Teacups & Tissues

Why It Started

One morning in 2018, I saw 15 patients in a shift, and 14 of them cried. Everyone (except the infant) apologized for crying, as if human emotions need forgiveness.

The sheer repetition of the incidents made them notable. And it made me realize: if not here, then where?

Our lives are full of ups and downs, and our emotions carry us through these great waves. But those emotions can’t stay bottled up forever. We “keep it together” at work, in front of the kids, or until it’s “acceptable” to let it all go.

But when does that happen?

Answer: it doesn’t unless we intentionally allow it.

What It Is

So I decided to create the space where people could come and intentionally offload: a place where it wasn’t just acceptable to drop the facade and let the tears fall, but was invited.

I created Teacups & Tissues, which is an intentional, confidential cry circle. We’ve held this event twice yearly ever since.

We sip some intentionally heart-opening tea, and one at a time, we share. We practice the skill of listening. We drop into the moment and allow our emotions to flow freely, and give the gift of presence to whomever is sharing.

It’s a beautiful event that we offer twice per year: near the Spring and Fall Equinox.

The Ground Rules

There is no talking during or after someone’s share: no platitudes, no words of encouragement. It is not our job to reflect back what we heard or to change anything. It is our job to sit and be and to listen. (This is often be the most challenging part: to see another human’s struggle and accept that we cannot change it, but can be with them through it. What a gift!)

(We do have some hand signals, but those are secret and you can only learn them by showing up.)

There is no sharing outside of the circle. Each person’s share is completely confidential, and we sign an agreement upon arrival that acknowledges this.

You don’t have to share. You can sit and listen, enjoy the company of the very special people who have shown up, and sip some delicious tea.

You don’t have to cry. Maybe you don’t need to cry. People process emotions differently, and crying might not happen. Frequently, people cry when others share, and remain completely dry-eyed through their own sharing experience. You can’t do this wrong.

That’s it.

It’s simple. It’s strange. It’s powerful. It’s uniquely TriangleCRC. And we invite you to join us. Check out our Events to see when our next T&T happens, and be sure to mark your calendar!

See you there!

Lindsay Mumma, DC, DNSP