“If you are not in the middle of a storm in life, then you are about to walk into one or just stepped out of one.”
Unknown
I have found that statement to be true but have found help and healing in the saltwater of the sea, sweat, and tears…I bet you have too.
The Saltwater of the Sea
There is something about the ocean that makes everything better. Even if you never set foot in the water just being on the beach hearing the waves crash can make any burden seem a little lighter. A lot of this is because we are away from our “normal” but there is a scientific impact on your physical body also. Water in motion creates negative ions (No you can’t see them but you can feel them!) Positive ions are produced by electronics, paints, pollution, even carpet and can weigh heavily on our physical and emotional selves. When we intentionally place ourselves near negative ions, those positive ions are canceled out!
Not close to the ocean or can’t swing a trip right now? Any body of water can help you feel better. A waterfall, a river, or stream, even rainfall can all help us. (Think of the release you feel when walking outside after a good storm has passed by) Find a nature trail with running water, take a walk near a river, or find a local fountain in your town, and spend some time there during times of trial.
The Saltwater of Sweat
Another way I find relief during times of trial is through the saltwater of sweat. This one is not as fun as the saltwater of the sea but it works. We all know the benefits of exercise on our body and the sweat that is produced during that is a way for our body to purge toxins. Maybe exercise is not your thing, but working in the yard is – get outside and work up a good sweat. You may have to force yourself to do this but something about the combination of movement, completing a task you don’t have to think about too much and sweating can help you relieve stress during times of hardship.
If nothing else you should get a good night’s sleep after this physical activity and that always helps us feel better!
The Saltwater of Tears
The saltwater of tears…some people have a hard time letting the tears out and others can cry at the drop of a hat. Whichever you are, there is a cathartic release as the tears fall. As I am writing this blog, my very tough almost 10-year-old son is suffering from a bad ear infection. We have our medicine but the pain is still really tough.
He rarely cries but today was too much for him. As I held him close he cried hard. “I just really need the pain to stop” They were more tears of frustration than actual pain. I cried with him and for him. He felt better after his cry. The pain was still there but he was able to handle it better.
A good cry won’t take away your pain but it can help you handle it better.
Don’t forget about the tears of laughter! There’s a euphoria that overcomes us when we laugh so hard our face hurts and the tears are forced out. We are hit with both the good chemicals from laughing and smiling and the small release of the tears falling. Find something to laugh about…
All the Saltwater
I would be remiss if I did not mention the vital role that prayer has during times of hurt. During the recent chaos of our coronavirus world, I have found myself drawn to walks near water, sweating outside, and the occasional good cry. The relief found in all of these is compounded by prayer time with God.
Remember that no matter what you are going through, while you are waiting, God is working. He is a big God who can handle our BIG problems but also loves us so much that he cares about that silly thing you deem small. He created the oceans, the waterfalls, the ability to sweat and cry, and the release we feel from these places and things. They are all gifts God has given us.
While you probably have a routine in place when you are feeling sad, stressed, or hurt, why not change it up? Devote some time to praying and taking advantage of the healing saltwater of the sea, sweat, and tears.
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