Food for the soul

There seemed to be a running theme being suggested to me by the universe so I thought I might comment on it for you, given events from the past week… I read a great article in one of my food magazines this week on “soul food” and Martin and I saw a wonderful film about true love and soul mates. Simon and I were both sick this last week too, and so we spent time convalescing together that was certainly good for my soul (and his too, I like to think!)

All of this, you see, made me pause and think about “food for the soul” and what that is for each of us. It is truly an individual thing, as unique as we are as people. Different things feed us, motivate us to new heights - and they also pull us along when things are not going according to plan. I am a bit of an idealist (and did I mention I have a penchant for understatement?).

I like to believe in some of those ethereal elements that may not be enough to satisfy the appetite of some. Where my soul can be fed by savoring a calm starry night with a cup of tea on our deck, I know that others may want more tangible satisfaction like a dinner party or Sunday supper. The right thing will make us glow from the inside. I think the secret is just to make sure you watch the fuel gauge on that glow and make sure you don’t run too close to empty, for a soul bereft of that spark for life is a sad thing indeed.

“What has this really got to do with food?” you may ask, and I am happy to tell you if you are keen to follow along. It has to do with a passion for food and that to me is as important as the food itself. I am one of those people who lives to eat (that is why we call ourselves Gourmands). Eating to live would be like having to do calculus all day long – sheer torture in how it does nothing to interest or inspire me and utterly baffling in its philosophy. I simply cannot imagine the idea of not enjoying food.

I suppose I am likely preaching to the choir, as they say, for all of you reading probably love food as we do. If you know people who don’t, please know I don’t think any less of them and I hope they have other magical things that inspire them – perhaps a special four-legged pal or a passion for a hobby of some kind. Maybe they love to write poetry or paint! The magic that feeds your soul is the stuff that makes you suspend your disbelief for just long enough to take a leap of faith and live in the moment of whatever you are doing. Whether that is trying a new food or dancing in the grass or talking to your dog, it matters not as long as you are not too afraid to try.

Perhaps this is all too mystical and I sound maudlin to some autumn always makes me see fairies in every field and the Man in the Moon smiling down at me. Really all I am attempting here is the suggestion that more people join me in the search for more of that magic food. Wish on a star, take your shoes off and wiggle your toes in the grass or taste something weird and wonderful from your favourite market this week – just remember to smile and enjoy, and wait for that glow to build!

Kristin

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.