Listen to silence. It has much to say.
Rumi
[bonne] appétit for life
Sometimes I feel guilty when I’m not being productive for my business — a common entrepreneur/American sentiment. Sometimes the guilt is around food; sometimes a vulnerability hangover comes on strong when I reflect on what I said/did and how people might perceive me.
I eventually remember that guilt is a waste and I can choose the way I want to live. And if those choices end up fueling me so that I can better serve others, then just let it forking flow. You know?
I spent a lovely weekend outside of Paris with new friends who reminded me [again and again] of the importance of fully embracing simple pleasures without shame; of meaningful cross-cultural conversation whether politics or food or 90s American TV shows [any Dawson’s Creek fans in the house?]. It was so refreshing – albeit challenging – not to rush, judge, or worry.
As such, here are a few foods for thought I personally feel we can learn from the French:
- Open windows as early as you can in the morning for some fresh air. Let it circulate through your house just like you’d like it to flow through your lungs. It helps to connect to the outdoors and seasons, wherever you are in the world.
- Set the table. It creates such a special ambiance and honors the food, the people sharing the meal, and the mealtime itself – even if it is casual or solo.
- Use trays to transport foods and beverages from kitchen to table. Find some funky vintage ones at local thrift stores and curate your mealtime. It’s fun and functional. Win win.
- Keep it simple. Whether it’s local lettuce dressed in olive oil and tahini [my personal favorite], tomatoes and basil with olive oil and salt, cheese on it’s own or with fresh bread – remember nourishing and delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Eat and enjoy without judgement. Chew and breathe. Count blessings instead of calories. Eat what feels good to you without pressure from an external source. Savor the food, taste, moment, company, wherever you are and whoever you are [or aren’t] with.
- Take your time. Rushing is detrimental to our system. Even if time constraints exist, allow for space to connect to yourself and whomever you’re with/wherever you are. Let the moments move as fluidly as possible without gripping onto the past or what needs to happen in the future – whether in 5 minutes or 5 years.
- Disconnect without apologies. No need to check emails or phones all weekend and all week to boot. Take breaks from technology to connect to your Self and each other.
- Enjoy both silence and conversation. Whether it’s a fun game, exchanging views on philosophy and politics, deep thoughts about feminism or favorite movies; even if it’s just sitting together in the garden while someone journals and others chat, embrace the company of your Self and each other.
Grateful for France, nature, new friends who are patient with my French and overall lovely humans, bilingual conversations, card games, wine, cheese, bread, juicy local produce, hugs and bises, my former petite Paris nest and the many people/places that have housed me since early 2018.
Although it came a bit by default, this un/intentional nomad life has encompassed a vast array of literally all the feels — I’ve been so blessed to be so nourished along the way.
Here’s to what is and to whatever comes next. Thanks for joining me on the journey.
Read the full newsletter for simple [end of] summer eats inspo, Paris yoga, Wanderlust Germany and Paris 108 events, Costa Rica and Morocco retreats in 2020, an inspiring pod and good vibes.
Onward.
Photo: Deauville, France.
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