​         For me it's all about the experience and in the picture above you see a rolling pin.... not just a kitchen tool but a rolling pin that holds a very special memory. I purchased that in Montisi Italy at a little shop not far from the bed and breakfast where we were staying.  This was a small village and the shops were mostly for the locals or the few tourists (very few) that were there. I still remember walking in and being greeted by the lovely Italian woman and the sincerity in her eyes.  With her limited English we shared a memorable exchange as I looked at all her cooking and handmade items she displayed so nicely. There were kitchen tools, aprons, towels and china one nicer than the next. This particular rolling pin has ridges so when you roll it across the dough the Pasta strands are evenly cut..... Perfect for Tagliatelle! She  took the pin in her hands to demonstrate and I was immediately taken by her genuine love for cooking and sharing of ideas.
          Truly a heartfelt moment for me and one that I recall each time I roll this pin across fresh pasta dough. 
          

                  

          Many times when I'm cooking my thoughts take me back to when I've enjoyed the dish that I'm preparing.  I'm conscious of what I'm doing but actually imagining the taste, presentation and memory of a simple meal. The above pasta was at a restaurant outside of Florence Italy where we were shopping at a local Antique market. This little Trattoria  had set up a tented area in the Town Square for their patrons to enjoy the festivities while enjoying their meal. I can remember the day, the weather, the presentation.....OK you get it I'm obsessed over a bowl of Pasta!!! ;)  
       Back to my point.....  many times as I cook I've realized I'm actually in a meditation of sorts.  I came to this conclusion after enjoying a guided meditation class where the teacher was reading from a book called Hidden Treasures by Gangaji.  She read a passage that called attention to Conscious awareness of Silence. It was interesting to me as I realized that in my interpretation of her words I applied it to dreaming or even lost in a trance or merely concentration itself. When I dream, I'm aware of animated visions but not sound . As I gave it more thought that day after the class I realized how many opportunities we have to meditate without the formal setting being seated and relaxed and closing your eyes.  Sometimes Meditation is simply when our minds concentrate on the task at hand.  For me ......that is cooking!
           From gathering my ingredients, preparing them and then enjoying the aroma of their flavors is a practice of Meditation for me! ;)  While enjoying a simple life activity I'm able to consciously  relax and focus only on the present moment to create, present and enjoy a beautiful meal with my family!
               There are so many forms of Meditation to achieve the same goal ...that being a  time for you to enjoy the present moment. While cooking, gardening, painting or even walking through an art museum, take time to focus in these moments. Become aware of the natural sounds that may be as simple as the sizzle of food being dropped into a hot pan or a paintbrush back and forth on a canvas.....become aware of this simplicity and enjoy your interpretation of conscious awareness. Experience your own feeling of being in the moment.

                      Wishing you Delicious thoughts today!