Tears: symbol of a strong and alive heart
IN TODAY’S society, it is unfortunate that tears are misunderstood, misinterpreted, and undervalued. They are seen as a sign of weakness and misery, especially for men who are taught from a young age to be strong and suppress their emotions. It is considered to be feminine; so, to have tears is womanish.
The popular narrative is that men shouldn’t cry, instead, they can channel their emotions into anger. However, tears are not just a display of sadness; they are a profound expression of the human experience.
IT IS NOT WEAKNESS
In our pursuit of intellect and logic, we have neglected the emotional depth of our hearts. We have become disconnected from our humanity, reducing our experiences to mere words and superficial gestures. Our inability to embrace tears as a deeper form of expression has led to an impoverished emotional landscape. When a child is born, the first sound we eagerly await is their cry – a sign of life and vitality. Yet, as that child grows, tears become associated with weakness and femininity. This gender-specific view of tears is a societal construct that diminishes the richness of human emotion.
Tears are not limited to moments of sorrow; they flow in moments of joy, gratitude, love, compassion, and bliss too. They simply signify the overflow of experiences that touch the depths of our hearts. Sorrow is just one dimension of it. Tears give the message that words can’t hold the depth of that which is experienced. Tears symbolize a living heart that can experience things beyond literal expression. Regardless of gender, tears are a natural and essential part of human experiences.
LANGUAGE OF THE HEART
Tears are a language unto themselves – a silent melody that speaks volumes when words fail. They convey the ineffable depths of our experiences and unburden our souls. To suppress tears is to deny a fundamental aspect of our humanity. If your prayers bring tears of love, gratitude, or being given so much, that’s the best form of prayer than all words. Tears are as valuable and important as smiles.
Instead of viewing as a sign of weakness, we should acknowledge tears as a testament to our capacity for empathy, compassion, and connection. In a world obsessed with intellectual prowess, let us not forget the power of the heart. Let us embrace tears as a natural and authentic expression of our pure hearts.
Never be ashamed of tears, be proud that you’re still natural. You can express the inexpressible through them, they are unuttered songs of your heart. Never deny them whether they are expressions of sadness or bliss. It’s the time to start living from our hearts again and not just heads.