In David Whyte’s book, Consolations (paid link), he describes longing as a “seasonal emergence from within, a ripening from the core, a seed growing in our bodies.”

Perhaps some of our longings are a recognition of something deep inside, a vague understanding that there is something gently unfolding and we need to pay close attention. It may not be a dissatisfaction with where we are as much as a vision of where we’re going. One needs to nurture those delicate aches. But most of all, one needs to have patience, be willing to surrender, and to have the courage to take that next step when the time is right.