoring your truth doesn’t mean severing ties or lashing out. It means learning how to speak clearly, lovingly, and firmly. It means anchoring into your own values, even when it feels scary. It means trusting that if someone truly loves you, they will either grow to understand, or at the very least, respect, your choices.

This is where the power of emotional channeling comes in.

When you feel misunderstood, dismissed, or judged by someone you love, the emotional energy can be overwhelming– anger, sadness, shame, heartbreak. But, instead of letting that energy spiral you into self-doubt or reactive behavior, you can learn to harness it.

Here’s what I do: I breathe. Literally. I place my hands on my belly and take slow, deep ujjayi breaths– up and down my spine, calming my nervous system, and gathering the pieces of myself that feel scattered.Then, I take that energy and pour it into something meaningful. I teach a yoga class, not from my head but from my heart. I lift weights and let the emotion fuel my strength. I write. I move. I speak. I transform the emotional charge into something that heals, not just me, but those around me.

Neuroscience supports this. Studies show that mindful movement, like yoga or exercise, helps regulate the amygdala (the brain’s emotional center), while activating the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and emotional resilience. In other words, physical movement helps us process emotions and return to clarity.

Another powerful practice is expressive writing. According to a study published in ‘Advances in Psychiatric Treatment’, writing about emotional experiences for 15–20 minutes a day can lead to measurable reductions in stress, anxiety, and even physical symptoms. It’s not just cathartic, it’s chemically healing.

So when you feel hurt, rejected, or questioned by someone you love, pause. Breathe. Come back to yourself. Get clear on your truth. And let your next action come from that centered place. Whether it’s a conversation, a boundary, a creative expression, or simply choosing not to react, it will be powerful, because it will be authentic.

The goal isn’t to be understood by everyone. The goal is to understand yourself so deeply that no one else’s confusion or criticism can shake you from your center. You don’t have to cut people out to find peace. But, you do have to stop cutting yourself off from your truth in order to keep the peace.

There is immense strength in channeling your emotions into movement, words, breath, boundaries, or creation. It’s not about controlling your feelings; it’s about choosing what you do with them. That’s real empowerment, that’s emotional alchemy, and that’s how we grow!

I invite you to come join Ocean Bliss! We offer yoga and Pilates classes daily, along with a variety of monthly workshops. We are also offering donation-based community classes all summer long with our in-house newly certified yoga teachers!! Come support them by taking their classes. Browse our schedule and sign up atoceanblissyoga.net. For all other questions or if you’re interested in taking an upcoming 200-Hour Yoga Alliance-Certified Yoga Teacher Training at our studio, contact me at 917-318-1168.