A serene beach, a beautiful sunset and a silent monk — these three are meeting pretty often these days. It was one of those tough moments and I was harboring a lot of pain within myself. All the pain that was itching to come out but to no effect. My mind was cluttered with so many thoughts that it had gone numb.

I never thought that I would be able to get out of this pain. But then out of nowhere a beautiful lady came and sat by my side.

She held my hand, kissed me gently and then embraced me like no one has ever done before. And the moment it happened, tears begin to roll out. I asked who are you, and she very politely replied —

Grief I am, and I have come to relieve you of all your pain!

The tighter she embraced, bigger were the tears. Each tear had a story and with it came out all the things that could not happen — the moment of the hardest breakup, all the aspirations that could not become reality, and all those who have been lost in the journey of life.

No words were spoken but silence was enough to communicate all that needs to be said. Somewhere between the silence and sadness, I had found the peace which I had been looking for. Just as I was beginning to enjoy the embrace and comfort provided by Grief, she stood up and said —

My dearest monk,

It is now time for me to go, and for you to start a new chapter in your life!

Give me all your pain and I shall set you free you from all the boundations you have created around yourself.

All that has been lost will not come back. But fret not — Life has much more to offer. Make sure you make space for it in your heart.

Remember, I am not your enemy! I often come to relieve you of all the things you have been holding but need to let go.

Truth be told, I did not want her to go. But I have a life to live and a new chapter to start. She kissed me goodbye and walked away — taking along with her all the pain that I had been harboring.

In due time, the tears had dried up, my heart was now free and the silent smile of the silent monk was back. The brief conversation with Grief had offered me so much in return.

The sun had now set and the stars were visible. A serene beach, the beautiful stars and a silent monk — were yet again together. I stood up from the beach and walked back home — reflecting on happiness, grief and everything in between.

“Grief is essential for us to relieve all the pain! We should give ourselves due time for the same.”

Subscribe to my stories and weekly newsletter so that you never miss one!