I love wandering through the aisles of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I consider their flavours, textures, and roles they have played in favourite meals, alone and in combination with each other. In the Emirates, Egypt, Iran, and increasingly, the Emirates itself are sources of great products. Each, along with food producers the world over, presents interesting variations influenced by climate, soil, and farming techniques. At times, they stand alone. On other occasions, I cannot imagine working without the benefit of different flavours, intensities, and textures in the mix.
For me, cilantro is an herb that, except for small samples, I have never consumed alone. I know it is not everyone’s first choice. I do find that when it is balanced with other herbs and spices, curries and many other dishes rise to a higher plane. As I enjoyed a few leaves and considered the possibilities, Life’s whispers gently suggested I shared more than I realised with this herb.
I am complete with the benefit of others in my life. Starting with Divinity, I know I am not fully and completely myself without her presence within my heart and soul. I find that my heart and soul grow with others taking residence within the trusted rooms next to Divinity. The old observation still rings true: “Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night.” (Ecclesiastes 4.11)
The tension between self and community finds its balance when I experience what it means to belong. Belonging is a two-way proposition that often waits for my acceptance. Divinity reserved my seat at the table before I came into this world. The caveat is that my reserved position at the table will remain empty until I say yes. I have the freedom. I hold the 2nd and final key. Except for the ones of my creation, there are no conditions or barriers. One of the greatest miracles within me is my awareness, understanding, and acceptance that my view of life is accurate when I look at it through a community framework and lens.
My response, “with”.
