Cooking to Connect

OK, so this might seem like a shameless plug for my business but stay with me here...

Cooking has long been seen as a form of connection.

Mostly as a way of socialising, and being close with others.

(Let's be honest, we've all cooked at least one meal for someone else.)

Many of us cook for our families, our friends and... for chefs, it's a daily thing!

In my line of work, I meet many women who feel a great sense of value when they cook for others.

In fact, a lot of their worth is played out in the kitchen, often the only place where they feel most empowered, confident and appreciated.

This isn't necessarily a good thing, depending on the context and past traumas.

And then on the opposite side, some people avoid the cooking like the plague!

Generally because they don't feel they're good at it or feel stressed and overwhelmed by it.

What Cooking Can Do For YOU

Cooking has a way of invoking many feelings and emotions.

It's the catalyst for a whole plethora of other events like proposing to a loved one, making a big anouncement to family or friends, making big decisions about your future...

Cooking isn't just a means to an end, although for some it can be.

Making a meal for another is the ultimate gift of love and kindness.

We often overlook the healing powers of cooking and it's part in the act of sharing.

Volunteering at a soup kitchen or handing out food to those in hardship is profound.

It is often remarked by many, that cooking is a therapeutic activity.

So why are you not using it as a chance to spend time alone with YOUR-SELF?        

How To Reconnect Through Cooking

We spend a significant part of our life, particularly women, doing for others.

We are constantly emptying our cup, to ensure those we love are happy.

And yet, we run the danger of leaving our-SELF depleted and tired.

As the old adage goes, "You cannot pour from an empty cup."

Engaging in a creative activity such as cooking, is an opportunity to just BE.

What does this mean? It means you get to BE WITH YOUR-SELF.

It means you are able to switch off the day and let go for a while.

You can choose to immerse your-SELF in the activity.

Consider it a gift for your mental and emotional health.

I'm a big believer in the power of mindfulness.

By being in the present moment you can release stress and anxiety.

Cooking one of the most powerful mindful activities you can get.

Tips For A Better Cooking Experience

1. Take it easy.... you are not a Michelin chef.

• Don't try to be one, just be you.

2. Allow yourself to make mistakes, this is how you learn.

• Life isn't perfect and your dish doesn't have to be either.

3. Follow a recipe in a book or on paper.

• Yes, leave your phone at the door!

4. Enjoy the whole process, this is not a race!

• You don't need to worry about the outcome.

5. Experience the textures, sounds and aromas.

• Feel the ingredients as you prepare them.
• Listen as you cut them and inhale the aromas!

6. Be fully present in the moment...

• Meaning don't watch telly, chat to a friend, listen to music!

7. And once you've cooked, take your time to EAT!

• There's no rush, take a breath between each bite.
• Chew slowly and swallow with intention.
• Enjoy the fruits of your labour, the flavours of the food.

8. Finally.... clean up with love!

• Yes, even the washing up can be a beautiful mindful activity.
• Enjoy the warm water and soap suds.
• Embrace the drying and putting away.
• Clean with intention and good energy!

Final Thoughts...

Cooking should not be seen as a chore.

The act of cooking is about the willingness to gift your-SELF some much needed ME TIME.

When you prepare food for your-SELF and take time to eat it, you nourish and nurture your whole being.

P.S. If you do need a bit of guidance on cooking and reconnecting to your-SELF, get in touch! I'd love to hear your story and be your guide.

You can ??Book a FREE SELF-DISCOVERY CALL here ?? :

https://calendly.com/recipeforlife/30min

Let me know what you're cooking this week, leave a comment below!