Have you found yourself crying unexpectedly since your heart attack, heart surgery, cardiac arrest or cardiac diagnosis?

Perhaps the tears arrive when someone asks how you are, when a hospital letter comes through the door, when you look at your scar or when you realise how much your life has changed.

You may even feel that you should be grateful, positive or simply pleased to be alive.

But gratitude does not cancel out grief.

You can feel fortunate to have survived and still feel sad about what happened. 

You can be strong and still cry.

In this gentle Relaxamation, I will help you create a safe space to acknowledge your feelings without judgement. You will be guided through relaxation, breathing, visualisation and positive affirmations to help you understand that tears are not a sign of weakness or failure.

They can be part of the healing process.

There is no pressure to cry while listening. You may feel emotional, peaceful, numb or simply enjoy the opportunity to rest. Whatever you experience is perfectly all right.

In this Relaxamation, you will be gently supported to:

• Relax your body and release some of the tension you may be carrying
• Give yourself permission to feel sad or tearful
• Recognise that crying does not make you weak
• Treat yourself with greater compassion and patience
• Consider what your sadness may be asking you to notice
• Accept comfort and support from people you trust
• Remember that you do not always have to pretend to be all right

Today’s Affirmations

Repeat each affirmation five times as a set and practise them at least twice a day:

• I am allowed to cry.
• My feelings are part of my healing.
• I can feel deeply and still move forward.

Self-Reflection Questions

1. When I see another person crying, particularly in public, what thoughts or feelings arise in me?
2. Where, and with whom, do I feel safe enough to let my emotions show?
3. What is one gentle and comforting thing I can do for myself when I feel sad?

You may also wish to complete this sentence:

When I give myself permission to cry, I am giving myself permission to…

An Important Note

Feeling sad, low or tearful can be part of adjusting after a cardiac event. However, you do not have to cope with persistent or overwhelming sadness alone.

Please speak to your GP, cardiac rehabilitation team or another healthcare professional if your low mood continues, affects your everyday life or leaves you feeling hopeless.

If you are having thoughts about harming yourself or not wanting to be here, please seek urgent help.

This Relaxamation is intended to complement, not replace, professional medical or psychological support.

Please only listen to the relaxation section when you are somewhere safe. Do not listen while driving, operating machinery, exercising or doing anything that requires your full attention.

Read the complete article here Podcast & Blog Page.

Getting to know Sallie Crawley
Survivorship after a heart attack or cardiac surgery can be challenging. You can rebuild the puzzle of your life and thrive. It takes one beat at a time and the support of people who have had similar experiences. You are not alone. Join me and other hearties in the My Heart & Mind Community, you'll get a warm welcome. You can also visit my website www.myheartandmind.co.uk. 

Disclaimer
The information contained within my podcast and on my website is for general information purposes only. It is not official health advice and is not intended to be used as such. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk. If you have any questions relating to specific health concerns or you think you may be suffering from a medical condition, you must consult a medical professional immediately. You must also consult a medical professional before making any changes to your normal lifestyle habits. You can read my full disclaimer here.