The Healing Power of Tears

I cried today...something I haven't done in such a long time, I had forgotten how just how healing tears could be. I remember back with my grandma died...about 40 odd years ago. I was a teenager at the time, and before we went to the funeral, my mom told me "Now don't you dare start crying. You'll get everybody else there going." And I still remember to this day what a struggle it was to sit there, holding in my grief...and I never understood why she wouldn't let me cry. Now, don't get me wrong. I've cried many a time since then. As a matter of fact, there was a time when I was so emotional that I would cry at the drop of a hat...but it took me a long time to feel free about it.

It is a scientific fact that tears shed in grief, anger, and hopeless contain significant toxins whereas tears shed in joy and awe do not. Now, isn't that an interesting fact? These findings show that not only do our tears have the capacity to cleanse our bodies, but also to cleanse our souls. There are times we need "a good cry"...especially when we feel that buildup of energy and intuitively know that our only release can be found in our tears. If we allow ourselves to weep, we will feel refreshed and revitalized.

When you find yourself alone with a few undisturbed minutes, gently place your hands near your heart and breathe in the words, "I love you" and "I long for your healing." And, as you take some deep breaths, give yourself permission to let the tears flow freely if they want to come. It isn't necessary to know what they are about; the important thing is to release them. For years I suffered from unresolved grief over the loss of my grandma, and it wasn't until I entered counseling myself...and was taught how to allow myself to release the grief...that I was able to get over it. I'll never forget my grandma, but I am glad that I was finally able to say my goodbye.