If crying is good for us, how can we bring about and shed our deeper tears? I do not yet have the full answer, but have come up with a partial answer.

It is said that the diaphragm and all the muscles of the respiratory system are the repositories for unshed tears, which transform into tension patterns and contractions that are buried deep inside these muscles.





I have therefore adapted T.R.E. (Tension Release Exercise), a simple and safe technique that uses gentle stretching exercises to release stress and tension from the body. This exercise triggers a muscular shaking process in the body called neurogenic muscle tremors. These tremors originate deep within the core. It actually feels like the body is shaking from the inside out. Each body has its own intelligence and knows exactly where to send the tremors to release old tension patterns. Most people find it very comforting and enjoyable.




Here is a simplified version of how T.R.E. works. To learn more or for any question about it please either purchase Dr Bercelli’s book or DVD or explore his website.

As with everything else, only do what you are comfortable doing. Stop if and when you want to. If in doubt, don’t do it.

  • Lay on the floor on your back and put a pillow under your head so you are comfortable.
  • Bring the soles of your feet together and pull them in as tight as you can towards your butt without being too uncomfortable.
  • Once you are in this position, raise your hips up off the ground as high as you comfortably can. You are going to hold this position for about one minute. During this time you might notice your pelvis start to bounce or shake a little. It’s OK. Let your body do what it wants. Don’t try and control it.
  • After one minute, bring your hips back to the ground and let your knees hang sideways for another minute.
  • From this point onwards raise your knees up just one inch every minute, and hold for one full minute. This does not have to be precise. After a few minutes your legs will start to shake because of muscle fatigue. This is what you are looking for. The tremors may remain small or may become much bigger. Let it all happen. Just witness. This is a very safe process.
  • When you want to stop, simply rest your legs on the ground and decide to stop.
  • Watch videos of what may happen to you with T.R.E.

I use T.R.E. to bring about tears by playing evocative sad music during the exercise and by trying to connect with it emotionally at the same time.





Here is more about T.R.E.:

As mentioned earlier, this is not a full answer but it works for me. Sometimes it makes me laugh. Other times it makes me cry. Even if I do not connect emotionally it still remains an enjoyable process that helps reduce tension and contributes in its own way to making laughter easier to access.




Related Links

Laughter and tears: Why do I feel sad sometimes when I laugh?
Why It Is Important To Embrace Your Tears