Something To Cry About

Crying is crying, right? Only for the weak? For babies? 

Wrong! Crying is good for grownups, and science has proven it. Bio-chemical research has shown that there is a chemical difference between the tears shed because of emotions and the tears shed due to cutting onions or those that come along with a sneeze.

The difference has to do with emotions. A person must open up to the emotions they feel before the tears will flow. You can beat a pillow for fun and laugh, or beat it out of anger and cry--the emotion makes the difference. 

Holding the tears back increases emotional tension and makes great demands on defense mechanisms such as denial and projection. Bio-chemistry has shown that there are specific toxins contained within emotionally-based tears. Releasing those toxins releases tension from the digestive system, the cardiac system, vision, muscles, and nerves. 

One way to induce a good cry is to seek out some privacy, then watch a sad movie or read a touching book. I personally think a much better way is to give yourself permission to release those tears when you feel them naturally. I guarantee all old crones and old coots out there it won't be long before you'll have an opportunity to shed some tears. So go ahead, and cry as though, indeed, you were crying your heart out, and feel secure that you're really crying the toxins out.

Adapted from an article "Benefits of a Good Cry," at http://www.care2.com