I just had me a good cry.  You know the kind I’m talking about? The bellowing, pleading, convulsing kind?  The kind that, when I was done, I fell into my bed, exhausted, yet replenished.  The kind I notice myself avoiding.  I think, “Man, I hate crying.”  But why?  Is it not a sign of weakness?  Vulnerability?  According to society’s standards in many cases, “crying is for sissies.”  What I’m learning at such a deep, intimate level, is that it is the greatest gift of self-love and release for the mind, body, and spirit.

The fact of the matter is that vulnerability (AKA alligator tears), in the end, leads to strength and peace.  When we break down the ego’s (who we think we are supposed to be) walls of expectation and step into the authenticity of the Self (who we ARE), most times, it involves a sort of “death” and grieving and… guess what?  Crying.  Well, there is more to our tears than just the red eyes, puffy face, and sniffling.

In fact, DID YOU KNOW? There are chemical benefits of cleansing through crying.  

According to Dr. William Frey at the Ramsey Medical Center in Minneapolis, “emotional tears” or “psychogenic lacrimation” are healthy for the human mind, body, and spirit.  ”Crying is an exocrine process,” Dr. Frey explains, ”that is, a process in which a substance comes out of the body. Other exocrine processes, like exhaling, urinating, defecating and sweating, release toxic substances from the body. There’s every reason to think crying does the same, releasing chemicals that the body produces in response to stress.”  (NYTimes, Aug. 31, 1982)

Through some additional research, here’s what I’ve discovered a good cry does for us:

• It relieves stress and anger.
• It allows for healing – those who cry more frequently experience far less stress-related illness.
• It increases endorphins (once we have released).
• It allows for stronger connection to Source (my own observation).
• It detoxifies.
• It is essential in the grief, acceptance and releasing process.
• It acts as a red flag for something/one we need to let go of emotionally.

Who do we have to help us heal?

1. Ourselves (think the moon side of our being – the introspection)
2. Each other (think the sun – the sharing)
3. The Heavens/Universe and higher frequencies (Holy Spirit/angels/guides/ascended masters)

All we have to do is ask for healing.  The crying is the clearing.
So, grab a chair, some popcorn and watch your favorite tear jerker, reminisce by watching old family movies that make your heart smile.  Trust.  Let go.  Have a good cry.  You’ll thank your (Higher) Self.

Much love and cleansing,
Jess