Do Men Cry?
Posted by Robin Easton
I dedicate the following video to men who I’ve known in my lifetime, including the good men who come to these pages and share their heartfelt wisdom, thoughtfulness and love. These men have helped me to become a more compassionate woman. It’s also dedicated to the openhearted souls who love them.
This video was taken on Thanksgiving Day, cold and rainy. We get little rain in New Mexico, so I sighed as I stood in a heaven of mist and clean air. Near the end of the film I’m standing two feet from the edge of a compelling cliff. On my right it dropped straight down to the Rio Grande (Big River). 
As I looked over the valley I witnessed the beginning of time, a time long before humans. A primordial land that speaks clearly to my origins.
In the past, I have experienced Earth as feminine, but on this day I felt an embracing masculinity from the surrounding cliffs and mist. Since this film is about men’s tears I thought it very appropriate that I stood in the rain. In a few places you can see heaven’s tears on the lens of my camera. I left them because I felt they added rather than detracted from the video. I had to mute the camera sounds (rain) as two people arrived and were talking (I didn’t want to disrespect their private conversation.)
The words on this video were written several years ago. I have been blessed in my lifetime to know many good men who shared their fears, insights and emotions with me. A long time ago I discovered part of myself in the hearts and souls of good men. I felt so deeply moved by their sharings 
that over the years I wrote some of the their beautiful thoughts on bits of paper. There are four brief expressions in this video by men (read by me); they are exactly as they were shared with me. The rest of the thoughts are mine. The guitar is played by my sweetheart. I asked him to play what was in his heart in relation to the words. I felt that the music needed to come from a man. It is simple and spontaneous. I hope you enjoy the video.
Love,
Robin
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“BEHIND THE DESERT OF MY EYES”
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This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
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31 Comments so far...
Robb Says:
9 December 2008 at 9:10 pm.
Kia ora Robin,
My tears right now are filled with happiness and aroha. This was beautiful, and so true. I too at one time was afraid to cry as I thought I might not stop. Until I began to find myself through Nature and someone who cared enough about me to be patient enough and require enough of me that they did come. Tears of regret, of loss, of hurt, of rage. Tears for the Earth. And eventually tears of hope, understanding and aroha. I hope I have broken the shackles for my own boys with my frequent hugs, and my tears. Thank you for acknowledging this.
Aroha e rangimarie,
Robb
Robin Replies:
Kia ora Robb, I am very moved by your sharing here. I see the malleable quality of your emotions and it always touches me. I relate to it and feel open around you because of it. This is such a touching progression of growth that you have shared: “Tears of regret, of loss, of hurt, of rage. Tears for the Earth. And eventually tears of hope, understanding and aroha.” It’s interesting as it is the same progression of tears I went through in the rainforest. With no one around for miles I could really explore the depth of my humanity. As you know so well, my friend, Nature doesn’t judge. She lets us feel exactly how we feel, which allows us to find our deepest most authentic selves. —I am so pleased that you hug and cry with your boys, but it doesn’t surprise me one bit. It is reflected in all your precious photos and writing. You are their hero, Robb. Thank you for giving them so much, for giving us all so much. Aroha dear wild brother. Robin
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Kit Says:
9 December 2008 at 9:27 pm.
Oh, that was beautiful.
And just as the credits rolled, it began to rain outside.
(I have goosebumps, now!)
You remind me how blessed I am to have a man of good heart be my partner in this life’s journey.
Robin Replies:
Dear KitMama, How fun to see you here again. I’m blessed. Thank you for your kind words. I too got goosebumps when you said it started to rain as the credits rolled. That is just magical! I also got tears in my eyes over what you wrote about your husband being a man of good heart. I could tell that you were both the most amazing people from that last post of yours. So devoted to each other to take your children into Nature with such purpose and intent. Just beautiful. Hugs to you, Robin :
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Lance Says:
9 December 2008 at 10:22 pm.
Crying…is not easy. And yet, it is easy. The tears of my body – I hold them back. Why? Or, when I do shed tears…it’s in the moments that are marked alone. Why? I must be strong. Why? Emotions…hidden. Why? Crying…is not easy. And yet, it is easy. Once the tears arrive, they flow freely. Sometimes outward, sometimes inward.
Robin, thank you, so much for sharing this video. Hearing others, and you – it really does help me in understanding where my emotions are at. I’m not looking for you to answer all those questions I posed above, they’re more for me – to really think about “why” as they relate to me and my emotions, and how I express them.
The more I feel connected to myself (it’s a journey for me) – the more these answers are coming to me. Robin, you have a real gift of bringing out true and deep feelings in others – what a wonderful gift you share!
Robin Replies:
Dear Lance, what a intimately beautiful poem in the your first paragraph here. It brought tears to my eyes. I am profoundly honored that you share such powerful questions and feelings here with me and others. You have a brave honest heart. I admire that immensely. —Your words: “The more I feel connected to myself (it’s a journey for me) – the more these answers are coming to me.” Beautifully expressed. I too have found this to be true. “Connecting me to myself” is the greatest gift that Nature has given me. As I was telling Robb here, Nature strips away all that is not me and allows me to experience my unashamed, vibrant, core self. Truly healing…lasting a lifetime. Thank you for your genuine sharing. I’m sure it will move others as well. Hugs, Robin
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Alexander M Zoltai Says:
10 December 2008 at 1:22 am.
Thank you, Robin.
I can remember, in my 40s, when I realized I could feel two different emotions at once–that’s when the tears began–heavenly showers–bitter-sweet blessings…
Here’s my favorite quote about tears:
“But for the burning of their souls and the sighing of their hearts, they would be drowned in the midst of their tears, and but for the flood of their tears they would be burnt up by the fire of their hearts and the heat of their souls. Methinks, they are like the angels which Thou hast created of snow and of fire.”
(Baha’u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha’u'llah, p. 157)
~ Alex from Our Evolution
Robin Replies:
Dear kind Alex, I really love your words: “…heavenly showers–bitter-sweet blessings…” That’s exactly how tears feel for me…no matter what causes them. As I’ve grown older I often laugh and cry at once, and it is so delightful and Life-filling. I always go away feeling more alive. It sometimes shocks others that I can be in the throws of great tears and suddenly start laughing at myself. —This quote you shared is richly passionate. My favorite part is: “…but for the flood of their tears they would be burnt up by the fire of their hearts and the heat of their souls.” I find that not only true but soooo beautifully expressed. Thank you for sharing here Alex, Hugs to you, Robin 
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Sandy Guerriere Says:
10 December 2008 at 4:56 am.
Robin;
You’re video and words are touching, as I listened I cried.
What a special gift this is to share with all the men in our lives…
Sandy
Robin Replies:
Oh dear Sandy, I am honored by your tears, and just revel in your kind open heart. You are such a bright light. —And yes, there are so many good men, GREAT men who care deeply, feel deeply, love with all their heart and inspire us to be our best. I find that very uplifting. Thank you Sandy. Hugs, Robin
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Shirley Says:
10 December 2008 at 5:38 am.
Beautiful. There’s not much more I can say to it than that. I don’t know how anybody could say a man’s tears are creepy. When my husband cries I see it as a doorway to his heart and soul.
Robin Replies:
Thank you Dear Shirely, I know what you mean. I too cannot fathom that some think a man’s tears are creepy. That was new one for me…and not my truth. —It is just precious what you wrote about your husbands tears: “..a doorway to his heart and soul.” Just beautiful sentiments and writing. When a man cries with me, I feel like I’m given a singularly shinning gift. I go away feeling very alive. Hugs, Robin
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earthtoholly Says:
10 December 2008 at 6:53 am.
Another beautiful video, Robin. Thank you! Believe it or not, it was just this morning that I saw your video and outside where I am it is in the 60s—unusually balmy and misty—possibly like the weather in your video. For the past few days it’s been in the 20s and 30s, so 60s was a big surprise!
Besides the beautiful landscape in your video, your words (and the words of your readers) were beautiful. How sad that society has put such a burden on men—that crying is not masculine. Crying is a natural and necessary means for humans to emote and to quash that seems detrimental to the psyche. I hope that with time men will realize that this is nothing more than “brainwashing” and will just let it all out… xoxo to you…
Robin Replies:
Hi Dear EarthToHolly, Glad you are warming up to 60 there!! —Thank you for your kind words…and yes, I am very touched by the comments that people leave on these pages. Many times I am moved to tears, joy, and inspiration. —I believe we can all make a difference to our society’s thinking. It was an eyes opener for me when I heard a few women say that they did not like it when a man cried. I found that tragically sad for both the men they knew and for the women themselves. It made me realize that this is not ONLY a male induced condition, but that women also contribute to the extinction of men’s tears (and ultimately their own). So I praise all the men and women who learn to embrace not only their own emotions but the emotions of others. Hugs, Robin
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horatio salt Says:
10 December 2008 at 8:24 am.
In a society where recognizing gender differences has become politically incorrect, I was glad to hear someone recognize that being a man brings its own set of challenges, and that men with good hearts are deserving of respect. Thanks.
Robin Replies:
Dear Horatio Salt, this comment moved ME to tears, because you understood a deeper message in the film and were able to articulate it in a way that I couldn’t. In light of that, I am deeply touched that you “got” the message my heart needed to express. —And yes, oh yes!!!, men of good heart are always deserving of respect. As a woman I’ve found that seeing this not only fills me with more self-respect and love, but it helps the men I encounter to blossom and be more themselves, more at ease…free of my expectations and shoulds. It is healing for everyone involved. Thank you for your insight and wisdom. I appreciate it…much. Robin
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soulMerlin Says:
10 December 2008 at 8:47 am.
One day tears may roll down my face when I think of my Father. My throat aches and I can’t swallow. I hope I will cry for him one day and perhaps I will then be healed from the pain that is still there.
xh
Robin Replies:
Oh henry this touched my heart. Thank you for sharing so honestly. I too hope you will cry for him (you) one day, healing both your pain and his. Like the seasons, everything in its own time.
Love, Robin
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Larry (GuitarMusings) Says:
10 December 2008 at 9:16 am.
Robin,
Thanks again for a wonderful post. I’m a crier and, at one time, ashamed of being a “big baby” of sorts. I’m beginning to learn to love that side of me and appreciate the therapeutic aspects of a good cry. I enjoy the sense of relief after I’m done and how refreshed I feel. It’s like it washed me clean, in a way.
After watching your video, I feel grateful that I had a father that wasn’t afraid to hug me. I have no problems embracing men in a hug but sometimes fail to embrace myself. I think that @lance said it perfectly the words, “connected to myself.” I’ve started that journey and eagerly anticipate the answers he described. Great guitar playing BTW.
Robin Replies:
Dear Larry, I just so enjoyed this comment. It is loaded with so many insights. I remember being a kid (about 5 years old) and visiting a little playmate who was a boy. He fell and scraped his whole knee (bleeding, raw). When he cried, his mother said, “Now, stop it. Do you want people to think you’re ‘cry baby’? You’re a big boy now and big boys don’t cry.” The reason I remember it is because when we went back outside (after his mother put a bandage on his knee) we sat in a field together and he told me his knee hurt so badly that he had to cry. He sat their sobbing and it felt SO right. How sad that he had to cry out of sight of his mother. —I was also excited that you are learning to love the part of you that cries. Yes, I too find it very therapeutic; it does wash us clean, like a good heavy rain. I am so proud of you for consciously choosing the journey that both you and Lance talk about. Larry, a choice like that changes the whole world. Isn’t that amazing?!! Kudos for you my friend. —I will tell my sweet heart that you enjoyed his guitar playing. He had not played for a very long time and just picked it up a day or two before. That was one of the first things he played. Hugs to you Larry, Robin
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Julie Says:
10 December 2008 at 9:30 am.
I’m so very grateful when I see the tears in my husband’s eyes. To be that open and vulnerable is just so honest and giving… to know he’s moved that much and that he feels safe enough to show it… My husband’s presence is always so solid and strong and collected, so together, so to see him that vulnerable in my presence is a beautiful gift, such a sharing… I always feel blessed, like he’s handed me the most precious gift.
—
Robin, we had the same beautiful rainy day in Arizona. Perhaps only those of us in the deserts (no matter how lush and green, like mine) can appreciate the perfection of rain. Have you heard the Native Americans’ expressions for the different types of rain? …the male and female? What we, you and I in New Mexico and Arizona, experienced on Thanksgiving Day was the soft, nourishing female rain. A perfect counterpoint to your video message.
Love,
~ Julie
Robin Replies:
Hey Dear one, What you wrote about your husband’s tears could have been me talking. I feel the same way. It’s such a HUGE offering that he is giving. Even if mine gets choked up, I sit so still, just to embrace the beauty of his bravery and vulnerability. Like I mentioned earlier, I go away feeling healed. It does not surprise me that you appreciate and savor these moments. Everyone gains from them if we are open. —-Thank you for sharing the Native American perspective. I find it very beautiful. Yes, here in the desert moisture of any kind is manna from heaven. Hugs and love, Robin
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Ophelia Rising Says:
10 December 2008 at 10:26 am.
Robin, this is so incredibly written, and so amazingly beautiful. I love your last line, when you say that the stars see only a perfect man, tears or no.
I must let go of my own personal judgments about men and tears – but not in the sense that I believe crying is a negative trait. Actually, quite the opposite. I find myself not being patient with a man who can only show anger, when the “correct” reaction would be tears or sadness. I have a hard time with anger in men, and need to sort this out. My own father was hardly ever angry, voices were never raised in my house growing up, and so I think this has created a real barrier with me, in terms of reacting to another person’s anger. I just don’t know how to do it. I don’t know what to do with anger.
Letting go of all my judgments regarding this would, as you have said, free the other person and perhaps allow them to explore themselves as a feeling person, rather than to be the target of my personal affront and become confused – or possibly even angrier! This is something I need to think about, and your video is something I need to listen to a few more times.
This being said, I am grateful that my husband hugs and kisses both our children all the time, and that he expresses his love so openly. I think he sometimes doesn’t know where his sad feelings go, and I think they mostly turn to anger, as they do for many men. But he does cry at times, and when he does, I do feel as if he’s giving me a great gift, somehow.
Much love to you, wise woman! xoxo
Robin Replies:
Dearest Ophelia, I very much admire your honesty here. It and you are precious. —-I always thought that I had to “do” something with anger that came at me. If it’s abusive then, yes, I do need to remove myself from that. But in interactions with anger I have learned that to “do” nothing can often be the best thing. Of course it depends on the situation and the person. (It doesn’t mean that we can’t express our feelings or talk about it at some point with the other person). But when a force (like wind) meets no resistance it will pass right through. It can’t hit against a building and hammer away at the resistance. It doesn’t have to divide (fragment) itself to get around the building. It just passes by and is left with itself. The storm is spent.
It can take courage, patience and honesty to communicate without anger. Nonetheless, I’ve learned that anger is usually rooted in fear. It took me awhile to understand that we humans (male or female) can be terrified of emotions that seem bigger than us, emotions that we feel we can’t control, because they are so foreign to us…so long held in check…buried. I think we ALL experience this at some point in our lives. So many people are taught to control their emotions, almost from birth. Often the the “tool” used to “teach” is fear. For many the consequences of crying or expressing emotions meant ridicule/shame, pain or isolation. I’ve learned that someone does not withhold their emotions out of spite, but rather fear.
I’ve found that good hearted people (who are angry) can more clearly see themselves (their anger, fear *and beauty*) when it is contrasted with calm or love. When there is no resistance they begin to let down and stop hammering like the wind at a building. They start to learn that they’re safe and might actually get to relax. It can take courage to stay calm and not tangle in another’s storm, not get caught in defending the angry words coming at us. But to simply stand in the face of a storm and let it blow around us is also very empowering. —-Thank you for sharing your beautiful soul here. You do me a great honor. Love, Robin
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Jeff Baker Says:
10 December 2008 at 2:26 pm.
Hi Robin. Once more you move me and I just wanted to say thanks. I wish for all men the freedom I have experienced because I cry when I need to. I wept with your first reading about the friend who thought he may cry forever if he ever let go. I sigh as I write and I feel his heart.
It is so good for me that you offer such deep insights in the beautiful way that you do.
Take care. — jb
Robin Replies:
Oh Jeff, your words are so beautiful. I am moved that you wept for my friend, that you cried your tears….and his. Healing is healing no matter where it comes from. Because we all are connected….as one. When we heal ourselves we heal the generations before us and those yet to come. When we cry we cry the tears of those who came before us and those who will come after. …You offer a great gift to the Universe. Thank you my good friend. Robin
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Doggerz Says:
10 December 2008 at 2:43 pm.
I looked at your blog almost a year ago, and have lurked here and there. This one really grabbed me, both the film work and the content. The guitar piece is hauntingly beautiful, much the way our tears can be. I think the isolation of the peak from which you shot it is a real strong metaphor for how we can sometimes feel in our grief, when everything can seem so far away and cloudy. Thanks for sticking with your work.
Robin Replies:
Dear Doggerz, You honor me with your presence today. I’ve missed you. —Yes, the guitar piece is very hauntingly beautiful…..”much like our tear.” (Very poignant words.) I like that. I also love that the music came straight from a man’s soul. It goes with the rock bluffs and mist….a man’s heart. —-Your words: “I think the isolation of the peak from which you shot it is a real strong metaphor for how we can sometimes feel in our grief, when everything can seem so far away and cloudy.” A powerful insight indeed. It made me see the symbolism in my standing so close to the edge. Often when we grieve or cry or simply open our hearts for the first time, we can feel like we are standing on the edge of a great abyss. It can take courage to let go. Thank you dear old friend for sharing these precious insights. Your heart runs deep. Hugs, Robin
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wigwam2theorem Says:
10 December 2008 at 8:35 pm.
Wow, that was fantastic! That was too soul touching for me to really put into words, but that was really moving.
Robin Replies:
Dear Al, I am honored to see you here. I really like your phrase: “…too soul touching for me to really put into words,…” Just yesterday I was reading something that moved me so deeply that I had no words to leave a comment. I was pondering that, and feeling how there are just some things that must be experienced and have no words. Thank you for your kind words. Hugs, Robin
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YogaforCynics Says:
10 December 2008 at 11:20 pm.
Alas, the video appears to no longer be available. As for crying, I don’t think I really let loose from the time I was a teenager until my mid-thirties, dealing with serious depression….Gotta say, it did me a lot of good….
Robin Replies:
Hello Dr. Jay, I just checked the video on both my blog and YouTube and it’s working. We had a glitch when it first went up, but it appears to be fixed. Try it again and if you have problems let me know. Would love to have you watch the video and see what you think. I am SO glad to hear that the crying did you so much good. I once read somewhere that depression can result from unexpressed emotion. I’m sure it has many causes, but culturally we often strip all the emotion away from our humanity. A grievous loss. Thanks for your honest sharing; I appreciate it. Robin
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kebelle Says:
11 December 2008 at 5:52 am.
i am a man, and i cry. good post.
Robin Replies:
Hello Kebelle. Thank you for stopping by. I am very touched by this simple comment. It goes straight into my heart: “I am a man, and I cry.” Such sweet truth. All over the world there are good men and they cry. I am grateful for them and honor their courage….and open hearts. Hugs to you, Robin
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earthmother Says:
11 December 2008 at 5:07 pm.
Mmmm, another beautiful and insightful video, Robin. Oh, how I miss the Rio Grande gorge.
When I was a little girl, I only saw my Dad cry twice in front of us kids. I can still vividly recall those two occasions all these years later so they must have had quite an impact on me. During the last dozen or so years of his life, I saw him shed tears many times. Tears of joy and deep sorrow. He was such a passionate and gentle-hearted man. My brothers are the same way. I feel very blessed.
Robin Replies:
Dear kind EarthMother. The Rio Grande is a beauty never forgotten. I understand your longing. —-I am very moved by this story of your Dad. I too remember the few times my Dad cried. They are precious jewels that are with me always. It’s beautiful that your Dad now sheds many tears. They are unforgettable like the great rivers…the Rio Grande. You are indeed blessed with these good hearted men in your life. I am soooo glad to hear this. But then you are truly a good hearted woman. I’m sure they are deeply grateful for YOUR presence in their lives. Thank you for sharing this warmth. It made me happy. Love, Robin
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Graham Says:
11 December 2008 at 5:43 pm.
Dearest Robin, there was no way that I could watch this piece of pure magic without leaving something behind. There was so much emotion in my heart as I listened to your words. For one brief moment I am going to borrow the words of kebelle in the comment above… “I am a man, and I cry.”. Robin, I cry when I am sad, I cry when I see pain or suffering in others, I cry when I know I am in the presence of something special, I cry with laughter and when there is happiness around me and I cry with loneliness. Robin, I cry when I feel and I feel when I cry. Dearest Robin, I know you “feel” too. I see it in your words, I sense it in your warmth and compassion. Your words in this piece speak more than 4:40mins worth of sentiment, they speak of a lifetime. You have the most mellowing and meditative voice. Your words are genuine and heartfelt, your friendship truly appreciated, your warmth travels an ocean and touches my soul. Dearest Robin, I also cannot leave without saying a little something about your sweetheart’s music, for it is truly fitting for this piece – so soft, so calming, so gentle, so very beautiful. Dearest Robin, one more thing… …thank you, thank you for being you xxx
Big hugs from me xxoo
Robin Replies:
My dear forever friend, We are truly blessed in our connection. Everything you wrote here is why I thought of you when I filmed “Behind the Desert of My Eyes”. Your words about your own tears made ME sit and cry. I’ve seen (in your soul) all that in you express here about your tears. You make a VERY powerful and poetic insight when you say: Robin, I cry when I feel and I feel when I cry. That is SO exquisitely beautiful. I was just talking to a male friend about why some people (male or female) find it hard to cry. And he was saying that, yes, it definitely can be cultural conditioning, but for him he didn’t care what others thought of his tears. It was the fact that crying makes him start to FEEL. So he shuts down his tears because he becomes overwhelmed with emotions that (he feels) ill equipped to deal with. He is bravely learning to let the emotions arise….just “be” there…even in their uncomfortableness. I so admire that. —-My dear Graham, I am grateful for your friendship. It is extremely beautiful to stand in the presence of your open heart. Like all the women here have said, to witness a man’s tears is one of the sweetest things in Life, never forgotten. You live and radiate vitality, a full-on hunger for Life. Something I believe we all hunger for and are capable of experiencing. I think it is why I love humanity so much. Thank you for your encouragement and “sight”. Love, Robin
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Susan Hale Says:
11 December 2008 at 5:57 pm.
Dear Robin,
I am moved on many levels watching and listening to your video. First, it makes me miss living in Taos, New Mexico with my daily 360 views of the mountains and hikes on the Gorge Bridge trail. It is beautiful here in North Carolina but it is a different kind of beauty and I remember all that I learned living by the wild curve of the Rio Grande.
Then, it made me miss certain men, men who have honored me with their tears and honored me by listening to mine. You have beautifully expressed your feelings and honored men by this offering. I also think of a poem by Jimmy Santiago Baca called Cry. I heard it on the Bill Moyers series on poetry. He passionately shares his need as a man to cry.
I am also reminded of when my father died and though I have always been spiritual grieved because I couldn’t feel him, because I didn’t know where he was or how I could find him. Someone told me that the dead need us to create a river of tears with our grief so they can cross over the other side. I believe this and also believe that the earth needs our tears now, that we nourish the earth and each other through our tears. I once wrote a chant “let the rain fall, let the tears fall down, let the rain fall, let the tears fall down, a blessing to the earth, a prayer for our birth.
Blessings,
Susan
Robin Replies:
What a treat to see you here Dear Susan. Being so connected to the land here in New Mexico, I know how you must feel. I traveled through the area in which you now life, and it is stunningly beautiful. But there is something unforgettable about the haunting beauty of New Mexico. The starkness of rock beneath big skies. The peace and open spaces. I know how you feel. —-Thank you for letting me know about Baca’s work. He has lived a remarkable life, and now shares it with the world in an amazing way. I am going to look more into his writing. —-I am profoundly moved by your words about your Dad. I know from my own experiences that it was my tears that connected me to those who have passed on….and to those living when the connection felt weak. My heart’s cry, through my tears, brought them close and dear to me. I feel them with me always. Blessings to you my friend. Hugs, Robin. PS I will say hello to Rio for you.
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Dee Says:
12 December 2008 at 6:26 am.
I found your blog by accident but was very touched by this video- thanks!
Robin Replies:
Hello Dee, Maybe there are no accidents. Either way I am touched that you took the time to drop in and leave a comment. I appreciate your encouraging words. Hope you’ll pop back another time. I went to your site and it is lovely. If any wants to see a VERY tall palm tree decorated for Christmas check out Dee’s site: http://adesertobserver.blogspot.com/
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Nards Says:
12 December 2008 at 9:09 am.
Robin, you absolutely have a way of capturing a feeling and a spirit. I am SO glad that you have found a way to do this via a most moving and captivating visual presence. I could gush on and on about you and your clean and true spirit. In the meantime? I’ll just keep clicking on your video’s “replay” button- Love Nards
Robin Replies
Dearest Nards, Thank you for your kindness. These are very beautiful and supportive sentiments. They mean a lot to me coming from one who is filled with integrity, wisdom and inner strength….right from the heart…you are always from the heart. Much love, Robin
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Liara Covert Says:
12 December 2008 at 9:16 am.
Robin, you remind your readers that Nature has a personality, a soul. It has feelings and means of self-expression that enable us to connect to what is so regularly overlooked. Thank you for inviting us to nourish and expand our senses in the intense power of profound silence.
Robin Replies:
Hi Dear Liara. Yes, Nature IS personality and soul, filled with feelings of self-expression, because Nature is Life, and Life is all things, all emotions, experiences and possibilities…potentialities. It is staggering the things we humans overlook. Nature is currently being overlooked to the point of being endangered. And yet at the same time, I realize that we each are on our own journey, taken in our own time. But it is so wonderful when we humans can remind each other of the things often overlooked. We are all both teacher and student. Never solely one or the other.
Blessings, Robin
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Evita Says:
12 December 2008 at 9:03 pm.
What an interesting idea Robin – I love how you see so much more in nature than most people I have ever encountered. The Earth as masculine vs feminine…there is something beautiful to ponder about. I too have always felt the Earth as feminine, mother Earth indeed. But I have felt the skies to be masculine, father sky. Perhaps the rain is the connection between the two – a perfect balance – is there any other way to exist?
As to “real” tears of “real” men…I have to say, the first time I experienced my husband’s tears (of joy) it moved me beyond belief. I find that such a strength in a man, because they are not afraid to tap into that deep feeling within that moves them. It has had a tremendous impact on me to say the least to experience that. Those very few times that I experienced that let us just say I saw a whole new part of myself and him and it was beyond words beautiful ))
Robin Easton
Dear beautiful Evita, This is very lovely what you’ve shared here. —-I was blessed to spend long periods of time “with” Nature. Not just short jaunts where I had a nice time and then returned to my “real” life, to society and my culture. I chose a lifestyle where Nature was my “real” life. My whole life. Although I don’t currently live daily in the wild…I am forever wild. Nature altered my DNA and I now see through wild eyes. Before I went to the rainforest I stood in a circle of human society/culture that I once perceived as EVERYTHING, as “the only”, the most intelligent, important, omnipotent….the most real. I no longer stand in circle of human society looking out at Nature as a mere backdrop for human life. In the wild I became what I really am….Nature. Now I sit in the vast timeless universe of Nature and look at the tiny circle of us humans. Nature is my “real” life. She is Life. She will go on long after the passing of humans (if we pass). She can live without us, and in fact might live better without us…..but we cannot live without her. We must humble ourselves before the Mother who gave us birth. It is only then that we will be able to live “with” Nature (ourselves) and not separate from Nature (ourselves). Separation is only an illusion, but unfortunately for us humans it is a potentially deadly illusion. Also, currently our illusion is a painful one for Mother Earth.
You are a beautiful soul Evita, in love with all of Life. I am glad that your husband had a reflection of beauty from you when he cried. Oh how sweet the magic of his beauty shared, and your beauty reflected back to him. You both are blessed. Yes, I too see tears as a sign of courage in a man…..not a sign of weakness. Love, Robin
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Liara Covert Says:
14 December 2008 at 7:30 pm.
You remind people how it is always possible to reconnect with the imperceptible. I am repeatedly touched by your gestures of communication. You choose images, words and mental telepathy as well as indescribable means of inspiring others to be more true to themselves.
Robin Replies:
Dear Liara, This is not only beautifully written but it touches my heart. As I was writing a post the other day, I thought…I don’t seem to be able to (or have any desire to) layout the steps or concepts of loving, but what I do have a great desire for and know how to do is….love. I know how to love the souls who pass through my own. When I was 15 years old I wrote a simple poem that I lost and that my mother found years later and gave to me. She’d kept in her wallet all those years. When she returned it to me she said it was here favorite poem, because for her it said it all. I was very honored when she told me that. It read:
“To say you love….
and to love,
are two different songs.”
Thank you dear for reminding me of this precious memory.
Love,
Robin
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Lynda Lehmann Says:
14 December 2008 at 8:45 pm.
A moving and beautiful presentation, Robin, from the video showing the river’s course, and clouds and mist rising against the cliffs, to your own wise words and the quoted words, to your phrasing and the quality of your voice. Truly creative and heartfelt, with the healing quality of a good sermon. The issue of giving in to our vulnerability and crying, applies to us women as well, and you have done such a great job of addressing this. Bravo!
Robin Replies:
Hi dear Lynda, I’m very touched and honored by your words here. This is moving praise from one filled with abundant creativity and infinite kindness. I am glad that it resonated with you. You are so right in saying that it applies to us women as well. I know many women who find it hard to cry or find it hard to not reject their men who can’t yet cry. Isn’t it amazing that Life is really much simpler that we often think. We humans tend to make Life so complicated; we put lines between the sexes and the races and religions and on and on…when it seems to me we are much more alike that we often want to admit. We may approach the Life from different directions but we are all on the same blue-green planet floating through endless space. Thank you for sharing with me, Lynda. Love and Hugs, Robin
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Chrissy Says:
15 December 2008 at 2:45 pm.
Robin…..Sometimes we hear so much about the injustice that society has done to women…but of course it is a two way street. There are of course terrible constraints on men too……..It is good to see them acknowledged.
The bottom line is that we all express our emotions in different ways at different times. There are times (I think) when the hurt takes a different path and we all cry inwardly instead of outwardly………but does that mean we hurt more…or less. I do confess there are time when I am glad I am female and don’t have to live up to some macho image that media has created for me.
There are times when it has hurt me deeply to see a man cry…beyond. The tears I saw in my Dads eyes over losing his son will forever strike pain deep into my heart beyond anything I can ever think of.
Beautiful video, beautiful music XX
Robin Replies:
Dearest Chrissy, This is such a lovely thoughtful sharing. I am moved by your depth of insight and compassion. —Yes, women have been repressed and still are the world over, but as you say it is important that good hearted men be acknowledged. I believe it is part of healing their repression. I think ANYl acknowledgment of goodness leads only to healing. We women have far more power that we might think. In acknowledging good men we not only bring healing into their lives but our own. It is a win/win situation as we are all one and interdependent. —I too am grateful that I can cry freely and unashamedly. —-It had to be extremely painful for you and your farther, beyond any words, but I am glad that he could cry. —Thank you treasured friend for this honest sharing with me. I cherish it. Love, Robin
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timethief Says:
15 December 2008 at 8:32 pm.
I cry a lot and in when experiencing many different emotions. I wept with with joy listening to the narration of this wonderful video and the music, and feeling awe at the beauty of the landscape in the video and the beauty in the hearts of the four men.
Poets speak of the eyes as being the windows of the soul. Our eyes tell the story of our true feelings and give people access to the deepest places within. Our tears of sadness or hurt, reflect the fears and scars that we spend a lifetime hiding. They are visible evidence of our vulnerability to life.
Tears are neither something to be ashamed of. Tears of joy and sorrow, tears of awe and pride can make life richer, they are a natural expression of the pool of emotions that flows through our inner being. Our tears can draw us together and remind us of our humanness and helping to connect us on a level deeper than words.
Gone are the days when we counsel real men don’t cry. Real mean do cry and they need to in order to experience the healing process, just as women do.
Thank you so much for sharing this wisdom with us.
Robin Replies:
Oh, my dear dear TT, This is so powerful that there is nothing I could possibly add to this. You speak with a rare voice. One filled with both conviction and compassion…one filled with great depth of knowing. I too cry a lot. I also laugh a lot. Often they merge and give birth to exhilarating freedom of spirit. And it all feels so alive in me. I feel like the great tides that ebb and flow…and it is ALL Life. I know you understand this. —-This line of yours: “Our tears of sadness or hurt, reflect the fears and scars that we spend a lifetime hiding. They are visible evidence of our vulnerability to life.” is exquisitely sweet for me. Yes, “visible evidence of vulnerability.” I do believe that allowing ourselves to feel this vulnerability can help us find our place in relation to the greatness of Nature, the greatness of the stars and Universe. We are better able to see that we are not in charge, but rather that we are “part of” the mystery. It is very humbling to experience both one’s insignificance and one’s vastness all at the same time. —I am deeply blessed all these months to have your soul touch mine. I am a better person for it. Love, Robin
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graceonline Says:
16 December 2008 at 8:35 pm.
Thank you for sharing this, Robin, and thank you for including the words of men you love and trust. I especially enjoy your juxtaposition of perspective in the visual and the metaphorical.
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Lerin Says:
19 December 2008 at 12:04 pm.
Sacred Devine Feminine … Mighty Magnificent Masculine
Together as One ,we survive in the beauty and the chaos that surround us.
Tis a blessed collaboration you and your sweetheart have done.
Thank You!
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JOURNEYTIME Says:
21 December 2008 at 3:47 am.
Robin,
The setting is inspiring–truly wonderful–from the point that you are standing at looking down –the depth–is how deep one is able to traverse one’s own illusion and realise who one is, as a man, and find that quality which is not proscribed by the skin of the gender that one has chosen but more to the esssence of one’s own humanity.
The meandering river down below is the life journey that has to be undertaken regardless of who one assumes one is.
The tears that one sheds are to me like an energy release after a thunder storm where the heavans open up and the feeling that ensues after that and crying are ones of connection and knowing that one’s humanity has not been lost in the total onslaught of life.
Thank you
Namaste friend
derick
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