Imagine yourself suddenly present in a moment of subtle, yet persistent, stomach discomfort. A slight bloating and fullness, putting pressure on the gut. You even belch some, or blow long cheek filling breaths into your clenched fist. This would indeed be distressing. Especially without apparent cause. However, implant into the moment the background taste of a well made meal on your tongue. Recall now the dish, filling and to your liking. It recently ate and enjoyed. Is your stomach pain still bothersome? I think not, in fact it may prove to be a dull pleasure. Something to relax into and allow, in remembrance of something loved.

This feeling, I believe, we should take further and apply into our lives in a more general way. Letting our pains be justified and appreciated when put into the context of something wonderful. Take the emotional distress following a breakup. The warmth of soul slowly fading, as two lovers drift apart can take a toll. Everyday one may wake to find themselves with a hole that was once filled. I say, let the love that you shared, the good times, be justification for the new pain of loss. Something you have earned. Lean into it, as one would a full belly following a feast. Make the new space in your heart a comfort, knowing that it was made by someone cared for.

Death too, can be treated this way. The larger the meal, the harder it may be to sleep that evening. The more lethargically you may return to work after lunch break. But surely you know that you will grow hungry again. The swelling will subside. Make this pain a friend, for it will be with you regardless. Put the reference of a life well lived on it, and perhaps in a while you will be able to pat your belly and echo a burp with a grin.

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I’m not some great philosopher and I have suffered no recent loss. Just something I thought of while trying out a new sushi restaurant near my house. I do miss my home, but how could I if there weren’t people and places there I love?