March 17, 2007:
Nourishment For The Soul
Breaking Bread Together
As we rush to keep up with the speed of our busy lives, one of the
first activities we tend to sacrifice is the sharing of a meal with
other people. We may find ourselves eating alone at the kitchen counter
or hurriedly drinking a cup of soup while driving in our cars. Yet
taking the time to share a meal with family or a close friend not only
feeds your body, but also it can nourish your soul. Companionship can
fill the heart the way warm stew can satisfy your belly. Eating a meal
with others allows you to slow down, while nurturing your relationships.
Breaking bread with others can be treated like a ritual where the
gestures of sharing and togetherness are just as important as the food
you eat. Planning, preparing, and consuming a meal are all stepping off
points toward good conversation, bonding, and learning about someone
else. Inviting a new acquaintance to share a meal can be the start of a
wonderful friendship. A shared breakfast can be a brainstorming session
between coworkers, or it can set the tone for a positive day for family
members. Lunch with a friend can be a welcome break from the day's
stress, as well as a chance to unwind. Dinner with loved ones can be a
chance to talk about the day's events with people who truly care.
Sometimes, there may even be no need for conversation, and you may want
to share a meal with someone while sitting in comfortable silence.
The breaking of bread can be a fulfilling experience, especially when
done among people you love and trust. So the next time you find
yourself rushing through a meal in front of your computer, you may want
to pause and reconsider. The warm feelings, sense of security, and
enjoyment you experience from sharing a meal with others may be the
kind of break that you really need.