I don’t have too many food heroes and the ones I do have possess very little celebrity. I’ve been lucky to grow up with two amazing women that have taught me the true value of making a heartfelt connection through food and how the importance of our intention, awareness and intuition all serves to influence the final outcome of what is presented at the table.
Lemnos Retreat, photo via Carla Coulson…
As a kid, my Grandmother dominated the kitchen. I have vivid memories of her that skirt between preparing ingredients at the kitchen sink, standing authoritatively by the stovetop, patiently overseeing the evenings meal or my favourite – the times she’d make her own filo from scratch to roll out fresh spanakopita. I would be by her side, fixated on the process of the pastry being made, observing every step.
Village feast, Lemnos Retreat, photo via Carla Coulson…
There was an innate knowing that I felt she possessed when it came to cooking that was also passed on to my mum. In that knowing came deep wisdom. When the evenings meal would hit the table, everything from the aroma, temperature and care in which it would get served translated to a nourishment that extended far beyond simply getting fed. There was a contentedness when the meal was over because everything that inspired the process of creating it, was done so with the deepest level of connection and harmony.
It is only now, years later, that I’ve come to completely understand and value how and why food comes to be such a focal point of Mediterranean culture. It is also not by coincidence that it is mostly the women who dominate it.
ready for a feast, Lemnos Retreat, photo via Carla Coulson…
Feeding the family is a connection back to nurturing. The relationship to food is an extension of this nurturing and it is what inspires all levels of connectivity amongst the Mediterranean people. Coming together through food is an expression of language in the Mediterranean culture. It is what can often substitute what words sometimes simply cannot express.
inspiring dance and good intentions, photo via Carla Coulson…
Whether it be times of grief, festivities and celebrations or getting together with friends and family, the effort to feed, to ensure the guest is satisfied, is a unique expression of pure love. It is a way for the Host to communicate the importance of the guest feeling welcomed and at home.
In the absence of verbal language, we have countless ways to create dialogue. When we create from a place of authenticity with True intention, we will always action a meaningful connection that evokes a great resonance for those that are on the receiving end. This kind of connection will always manage to transcend any language barrier.
sunset, Lemnos Retreat, photo via Carla Coulson…
My relationship and connection back to food has been passed on by two influential mentors who have taught me the value of creating a feasting table with the greatest level of integrity…Those that are invited to join in the meal are there to experience a heartfelt connection through the art of cooking. What is presented at the table is the expression of the Host’s offerings. It is the life-force and pulse of the home.
Always best savoured with the ones you Love…
Thinking about travels the Greek islands…? Email me: paula@mediterraneanwanderer.com
Happy travels…Paula x
Leave A Comment