Let It Flow!
The Healing Power of Tears
I often tell others to let it out, not to choke it down and push it aside. Doing so will distract them from the emotional pain of grief, and it's not healthy for them in the short and long-term of life journey. Tears are not a sign of weakness; They are the body's natural response to releasing substances that can become toxic.
However, there is a big difference between crying in a safe environment—say, with someone close to you—and crying in a stressful environment such as work. Crying is good for the soul, but consider the context and let it flow if you feel safe! Here are a few more reasons why crying is good for you!
Crying can relieve stress and strengthen your relationships—context matters. Letting your emotions flow out of your eyeballs can be cleansing—that is, expressing challenging emotions can bring on positive vibes.
A good cry can bond you more closely with others and reduce physical pain.
Consider what happens when we repress or inhibit our emotions. Crying is a necessary safety regulator, mainly because keeping complicated feelings inside — is what psychologists call repressive coping — which can be bad for our health. Studies have linked repressive coping with a less resilient immune system, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, as well as with mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety, and depression.
The belief that crying is a sign of weakness can vary widely among cultures, communities, and individuals, including the Faith community. Some of the misinformation and misconceptions about crying are as follows:
Faith Community: Some people hold this view because of cultural norms. In many cultures, emotional expression, especially crying, is sometimes associated with vulnerability or weakness.
Masculinity ideals: In some faith traditions, cultural concepts of masculinity emphasize strength, endurance, and emotional control. As a result, men (and sometimes women) may feel pressured to suppress their emotions, equating tears with weakness.
Misinterpretation of Faith: Some may interpret religious teachings as advocating for emotional strength or resilience, leading to the belief that showing emotion, like crying, is a sign of a lack of faith or trust.
Fear of Judgment: There may be a fear of being judged or not adhering to community expectations. Some individuals may worry that expressing vulnerability could lead to stigma or a sense of inadequacy within their faith group.
Personal experiences: Individual experiences with faith and emotional expression can shape perceptions. Those taught to suppress emotions may internalize the belief that crying reflects a lack of strength.
Spiritual Teachings: Some religious teachings may focus on joy, hope, and faith as sources of strength, inadvertently leading individuals to think that expressing sorrow or sadness through crying is incompatible.
Remember, Tears are not a sign of weakness; They are the body's natural response to releasing substances that can become toxic. Crying can be a healthy release, helping us to process grief and stress. Creating a safe space for those emotions, whether with friends or in a comfortable setting, can make all the difference. It's crucial to recognize the need to express rather than suppress our feelings for mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. In short, If you feel safe, let it flow!
Thank you for meeting me here in this space!
Anna Laura 💙
#Tears #Cry #Healing #EmotionalPain #Grief #JesusWept
