Finding God in the Kitchen or Spiritual Ingredients
When people think of great food, it is often irrelevant what the dish actually is. It could be a steamed fillet of sea bass with bright green and red vegetable garnish, a tender ribeye cooked medium over a bed of garlic scalloped potatoes, or even a crisp garden salad with fresh toasted bread and herb vinaigrette.
What makes the difference between just a meal and fantastic, five-star food is the amount of care and attention that goes into the preparation. From the selection of ingredients, to the painstaking process of flavoring, tasting, and flavoring again to perfection, to the presentation, the end result is always evidenced by the passion invested in the creation.
I was reminded of this by a fellow blogger who made a comment about finding an increasing sort of satisfaction verging on spiritual experience in the simplest tasks around the house — becoming enveloped in the presence of “here and now” while performing these chores. That comparison, which is quite valid and echoed in my own experiences, sparked this thought about the difference between simply following a recipe or actually creating a flavor experience in cooking.
In actuality, anyone can follow a recipe. It’s also true that no two people will prepare an identical dish, even following the same recipe. What happens is people have a tendency to inject themselves (figuratively, not literally we hope) into what they’re cooking — and, indeed, this is true of everything people do. It’s also the reason we can take a favorite recipe from a friend or family member, follow that recipe and wind up with something altogether not the same as when that friend or family member makes it.
This uniqueness shines through in everything we do, and of course not everyone is talented in the kitchen — but it makes for a good parallel in relation to spirituality. No two people identify with, or understand, or experience spiritual life in the same context. Some may be similar, but like fingerprints or oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, never identical.
In truth, most often, neither the dish nor the exact recipe is critically important to the outcome of delicious food. What matters is that an individual takes care and consideration in the preparation and presentation of the ingredients, and is always most wonderfully expressed and effective when shared with good company.
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2009/01/07 13:45 -0700Z
you may want to check out Kathleen Norris’ “Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy and Women’s Work” … a treasure of a little book i found some years ago that i think you might find very relevant to your post and to this topic…
i think there is much to be said for communion with God that can be found in the menial…repetitive activities that become ritualized…and even a step further touch that spot of servitude in us…
2009/01/08 08:09 -0700Z
Sounds interesting. Thanks for the reference!
I certainly believe service is one of the most important activities toward personal development and even spiritual growth. Beyond the dogmatic beliefs in religious zealotry, it’s certainly one of the core principles. Discovering the satisfaction in service and indeed labor itself in this manner is probably much more effective than being “thumped” with scripture.
2009/01/24 10:07 -0700Z
This is a beautiful, thoughtful post, Tim. I love your writing in this vein.
I agree. There is nothing more potent than a meal, intentionally, lovingly, prepared. My step-daughter is a gourmet, vegan chef who believes in the vibration of food, as well as the impact the preparer has upon the food. She infuses the food she is preparing with love—intentionally! I swear that I can taste her love mixed in with all the other ingredients.
This has been one of the intentions I have set for myself over the last couple of years. To be more mindful about everything I do, especially the simple things, like preparing a meal. May it be a blessing to myself and to others to be fully in the moment in this way!
I hope you will post again soon. I am eager to read your next thought-provoking “article.” Be well!
2009/01/25 11:10 -0700Z
Thanks, Jan. I plan to post again soon, as I’ve had ample time to brew some good thoughts — perhaps today, even!
2009/05/07 20:13 -0700Z
Here is a film about personal growth, earth, and our humanity to mach some of your posts.
2009/05/07 21:09 -0700Z
lms, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I looked at the video you posted, and decided not to approve it. As far as I am concerned, it has nothing to do with personal growth, earth, and/or humanity — and doesn’t match any of my posts. If you disagree, feel free to let me know.