NOW, you probably think I’m crazy! “This chick is so out there…how could she be emotionally centered by green beans?”
A Definition
“Being centered means that you have a reference point or a place to come back to when life’s challenges and emotions push you off balance.” Diana Raab, Ph.D.
Diana Raab, Ph.D. (article here)
Me and green beans…a history
My maternal grandmother was the only grandmother I ever knew, and the main woman I watched cook. She was already in her late 60’s when I was born and in moderately poor health, so the cooking I saw her do was before I was age 10. How I wish she had been able to cook longer and teach me the basics.
Two things I DO remember about cooking with her: snapping beans and making homemade dressing for the holidays (just might have to put that recipe on the blog for Thanksgiving!). I loved being able to help, and those memories come flooding back when I start snapping beans.
A green bean time machine
I hadn’t really thought about it until more recently, but when I set those beans out and start snapping, I let out a deep sigh that comes from my toes. I begin to relax (something I’m not known for), and while I feel the texture of the beans in my hands, I’m transported to the sublime innocence and ignorance of early childhood. It’s like my own personal time machine.
Gone are any concerns for time or money.
Gone is the stress of rushing from one task to another.
A smile comes to my lips.
A lightness comes to my heart.
All is right with my world.
Passing the torch
This might be part of why the first thing I taught my daughter in the kitchen was how to snap green beans. To this day, if she’s in the house, I’ll ask her to help with this…and guess what? She smiles, too.
Overall, my son was the one who picked up the most kitchen knowledge and skills from me. But the smile on my baby girl’s face, when she picks up those beans? Another salve to my soul.
Watch for clues of similar feelings when you’re in the kitchen…something old that strikes a chord or memory…or something new that just feels so right. Use those experiences to lighten your daily life when you can. Be “present” in the moment, enjoy them, and pass them on if you can.
What “centers” you in the kitchen? Please share in the comments! I love a good story…
Want other ideas of kitchen skills you could teach your kids? Try these…
