I went in for some food. I left with much more. I had experienced a bite of Tamil soul and was changed as a result. The food was familiar, comforting and soothing in a way usually reserved for my mother’s cooking. The experience captured what she gave to her cooking. One could feel her heart. Her care and attention touched anyone who enjoyed her food. I felt like the movie Like Water for Chocolate and my mother had gotten together and transcended time to restore my heart and soul with a meal filled with Tamil soul.
Feeding oneself includes one’s body, heart, and soul. Food is not enough. I find that I need to replenish my heart with acceptance and belonging. When this is fed, I realise that the remaining task is feeding my soul with values and purpose. For me, these are not whimsical or optional activities. Each has a cadence of when it needs to be replenished. I find it helpful to prioritise the three, each with a rhythm aligned with the cadence of my day.
Being healthy is a choice. I appreciate the roles less sugar, healthy oils, and balanced nutrition play in the process. Being intentional about what I use to prepare my food also makes a difference. Reading labels with care and attention sets the foundation for bringing my heart into my cooking. The bite of Tamil soul reminder calls me to apply the same care to my heart and soul food. Divinity is willing to help as She has helped in the past; “Now put you together, provide you with everything you need to please him, make us into what gives him most pleasure, by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah. All glory to Jesus forever and always! Oh, yes, yes, yes.” (Hebrews 13.21)
Giving comes with a complete heart, soul, and stomach. In feeding each, I set the stage for action. The opportunities are all around me. In starting within, I open the door to words and actions of compassionate kindness and care. It starts now.
