go ahead cry

Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. www.lizphair.com

What is it about crying? Crying is the low note on the emotional piano. Some people play it too much. Some people don’t play it at all. I recently got in touch with crying. I went through an unusually traumatic break-up and I really didn’t have a choice. Crying became my daily practice and I got to learn the art of crying, like learning the art of yoga or the art of meditation.

I began my journey as an initiate, but not with any kind of intention or mastery in mind. In those early days, I often forgot to breathe and would get stuck looking like a baby bird with my mouth open, lock-jawed, eyes popping, no sound coming out at all, just emanating waves of shock and disbelief.

I quickly discovered the importance of swimming with, instead of against, the ebb and flow of my feelings. This worked much better and even became pleasurable as I mastered the basic steps: Angry Elf, Harlequin Clown, Weeping Madonna, eventually moving all the way up to Black Belt.

Good crying is about allowing, not about needing. Good crying can turn on a dime into laughter, into arousal, into anger or epiphany. It is fluid and beautiful to watch and even more rewarding to experience. Good crying is healing.

So find yourself a good place to cry. Maybe it’s looking out over an oil refinery, or through a forest, or into a sunset, or even while you drive. Take along a tear-rag or some Kleenex. And don’t let anyone tell you you’re a pussy.

- Liz Phair

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Today's Poll

When was the last time you sat down with someone and listened to their stories?

Our Take

go ahead cry • Sweet release. Feelings are friends.

Your Turn

Is there an activity you engage in to avoid feeling – like shopping or eating?
Is there a situation in your life that triggers uncomfortable feelings?
Have you ever had a good cry and loved it?

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