In C.S. Lewis's "A Grief Observed," he reflects on the compounded nature of suffering. He describes how experiencing pain is intertwined with the awareness of that pain, much like a toothache that keeps one awake at night. This duality of suffering—not only enduring the grief but also contemplating the grief—magnifies the emotional burden. The acknowledgment of one's pain, along with the continuous thoughts surrounding it, adds a layer of complexity to the experience of sorrow.

Lewis's insight reveals that grief is not just a momentary feeling but an ongoing process filled with reflective thoughts on the experience itself. Every day of mourning is not only about the immediate sadness but also about the meta-awareness of that sadness, which can deepen the sense of loss. Through this lens, he explores the struggle of living with grief, making it clear that the battle is as much mental as it is emotional, illustrating the profound impact of reflection on our pain.