Understanding 'Yearning' in Context

In his essay, the author contemplates the multifaceted nature of nostalgia, describing it as a 'yearning for the past that can simultaneously elicit warmth and a profound sadness.' He elaborates that while nostalgia serves as a comforting refuge, it can also become a burden that distorts one’s perception of reality. To better understand this concept, readers must examine the nuanced use of the term 'yearning' in the context of the passage.

The authors shifts to explore how this yearning can manifest in various forms, such as reminiscence of childhood, which often evokes fond memories but can lead to an overwhelming sense of loss when juxtaposed against the present.

What does the word 'yearning' most closely mean in this context?