Yom Kippur is a special day. Whether you are religious or not, you can't help but feel something special.

I am not religious, but living in Israel, I enjoy the special energy of this day. Yom (meaning 'day') Kippur (meaning ' Atonement') starts at sunset and ends 25 hours later.

Everything is closed here - stores, cafés, schools, businesses, news channels (everything!) and there are no cars driving in the streets.

The streets are quiet, you only see people (especially children) riding their bikes or walking on the streets (mostly dressed in white) and enjoying this special quiet day.

Many people fast (not eating or drinking for 25 hours).

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement and forgiveness. It is a day to reflect on the past year and ask for forgiveness.

The special quietness of this day gives you time to look inside, to reflect, and to think about who you need to ask for forgiveness. It can be of another person or it can be of yourself. For blaming yourself of something, for putting yourself last, for not taking care of yourself, physically or emotionally.

And today, on this special day, I can't help but think of the Releasing Suppressed Emotions healing factor.

When we practice forgiveness it can act as a release whereas when we hold on to emotions from the past (such as resentment or anger) it can really make us sick. We might feel pain in our body, particularly the stomach, head or heart. If this is long-term it can turn into chronic stress, which can even create a blockage that can lead to serious illness.

So, the idea of Yom Kippur, of cleaning the soul with forgiveness once a year is pretty cool.

Let go of resentment, hurt & anger. Make amends with whomever you are forgiving (someone else or yourself) - it will help you feel better and lead to better health.