The importance of embracing our saudade

As I blasted "Chega de Saudade" by João Gilberto in my living room while waiting for my tea kettle to whistle, I started thinking again about this word and feeling so fascinated by it: saudade. I've written about it before, but here's a quick refresher: saudade is a Portuguese term that refers to a deep longing or nostalgia for something or someone absent. It is a complex emotion that has been central to Portuguese and Brazilian culture for centuries. But it's also something people experience worldwide, even if they're unaware of it.

One of the main characteristics of saudade is that it is a bittersweet feeling that arises from a sense of loss or absence. It is a feeling that can be triggered by a wide range of experiences, from missing a loved one who passed away, to feeling a sense of longing for a place we once called home. 

While saudade can be painful, it is also a powerful emotion that can help us to connect with our past and appreciate the present. It allows us to remember the significant people, places, and experiences in our lives. By feeling a sense of longing for something absent–like your hometown or people who positively impacted your upbringing–we are reminded of its significance in our lives. This can help us to stay connected to our roots and maintain a sense of cultural identity. As an immigrant woman with her heart split into two countries, I can deeply relate to this feeling. 

And as I sit here in my "saudade," I ask you to play a bossa nova tune and think back to a moment or person you miss. Remember to tell them you're thinking of them; you never know who's also missing you and howthat can make a difference in their day. Unless, of course, it's a toxic person or job you removed from your life. In that case, focus that energy on something better, like yourself.