Why Cry: In a Stoic World
Moments of Tears
Crying is more than a burst of emotion. It’s not just instantaneous; it’s not a weakness; it’s not something adults should withhold.
Then what is it? I ask.
Is it a gateway to introspection, connection, and transformation?
All these words sound good in writing, but they don’t mean much, do they?
Why?
Because we live in a world that often emphasises resilience and stoicism, I’ve found that allowing oneself to cry opens up a path to clarity and calmness in a sea of chaos and deep uncertainty.
Here’s why to cry, and why I believe these moments matter.
1. To Find Self
• Embrace that which is authentic: Crying strips away pre-tenses, revealing my most honest self. It reminds me of what’s truly important.
I know everyone around tells you to stay strong,
I say teach yourself :
Learn to break first.
• A Moment of Pause: I often believe, tears come when mind is overburdened. But make it as a serving reminder to pause, reflect, and tune into what’s happening within. It’s a quiet call to inner reality without judgment.
2. To Let Go and Renew
• Closure and New Beginnings: After a good cry, you often feel lighter, as if released an old burden. Even when the actual burden isn’t gone — when the reality hits, the weight is still there — the emotion feels just a little bit lighter. You know what I mean, as if :
“Making space for what’s next”.
3. To Connect with Humanity
• Shared Vulnerability: Tears connects to others. By sharing vulnerability, connections are deeper, creating bonds of empathy and understanding. Though the actual empathy and understanding come later, it feels more immediate now than ever before.
• Strength in Vulnerability: Far from weakness, crying is a reminder of the courage it takes to embrace ‘one’s imperfections’.
And I ask, why is this important?
Isn’t it an oxymoron?
Well, yes, but if you don’t know vulnerability, how can you truly gain strength? In that sense, it’s required.
4. To Foster Forgiveness and Compassion
• Self-Compassion: Crying allows to be kinder to self, accepting flaws and all. Which happens rarely, if ever. Being critical and harsh is easy, but forgiving is difficult, a clear “no-no.”
It’s easy to say everything is black and white in hindsight, but when it’s in the moment, it’s in colour. So, the need for self-compassion is real.
• Healing Relationships: Tears help to process pain and disappointment, softening the heart toward others. So, do you need to soften an already softened heart?
Touch your heart and say:
“Yes, it is required to soften the heart even more!”
We almost avoid, fight, or go against our nature to soften our hearts. That’s the truth.
5. To Embrace Life’s Impermanence
• Learning to Let Go: Crying teaches us that emotions are transient, like each tear that falls.
Teach yourself to have :
“A tear of joy, a truckload of sorrow tears.”
In embracing the moments when YOU cry, through tears, you would find strength, release, and ultimately, a deeper sense of self.
For me, crying is not a sign of weakness; it’s a profound expression of resilience and renewal.
The Question We Must All Ask: Why Not Cry?
What do you feel after reading this? Have you let yourself cry today? Or have you been fighting the urge, telling yourself that it’s not okay?
Don’t you want to cry?
