I thought I would give you a taste of what my eating habits are, before I start "eating like a monk." This past week I ate most breakfasts in my car on my way to work. Bagels and cereal were on the menu in the mornings. Some of my lunches included a peanut butter sandwich, a sandwich from a coffee shop, and American-Chinese food from a chain grocery store. For supper in front of the television I had things like ravioli and broccoli, and black bean burritos. Wednesday nights is usually my most lovely meal when I meet with my group of girlfriends. We eat potluck style, together around the table, someone usually says grace and we check in about how we are doing spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. That is more like it.
Sometimes I get annoyed that I have to take time to eat, other times I feel like food is the most glorious thing on the earth. Growing up in a lower-middle class family in Minnesota, I am familiar with potlucks, casseroles, and canned soup; and cookies and lefsa made by the Scandinavian women at church. I have learned to appreciate fine food and food from many different cultures. I often incorporate them into my diet. Sometimes I wonder what I would eat if I couldn’t have food inspired by our Latina/Latino neighbors to the south. I love burritos!
It is easy to start examining food for nutritional value, or for how many calories it will generously provide us with, but I had not, until now, deeply considered the spiritual value of eating. I know there is spiritual value to food; I love to tend my garden, and try to buy less processed foods and more local food as part of being mindful. But the actual act of eating the food is another matter. When I was younger I thought that maybe in the future we wouldn’t eat, we would just take pills that would provide all of our daily needs. I recently realized that we are not so far off. How many times have you eaten an energy bar instead of a meal? I know I have. Life is busy, but for the next month I will try and make time to eat; to feed my body and my soul. We will see how it goes!
Kate, Thanks so very much for including me as a recipient of your project-posts. I'm happier for you're attempting this, and sharing it with us. This first post of yours represents your perspective on the matter so interestingly for me. Your words really articulate a transition in action. ...I'll continue being a hungry reader, and learn indirectly. Although, you're an inspiration as well... For me to keep on keepin' on with how I know I need to be... I am what I eat. In so many ways.
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