The healing power of tears
Crying is a natural, instinctive response to a myriad of emotions, ranging from joy and laughter to sadness and grief. While society often tends to stigmatize tears as a sign of weakness, the truth is that crying plays a vital role in our emotional well-being and serves as a powerful tool for healing. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of shedding tears, delve into the healing process, and uncover the numerous benefits of embracing this often-overlooked act of allowing yourself to feel.
Crying supports us to have an emotional release, allowing us to express and process complex feelings that might otherwise remain bottled up inside the body. By shedding tears, we release built-up tension, anxiety, and stress, providing a much-needed outlet for our emotions. Crying can offer a sense of relief, as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, leaving you feeling lighter and more at peace.
Just as rain cleanses the earth, tears have a similar effect on our emotional landscape. When we cry, we release energy that may have accumulated in our body from a reaction to accumulated stress and/or traumatic situations that were intended for the fight or flight response. This emotional detoxification can lead to a sense of rejuvenation and clarity, bringing the body back into balance.
Tears are not only a personal healing mechanism but also a powerful medium for human connection. When we witness others cry, we often feel a deep sense of empathy and compassion. Tears can break down barriers and foster understanding, encouraging open communication and strengthening relationships. In this way, crying has the potential to build bridges and create a more compassionate and supportive energy in personal relationships.
Contrary to the notion that crying makes us weak, embracing our tears can actually foster emotional resilience. By allowing ourselves to cry and express vulnerability, we become more in touch with our emotions and better equipped to face adversity. Crying serves as a reminder of our humanity, highlighting our strength to endure and overcome life's challenges.
Crying is a natural and necessary aspect of the human emotional experience, carrying profound healing benefits that extend far beyond the simple act of shedding tears. By embracing and honoring our tears, we give ourselves permission to process and release emotions, paving the way for personal growth, connection, and enhanced well-being.
So often in sessions with parents they share with me that their child/ren aren’t crying very often, even though they are offering loving limits and holding the space for them to feel. My question is always “How often do yo cry?” and almost every time the parent will share with me that they hardly cry at all. The usual response is “Oh I don’t cry” or “Maybe once a year”.
It makes so much sense to me that children won’t cry and release if the parent is not able to do this either. We cannot offer the space for our children if we are not feelings our own feelings all the time. This is why in Aware Parenting we recommend finding a Listening Partner or and Empathy Buddy to share your feelings with, or if that feels a bit scary, someone close to you that can actively listen without needing to fix or change you.
I also suggest finding ways to give yourself permission to cry. Maybe watching a sad movie that you know will give you access to your tears, listening to a sad song that reminds you of a something that feels sad. Often when we start to release and feel our own tears, then our children will bring us more of their own releasing and tears too.
Crying and healing is so important to our overall emotional health for both ourselves and our children. I wonder, can you find a space space to release some of your tears? And can you notice and observe whether your children can more easily bring their feelings and tears to you?
Sending you much love on your parenting journey,