Meals are intended to be shared. The first time I truly learned this lesson was during my time in Western Samoa. The Samoans wouldn't even think of eating while standing or working or while walking or while doing any task. Eating was something to be enjoyed and shared... not just something to be "accomplished."
Back in the USA, meal time and food in general now have become somewhat like a drug. Similar to the way we use pills, people in the US eat to accomplish the task of feeling better, loosing weight, gaining weight, gaining muscle, or even just to control something.
Anthropologically, food and meals have such a deeper value. When one has the opportunity to be a part of the process, eating is far more valuable than accomplishing something as isolated as accomplishing a desired calorie intake.
This process is beautiful when experienced in full--from the complex bacteria and interconnected fungi systems that create organic soil, all the way to the carpenter who thoughtfully designs wooden ladles, and further on to the family that laughs while preparing dinner after a long day of hard work apart.
One simple way that I like to add value to my input of sustenance is by going to farmers' markets. Truly, that seems the simplest way to start. I hardly go to farmer's markets on a regular basis, but what an inspirational event in-which to partake! The cool part about farmer's markets (FM) is that it's easily a family even, a cheap date, a nice Saturday morning walk, a break from work, etc.
Below are a couple web sites with some information on how to find and participate in farmers' markets (FM) by you. On your next FM adventure, try to find one farmer, artisan, musician, vintner, crafter, florist, botanist, herbalist, rancher, butcher, chef, or baker in whom you might want to invest some more interest. Then visit them at their "location of operation," come back the next week and try another one of their products, ask for the recipe, try to raise their product on your own/with a friend, talk with the venter, or commit to only buying their specialty product from them rather than from the supermarket.
Mostly, enjoy!
- http://www.localharvest.org/
- http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/farmersmarkets
Someday I hope to share one of these wonderful, communally prepared meals with you again, my friend! Thanks for encouraging us to slow down and enjoy our time with food and the ones who grow, prepare, and eat it :)
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