..No, not the book or the film. But the notion of each and how they relate to each other has been a meditative thought of mine of late. I love all three, of which I am sure you, dear readers are not surprised to hear. When <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eat,_Pray,_Love">Elizabeth Gilbert</a> titled her book, it was both a descriptive facet and a series of words to contemplate together, but a recent conversation has me really thinking of the connection between the three. 

Eating for some is a function. My friend's dad eats to survive. Purely and simply. He has no enjoyment in the variety of options, the colours, the spices, the textures...the biggest shame of it all is his wife is an amazing cook. Maybe he has a taste-bud disability that is undiagnosed or some such. But for me eating is an opportunity to make people happy, to create memories and a shared experience; especially when I am the cook. A room full of people eating the same animal or the produce from the same farmland that has been lovingly washed, seasoned, peeled, sauteed or braised. Watched. Stirred. Watched. Simmered..Like the food was part of a private choreographed piece before it reached the table. All done through love. I tingle just at the thought of it all.

I always joke and tell my friends that the best ingredient in a dish is love - but I believe it to be true. When I am stressed or rushed my food tastes the same. Not quite seasoned right, crunchy where it should be soft, soft where it should be crisp. When relaxed and happy, my dishes are rich, lux and jolly to the tongue. They taste better than they look and look quite scrumptious. 

When food is cooked with love, the emotion becomes infectious. Who hasn't fallen in love over a good meal- as though the spirit of caring leached through and stimulated the heart? In all truth, it's likely the serotonin that makes one feel so good but the romantic in me will deny that little fact! 

And then there is the matter of prayer. I remember a friend telling me of a guy she knew who enthusiastically prayed over his ice cream, because, 'it was just THAT good!'. We had giggled about it but upon serious thought had to admit it showed his immense appreciation for something that pleased his soul and stirred him to entreat and thank the higher power that made the food and ability to enjoy it possible. The ability for food to move one to meditative thoughts, spiritual reflection and heartfelt appreciation is a testament to it's power.

So to eat, to be moved to pray and to be stirred with love are all part of the same parcel. Knowing this makes me excited for each and every meal - whether eating it or cooking it - as it will be a wave of feeling and the making of a new memory.