If you’re anything like me, I don’t like to cry. When I cry, it feels SO intense, and laborious, and gut-wrenching. Yet, afterwards, I feel somehow relieved and grateful for the tears that poured out from the depths of my being. The released tears were therapeutic for me and cleansing in my emotions , and I feel rejuvenated.
We mostly associate tears or crying with sadness, suffering, grief, or pain. But, because our tears are an emotional and physiological expression deep from within, they can often express a range of different emotions or reactions.
We can cry because we’re happy. We can cry when we laugh at something very funny. We can cry when we are surprised. We can cry when we’re angry. We can cry to express empathy and compassion. We can cry just because we need to cry. And, the list goes on…
Research has found that in addition to being self-soothing, shedding emotional tears releases oxytocin and endorphins. These chemicals make people feel good and may also ease both physical and emotional pain. In this way, crying can help reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being. Crying also releases toxins from our body that are produced by stress and anxiety.
We learn more about ourselves, our passions, our burdens, and our heart when we reflect (before, during, or after) on our tears and ponder what they speak deeply from within.
I’m learning not to dread crying. And, I’m learning that my tears are words and emotions that need to be shed.
I invite you to listen to your tears as you grow in your journey of self-discovery and self-love.
I am a Life Transformation Coach & Strategist. To schedule your one-on-one virtual coaching sessions, email me: info@vickyreneehunter.com.