Let’s start with the dictionary:

Something that makes someone who is sad or disappointed feel better

Words keep showing up in my life throughout its span, but usually I don’t pay attention.  I first looked “consolation” in the eyes in the 1980’s when I was studying the thoughts of the spiritual teacher Da Free John.

Everyone is looking to be consoled.  When your consolations are ripped off, you find something else to be consoled by – one thing after the next.  The reason you do not surrender whatever you find consoling is that you do not recognize it for what it is.

As in “not the real thing”, a substitute, a booby prize, a lessening of what is possible.

Two years after my dear wife Jody died, I started looking around to see if the next love of my life was in the neighbourhood.  I went on a dating site and had some dates.

I remember looking across the restaurant table at a woman and thinking “This could work”.  Soon after, I woke up.  Could, might, maybe – not the basis for an eternal love.

I sit here this morning reflecting on the consolations in my current life.  Here are a few:

1.  Watching action movies full of killing

2.  Eating popcorn when I’m not hungry

3.  Having a beer for its taste and gentle buzz, knowing that I’ll feel nauseous later

4.  Remaining in a conversation for the company even though the other person is complaining about something

5.  Remaining in bed, covers pulled up to my chin, even though I’m not tired and I want to get up

***

What if, instead …

I sit for awhile within the juice of living

And then fly!