Thank you for this piece of vulnerability. Sharing often induces, perhaps things about us we never thought of sharing.
So, how do you explain tearing up when nothing is wrong? For me, a part of my personality yet to be fully understood, is quietly crying, uncontrollable tearing up. I sometimes pray for it not to happen, especially in public, but to my chagrin: a sensing of undefined joy, an intense Presence—it’s almost overwhelming, and there it is, inhibitions toss to the wind! It’s like walking into a room with the most unbelievable vista, not able to fully describe--to put into words, to justify what my eyes, my mind and soul is experiencing…
Healthline suggests that while reflex tears clear smoke and dust and continuous tears (98% water) lubricate and protect your eyes, emotional tears often contain stress hormones and other toxins.
Even those of us who profess to be tough as nails (I am not) can benefit from reflex, continuous and emotional tears. Your suggestion Natalie that today is a good day for growth, reflection and a tear or two is on point.
Indigenous Watchdog (IW) reports that as of 01 September 2024, “36% of the 94 Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action are either not started or stalled.”
Since the Commission began its journey in June 2008 and was completed in December 2015 - IW indicates that 15% of the CTAs are ‘finished’, 20% are ‘stalled’, 16% have ‘not started’ and 49% are ‘in progress’.
So I agree with your suggestion that it is time to sit in some uncomfortable feelings - about both our country and perhaps ourselves.
We need to be thankful for who we are and what we have and… be committed to working together with all peoples, including the ancestors of the original inhabitants of Turtle Island to cry a bit, learn a lot, and work together to make a better tomorrow!
As a Jingle Dress Dancer, a style of Indigenous Dance that has the teachings of the power of water, it resonates with me. I dance for healing; this is the origin of the dance a story for later. The dance mimics the flowing waters, the sound of the thunder, and the imagery of the raindrops falling. Because it is a healing dance, I often share that when we are hurt the first thing, we gravitate to is water, it helps ease the pain or cleanse the wound of impurities. Just like the water that we reach for in times of pain, we were gifted by Creator with the gift of healing from within, through our tears. Think of it like this when you have a really deep, strong, good cry your body's immediate response is to rest and, in that rest, the healing happens. Also, in the shedding of the tears.
It is a beautiful gift that gets pushed down and made to be seen as a weakness when in actuality it is a strength and power. Tears of joy, tears of sadness, tears of empathy, and tears of humanness are simply beautiful. So, when people shame me for being "too sensitive, or a crybaby, or too emotional" I hold on to the fact that there is power in those tears, and I will be stronger by shedding them.
I have shed many tears in my lifetime and will probably shed many more, I will forever hold on to the power and strength of this as it shows me that Creator knew I needed to be strong, proud, and human throughout my journey.
Thank you for this piece of vulnerability. Sharing often induces, perhaps things about us we never thought of sharing.
So, how do you explain tearing up when nothing is wrong? For me, a part of my personality yet to be fully understood, is quietly crying, uncontrollable tearing up. I sometimes pray for it not to happen, especially in public, but to my chagrin: a sensing of undefined joy, an intense Presence—it’s almost overwhelming, and there it is, inhibitions toss to the wind! It’s like walking into a room with the most unbelievable vista, not able to fully describe--to put into words, to justify what my eyes, my mind and soul is experiencing…
Thanks again,
Undefined joy - appreciate that and the time you took to share here.
You always make me think! Thank you for the poke!
Healthline suggests that while reflex tears clear smoke and dust and continuous tears (98% water) lubricate and protect your eyes, emotional tears often contain stress hormones and other toxins.
Even those of us who profess to be tough as nails (I am not) can benefit from reflex, continuous and emotional tears. Your suggestion Natalie that today is a good day for growth, reflection and a tear or two is on point.
Indigenous Watchdog (IW) reports that as of 01 September 2024, “36% of the 94 Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action are either not started or stalled.”
Since the Commission began its journey in June 2008 and was completed in December 2015 - IW indicates that 15% of the CTAs are ‘finished’, 20% are ‘stalled’, 16% have ‘not started’ and 49% are ‘in progress’.
So I agree with your suggestion that it is time to sit in some uncomfortable feelings - about both our country and perhaps ourselves.
We need to be thankful for who we are and what we have and… be committed to working together with all peoples, including the ancestors of the original inhabitants of Turtle Island to cry a bit, learn a lot, and work together to make a better tomorrow!
Thanks Kevin for this - those IW numbers are a sobering and necessary read.
One of the qualities about you that I like the most - your humanity. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for your honesty and humility and humour!
💛💛
I love your growth through this story Natalie.
As a Jingle Dress Dancer, a style of Indigenous Dance that has the teachings of the power of water, it resonates with me. I dance for healing; this is the origin of the dance a story for later. The dance mimics the flowing waters, the sound of the thunder, and the imagery of the raindrops falling. Because it is a healing dance, I often share that when we are hurt the first thing, we gravitate to is water, it helps ease the pain or cleanse the wound of impurities. Just like the water that we reach for in times of pain, we were gifted by Creator with the gift of healing from within, through our tears. Think of it like this when you have a really deep, strong, good cry your body's immediate response is to rest and, in that rest, the healing happens. Also, in the shedding of the tears.
It is a beautiful gift that gets pushed down and made to be seen as a weakness when in actuality it is a strength and power. Tears of joy, tears of sadness, tears of empathy, and tears of humanness are simply beautiful. So, when people shame me for being "too sensitive, or a crybaby, or too emotional" I hold on to the fact that there is power in those tears, and I will be stronger by shedding them.
I have shed many tears in my lifetime and will probably shed many more, I will forever hold on to the power and strength of this as it shows me that Creator knew I needed to be strong, proud, and human throughout my journey.
Thanks so much for your comment Omarla - appreciate you and your wisdom 💛