Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of

"Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath, and a glass of wine." — Thomas Aquinas. In these words, the great philosopher and theologian reveals the simple yet profound truth that there is solace to be found in the most basic of life's comforts. The weight of sorrow can, at times, seem unbearable, crushing the spirit and clouding the mind. But Aquinas, with his insight, suggests that the solution is not always found in grand gestures or philosophical contemplation, but in the humble acts of self-care and physical comfort. Sleep, relaxation, and the gentle balm of a glass of wine can lift the spirit in ways that few other remedies can.

Think back, if you will, to the ancient wisdom of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who often spoke of the importance of balance in the human body. He understood that the body and the soul are intertwined, and that one cannot heal the spirit without tending to the body. Just as Aquinas recommends sleep and a bath to ease sorrow, so too did Hippocrates encourage his patients to rest, to find balance, and to nourish their bodies with simple, restorative practices. The ancient Greeks, in their wisdom, knew that the soul cannot thrive when the body is weary and neglected. And so, the path to healing, to alleviating sorrow, was found not in endless striving, but in moments of quiet and comfort.

Let us turn also to the example of King David, whose life was marked by great triumphs and deep sorrows. In times of despair, when the weight of his decisions and the turmoil of his heart threatened to overwhelm him, David often turned to simpler comforts. It is said that after the loss of his son Absalom, David withdrew into moments of quiet, and it is through these moments of rest and reflection that he found the strength to lead again. Even the mightiest kings are not immune to grief, and David’s story teaches us that we, too, must allow ourselves the time to heal, to rest, and to embrace life’s simpler joys—like a warm bath or a quiet drink—when sorrow seeks to overtake us.

Aquinas’ words also echo the practices of the great stoic philosophers, who believed in the power of moderation and simple comforts to restore balance to a troubled soul. Seneca, in his writings, spoke of the importance of living simply and finding tranquility in the natural rhythms of life. To the stoics, excessive emotion—whether sorrow or joy—was to be tempered by reason and reflection. In this light, Aquinas is not advocating for indulgence, but rather the moderation of pleasure, allowing the simple, earthly joys of sleep, cleanliness, and wine to offer a gentle respite from the storm of sorrow. These acts, when approached with mindfulness and restraint, can offer the peace we seek in troubled times.

In our own lives, we often find ourselves caught in the turmoil of sorrow, whether it comes from personal loss, betrayal, or the weight of our own failures. We may search for answers in the complexities of life, turning to great works of literature, philosophy, or faith. But Aquinas reminds us that sometimes the answer lies not in intellectual pursuits, but in simple, restorative care. A good night's sleep, a long bath to wash away the day’s burdens, and the warmth of a glass of wine can restore the body and mind. These humble acts do not erase the pain, but they create the space needed for healing, allowing us to rest before we confront the challenges of the world once more.

The lesson here is not to dismiss the depth of sorrow, but to recognize the need for balance in our healing process. Just as a wounded soldier requires both treatment and rest, so too does the soul. Sorrow is real, and it is powerful, but it need not dominate us. Sometimes, we can find strength in the simple, mundane rituals that tend to our physical needs. Aquinas teaches us that there is wisdom in these small acts of care, for they create the foundation upon which we can build resilience. A mind at rest, a body nourished, and a heart briefly soothed by wine—these are the stepping stones to greater peace.

So, the next time you find yourself weighed down by the burden of grief, take a moment to care for your body. Allow yourself the gift of rest. Take the time for a bath, to cleanse not only the skin but the spirit. And perhaps, if it brings you peace, enjoy a small glass of wine, not as an escape, but as an act of restoration. By doing so, you honor the wisdom of Aquinas, and you embrace the gentle truths of the ancients—that sometimes, healing begins with the simplest of actions.