A Grateful Heart
Nepenthe • see it, feel it, take it in • saying grace
Nepenthe
I felt its comfort, this cliffside perch, an escape from my normal life. I could sense that there was a different way to live—times 2! squared! infinity!—as Lawrence was with me and he also gave me that feeling. We stopped for lunch before checking in at the Post Ranch Inn for a honeymoon of sorts. We had known each other about six months, fourteen years ago. It must have been early spring as the gray whales were headed north.
Here and with him I felt more calm, my brain free from constant striving. We soaked up the sun, the cool sea breeze, the beauty of nature and special refuge.
Now we live a thousand miles away but I return whenever I want. I’m there now, as I write this, and it is bringing a smile to my heart because that day I noticed everything—I could see it, feel it, and take it in.
That’s the thing about gratitude, it’s always with us, there is no expiration date. I suspect gratitude was the glimmer always present in Grandma B’s eyes.
Saying grace before a meal is usually a good thing
Back when I was in the thick of it at Oracle, I took a weekly adult ballet class at a rec center. Barre work was my favorite and thankfully took up two-thirds of the class time, leaving less for center which I tolerated. When I was at ballet, my brain didn’t think about work which was a huge relief!
Our friendship began in class and extended to talking on the side of the road near our parked cars. From there my usual plan was to pick up burritos at La Cumbre and get home in time to watch Survivor with my husband, our Thursday evening ritual.
Fiona and I became friends and we decided to meet for dim sum at a nearby restaurant. Before we engaged with the cart ladies she bowed her head and prayed—a first for me, praying in a restaurant, right there in front of God and everybody! I bowed too but was somewhat mortified.
The only other mealtime grace I had ever experienced was a year or so prior when my newlywed husband and I joined another couple, who shall remain anonymous, at my parent’s house for dinner. Things were going well, dinner was served, and we were about to clink wine glasses when the husband guest took it upon himself to pray: “Come dear Lord and be our guest; let thy gifts to us be blessed.” The first and last time the six of us gathered around a table together.
Suffice it to say that I’m a late bloomer in the faith department however, I’ve always sensed that food is a gift. From what? Where? Whom? Really? It’s all very personal but I think this little book is a good place to start:
From the Introduction:
Gratefulness—”great fullness,” as Brother David Steindl-Rast reminds us, “is the full response of the human heart to the gratuitousness of all that is.” Truly every single thing we have has been given to us, not necessarily because we deserved it, but gratuitously, for no known reason. And whatever source we believe is the giver—some concept of God or simply the breathtaking randomness of the universe—when we give thanks, we take our place in the great wheel of life, recognizing our connection to one another and to all of creation. Offering a blessing, reminds Brother Steindl-Rast, “plugs us into the aliveness of the whole world.”
Smooth Sailing, Fix Your Food Relationship in 2025!
So this is week 13 of Smooth Sailing. We’ve covered the 10 Principles of Intuitive Eating, but I’ll keep posting every Monday to share my perspective on how to practice it, free yourself from diet mentality, and live a more connected life. Please subscribe and share. Thank you so much for being here!
Here’s a recap so far, since the beginning of January:
About Love & Cookies, homepage
Week 1: Food Addict? Or Something Else?
Week 3: Sugar “Addiction” and Primal Eating
Week 4: One is Never Enough…because None are Allowed
Week 6: Allow Yourself to Receive
Week 7: Think About Food Less + Enjoy it More
Week 9: Your Natural Healthy Weight
Week 10: Fit-for-You vs. Body Beautiful
Week 11: Enjoyment is Part of Being Healthy
Week 12: French Women Don’t Get Fat and Other Nonsense
Have a great week!
