It’s a funny thing that in a world where everyone cries, there can be a large amount of shame attached tocrying. This shame tends to be based on the __1__ belief that shedding tears is an expression ofweakness. Crying is actually a very normal bodily __2__ that serves as a responseto certain emotions. Specifically, when painful emotions such as grief __3__ inside us, they need to be released. While this may sound dramatic, it’s a well-establishedfact that repressingone’s emotions can lead to physicalhealth problems, including insomnia, digestiveissues, or even heart disease. In short, crying is the human body’s biological__4__ to the problem of emotionalrepression.
Some people believe that crying alone at home only solves part of the problem because it means keeping sadness __5__ from others. This is where the idea of “crying maps” comes into play. A crying map is a map of an area that highlightsspots considered __6__ for crying. Common examples include park benches by lakes or under trees as well as cafés and restaurants that arousenostalgiaand __7__ the release of deep emotions. People who use crying maps challengethemselves to express their sadness out in the openrather than __8__ it to private spaces. The idea is that through such public expression, we can all invite others to share the painful feelings that make us human and, therefore, connect us.
