There are, as of this blog, 63 days until election day. (Though it does seem as if trump has been running since 2015.) We are also quickly approaching the Lunar eclipse of 9/18 and the Solar eclipse of 10/2. Given the collapse of the GOP and the ugliness of the trump campaign we can expect the campaign to take an emotionally charged ugliness which will not be helped by the high emotions which generally accompany eclipse cycles.

Additionally, Venus is debilitated in the sign of Virgo until 9/17. Venus is debilitated in the sign of Virgo, and in this debilitation cycle he is conjunct Ketu, the south node of the Moon. Here is the West we tend to think of Venus as a planetary form of Cupid and emphasize romantic love as the primary function of Venus. However, Venus is not the sole indicator of romance (far from it) as he also influences learning, music, sacred teachings and as the “teacher of the asuras” he is a primary energy showing us how to achieve conscious understanding of ourselves and, importantly, our hindrances to inner peace and harmony. On a physical level Venus has an influence over circulation, ability or inability to handle sugar, endocrine system, kidneys, reproductive organs, spleen and gallbladder.

Eclipses are known for emotional thinking and excess. Ketu’s influence on Venus in Virgo does indicate that for the next month it will be important to not feed our body unhealthy food or allow ourselves to over-react emotionally. Most importantly it is helpful if we can stop believing that emotions are the totality of our mental existence.

I received a newsletter from Todd Kurpil in which he speaks about emotions. I am sharing his words in this blog because we are all going to be experiencing this eclipse/Venus energy together.

Todd’s contact information can be found at the end of his wonderful article.

Self-Discovery Hub

Understanding and Mastering Emotional Regulation: A Path to Inner Peace
Emotional regulation is the process by which individuals influence their emotions—how they experience them and express them. It’s a skill that plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, affecting our mental health, relationships, and day-to-day functioning. At its core, emotional regulation is about maintaining balance—finding a way to navigate life’s ups and downs with a sense of inner peace and stability.

Why Emotional Regulation Matters

Emotions are powerful forces that can dictate our behavior, influence our thoughts, and impact our decisions. While emotions like joy, excitement, and love can uplift us, others like anger, sadness, and fear can be overwhelming. When we lack the ability to regulate these emotions, we might react impulsively, make decisions we later regret, or find ourselves stuck in negative emotional states.

Effective emotional regulation helps us respond to situations in a way that is aligned with our values and long-term goals. It allows us to pause, reflect, and choose our actions rather than being driven purely by our immediate emotional responses. This leads to healthier relationships, better decision-making, and a more balanced life.

Strategies for Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing or avoiding emotions. Instead, it’s about managing them in a healthy and constructive way. Here are some strategies to help improve emotional regulation:

Mindfulness Practice: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your emotions as they arise, which allows you to respond to them with intention rather than reacting impulsively. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises can help you stay centered.
Cognitive Reappraisal: This technique involves changing the way you think about a situation to alter its emotional impact. For example, if you’re feeling anxious about an upcoming presentation, you can reframe it as an opportunity to share your knowledge rather than a potential failure. By shifting your perspective, you can reduce negative emotions and enhance positive ones.
Healthy Expression: It’s important to express your emotions in a way that is healthy and appropriate. This might involve talking to a trusted friend or therapist, journaling, or engaging in creative outlets like art or music. By acknowledging and expressing your emotions, you prevent them from building up and causing distress.
Self-Compassion: Being kind to yourself during difficult times is key to emotional regulation. Instead of criticizing yourself for feeling a certain way, offer yourself the same compassion you would give to a friend. Recognize that it’s okay to have emotions and that they are a natural part of the human experience.
Problem-Solving: Sometimes, emotions are a response to specific problems that need to be addressed. Developing problem-solving skills can help you tackle the underlying issues causing your distress. By taking proactive steps to resolve these problems, you can reduce the intensity of negative emotions.

The Role of Emotional Regulation in Mental Health

Effective emotional regulation is closely tied to mental health. Poor emotional regulation can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and anger management problems. On the other hand, developing strong emotional regulation skills can protect against these issues and enhance overall psychological resilience.
For example, people with anxiety often struggle with regulating fear and worry, leading to chronic stress. By learning to recognize and manage these emotions, individuals can reduce the severity of their anxiety and improve their quality of life. Similarly, emotional regulation is crucial for managing depression, where negative emotions like sadness and hopelessness can be overwhelming.

Cultivating Emotional Regulation in Daily Life

Emotional regulation is not something that happens overnight; it’s a skill that requires practice and patience. Start by incorporating small, manageable strategies into your daily routine. This might involve setting aside a few minutes each day for mindfulness, practicing cognitive reappraisal when faced with a challenging situation, or taking time to reflect on your emotions in a journal.

Over time, these practices will become more natural, and you’ll find it easier to navigate your emotions in a healthy way. Remember that emotional regulation is a journey, and it’s okay to seek support along the way, whether from friends, family, or mental health professionals.

Conclusion

Emotional regulation is a vital skill that empowers us to live more balanced, fulfilling lives. By learning to manage our emotions effectively, we can respond to life’s challenges with greater resilience, maintain healthier relationships, and enhance our overall well-being. Whether you’re just beginning to explore emotional regulation or looking to deepen your existing skills, remember that every step you take toward understanding and mastering your emotions brings you closer to inner peace and emotional harmony.

Warm regards,

Todd J. Kurpil
Certified Coach
todd@healingguy.com
consciousness coaching