Happiness Soup
Soup is by far my favorite thing to make, any time of year. It’s a versatile and forgiving dish, that allows for full creative freedom with ingredients and flavors. As I was making a giant crockpot full of my favorite soup to share with anyone and everyone—peeling and chopping all of the veggies and herbs, digging through my fridge and shelves, measuring and not measuring ingredients—I started making connections between the art of making soup and the art of making a content/happy life. And if that sounds absolutely bonkers, I promise I’m sane…hear me out.
‘If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him... the people who give you their food give you their heart.’
Cesar Chavez
I was thinking a little deeper about soup-making and why it’s so enjoyable for me, and realized it meets the same requirements of what makes for a truly happy life. Nothing fancy is needed to make an incredible soup, just a few simple ingredients. Water or broth, some vegetables, a few spices…a little of this, a little of that. It’s made in big batches meant to share with those around us, these nourishing bowls of warmth, simmered with intention, bursting with light. To bring people together on many different levels, replenishing body and soul.
Life is just like that…with a few ingredients—an open mind, presence, love & a little resourcefulness—we can make a tasty pot of happiness for ourselves AND the person next to us. If we’re mindful and aware of the ingredients always available to us, we can make it anytime. Not only do we get to enjoy it ourselves, but we can offer some of our soup to everyone! And if everybody shares some of their soup, no one will go hungry…you know what I mean? Nobody in this world should be starving for happiness or love.
‘Only the pure in heart can make a good soup’ -Ludwig Van Beethoven
Look around the pantry of whatever moment you’re in.
Choose your ingredients—the endless small glimmers that life has to offer.
Make something yummy, and share it.
That is the art of happiness and soup.
Tasting, delighting in, and sharing the joys of life all around us.
Savoring every second.
