Splagchna or Splagchnon defined: the inward parts; the heart, affections, seat of the feelings.  Also, properly, the internal organs (“viscera”); (figuratively) “gut-level compassion” (visceral feelings); the capacity to feel deep emotions (sympathy, empathy, etc.).

I added this word to my personal dictionary because it carries with it so much more meaning than similar words I have used.

As a child, I heard the phrase, “I love you.”  The challenge with that phrase was the context within which it was used.  I realize that there are many who long to even hear the words, so I do not want to minimize the words themselves – for I know there is much value in hearing the words spoken.

The context for my hearing these words often contained levels of manipulation.  This impacted my hearing of the words.  Instead of, “I love you,” I would hear expectations or requirements and it was often coupled with an element of fear.  Those words often meant that something personally meaningful was at risk.

Yet, as I have added more years and experiences to my life, I have learned new meanings. Love is in and of itself so diverse.  I see love as passions (I love to play soccer).  Love can be about the greater good (I want to serve the community around me because I love the people within the community).  I also see love for friends and family which can also vary so much.  I could go on, but what I want to dive into is splagchna.

This deep seated, “heart-felt,” gut churning emotion for the self or others.  I think of losing someone dear.  The emotions that are coupled with such loss are splagchna.  I think about the deep relationships that form over time – when I think about these people, splagchna. When I am overwhelmed with joy, and the feeling lifts up my stomach, my face smiles (even when I need to be serious), splagchna.