Resharing the Article - Soulful Eating, Soulful Dabba

The article has been first published by Greenisthenewblack 

OPINION: Soulful Eating, Soulful Dabba

by Geetika Ghai

 

02/03/2021

 

Last updated on 02/03/2021

 Reading Time: 6 minutes

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You may have heard of mindful eating but have you heard of soulful Dabba? In this guest post, Geetika Ghai shares some prompts for a more soulful experience with how we prepare and enjoy our daily food.

I have been conscious of the season of indulgence overload of pies, cookies and candies. Being new to sobriety, I am in a dilemma with fast and furious approaching the feasting season. Anticipating fierce conversations around food and body is already giving me nightmares of unrealistic standards of body image and I have started paying close attention to all perfect desirable body types in the commercials.

Following my overpowering and confidence shattering thoughts, I stood up in front of the mirror today. I found my own image a bit murky. I thought the mirror had picked up dirt and I tried to clean it up. But I looked at myself again in the mirror and the image was still cloudy. I tried washing and cleaning up my face and thought this would bring a change in the image. But I still couldn’t see any clearer. It was a time to pause and reflect. My foggy self reminded me of driving the car. Constantly I need to keep checking the rearview mirror to be able to drive carefully on the road. No matter even if the mirror is unclean, broken or tainted, I must focus on going forward despite what I see in the mirror.

The mirror is meant for reflection.

But most of us just give a quick glance at our very appearance, body types, imperfections and not our existence. Children recognise their appearance in the mirror before they see themselves. But as adults, we look in the mirror with a preconceived judgement. It takes time and consideration to get a real beautiful image of yourself in the mirror but the journey itself could be rewarding. Over time dirt might have accumulated on the mirror and might be affecting how you see reality. But that can be changed. All you need is to believe that even one small step can bring change.

Often it’s said, ‘You are what you eat’.

Have you ever felt happy, excited or the opposite after consuming certain foods? Food affects all aspects of our life – mood, energy, sleep, weight, development and health in general. What we put in our bodies can be a reflection of what we want to be. To change the way we think, we need to assure ourselves that our body needs to be nurtured. Thus it makes it a vital component of our “routine of eating”. Focussing on nutrition should be a priority and food should be soulful, offering a deep sense of fulfilment, pleasure and conscious love and living.

What are we packing?

One fine day, as I made my way home, I saw a young girl, almost my daughter’s age stopping by the bin emptying her Tiffin or Dabba (lunchbox) near the condo gate. Thereafter I have seen the same girl on many occasions doing the same before she heads for her home. The mother in me was quick to be furious at the act but I just let it pass thinking about my own childhood days when I fed the glass of milk every morning to the Money Plant on the first storey, away from my mother’s discern. But when I witnessed that on many occasions this girl just didn’t throw the leftovers but the whole food, it made me wonder the reasons for her actions and compelled me to pause and reflect as a parent. 

Do I want that Tiffin to be finished or am I packing it with an appeal for my kids to enjoy the meal while deriving nutrition from it at the same time? Is that Dabba offering food for thought, appeasing the taste buds, calming the mind, and rejuvenating the soul? Well for an eleven-year-old girl, I think offering her choices and nutrition and asking what does she want might do the trick.

What is a Dabba?

According to Collins Dictionary, A Dabba is a container or a box with packed meal(s) that could be transported from one place to another. Tiffin on the other hand has its early origins in British in India conversations. The word Tiffin comes from ‘tiffing’, which referred to taking a sip of liquor alongside food being consumed. It was with the Indians and the British that the tiffin carrier reached other parts of the world including Raffles Hotel in Singapore, where Indianised food is served in them. 

My daughter shares her preferences for the week which makes it easier for me to plan ahead, and to add wholesome captivating varied foods in her Dabba. Preparing a Dabba might be a ritual experience, but we add the personal. Whether it’s a bento box, sectioned for different portions of food or multi-layer carrier for keeping dry and wet foods separately or thermal pots to keep the food warmer for longer, all are convenient and can be a panacea ailing the soul.

Enter the need for a soulful Dabba.

Preparing a soulful Dabba is all about taking slow thoughtful and sustainable steps into preparing meals with love. Soulful eating is more than just the act of mindful eating, it is looking at the entire procss. It is listening to the body’s wisdom and reaching for spiritual experiences through the Dabba. For that, we need to rethink a few steps in the journey.

We often just quickly take out or cook what is available to save our time and fulfil our gastronomical delight. Little do we know we consume food to nourish our body and soul. It is a spiritual connection of body to heart. Packing your Dabba, a box with food is a conscious choice of your preferred taste and flavours. Hence, the most important ingredient, Love should be integral to all corners of it. Infuse it with passion, colour and culinary aesthetics and voila, a Dabba turns out to be your true personality.

1. Buying

Should be a treat for all your senses. Here are a few pointers:

1. Make a proper budgeted list keeping in mind the meal plan for a week.

2. Choose the ingredients carefully that can provide nutrition and are wholesome.

3. Pay attention to the longevity of the items and include fresh items (fruits and vegetables, less processed food). Store the food correctly and identify perishables to be consumed first.

4. Buy what you need and what you intend to use immediately. Overbuying leads to overconsumption or wastage or both.

5. Preserve what is extra. Use techniques like pickling, drying, freezing, fermenting to give foods longer life and varied taste.

2. Cooking

Should be like a meditation, a path of self-actualisation and self-realisation. Food cooked with love is consumed with love and minimises wastage.

1. Pay attention to portion, size and appetite.

2. Be wary of nutritive value for consumers of varied age groups, workstyles and dietary restrictions.

3. Use the skin, peels in your cooking as far as possible. Most of them contain vitamins and minerals which get lost due to inadequate knowledge.

4. Use the ugly looking, wilting vegetables and foods. No one is judging.

3. Packaging

Most packaging is single-use and is typically thrown away. It is discarded and lands up in the landfills or carried by winds to pollute land or water. Besides its hideous appearance, it spreads out far and beyond.

1. Choose a container that keeps the flavours intact, invites the consumer to open it and eat the food.

2. Buy less packaged food items.

3. Carry Reusables – cups, bottles, straws, containers as far as possible. Go strawless if possible. 

4. Eating

This part of the food preparation process is often short-lived and overlooked. But it can be harnessed to drive deeper inspiration and connection. in our lives. Eating can be a magical transformation, from a dining table or a seat in a restaurant, to a whimsical world of unreachable shores and borders, from basic conversations to an enlightening experience. Eating can bring peace to a stormy mind, energy when lethargic and joy when sorrowful.

1. Pay attention to where you seat when eating. It should give a sense of belonging and comfort.

2. Disconnect with all other activities like phone, television and sometimes even talking. It is your time to be with yourself.

3. Connect with food as it is laid on the table. Food has many components elevating myriad thoughts. Noticing just the things as they are, vibrant colours, pungent smells, fresh fragrance or sticky spots, add to the rich experiences of the food journey.

4. Show gratitude to each bite you consume slowly, savour the flavours and respect the source of the food.

5. Find Joy in this everyday ritual of eating. Find rejuvenation in this practice and achieve inner self-care.

6. Share your Dabba with others, at home, at work. Not only you enjoy the company but you bring joy to many more. Donate your leftover food to people or organisations who need it the most.

This eating ritual will help to foster a deeper appreciation for food, flavours and taste, as well as be nourishing for your body, mind and soul. You may feel enthusiasm and positivity uplifting your life. And find yourself making better choices for food and better choices for living sustainability. 

5. Disposal or Recycling

Even if you managed to follow all the above steps carefully, there might be unseen leftovers or scraps that need your attention. Recycle food or dispose of what is leftover with thought to complete the soulful process.

1. Save the seeds from scrap and use them to create your green garden.

2. Make homemade stock with scraps of vegetables or chicken or meat bones.

3. Composting is a great way to turn food scraps into wealth for the family.

4. Use your coffee grounds to make a natural mosquito repellant.

5. Turning Food Waste into useful products

 

Dabba has come a long way from stacked boxes for storing butter to aluminium and stainless steel for cooking and storing food. Next time you pack that Dabba, pause and reflect on how you wish to master the art of preparing a soulful Dabba. Not only will it have a love-lasting effect on your loved ones, but generations later will thank you for your sustainable efforts and taking some pressure off Mother Nature. 

 

Read more from the author at Geetstrivium.

Life@3 is Beautiful : Kiaan

Life@3 is beautiful.

It’s hard being a fun rollicking 3 year old boy, especially growing up listening to Dont’s and No’s. I have tuned my way out of it though.

There are lot of amazing things about me, my nickname Bobo, Sheenu, Keena. I am in love with the Zoo and the animals, especially the Crocodile for its gigantic snap, monkey for its frivolousness, spider for its weaving ability and Dinosaurs for its magnanimity. Spider-Man is my favourite superhero character for its arachnid ability, power to save others with his friendliness.

I love listening to stories and songs latest being Gini ( Lamborghini) and Peppa Pig Songs.

Monsters intrigue me with their emotions and I find them funny and feel they want attention. .

My teachers say I am creative and weave a lot of stories, some to their dismay. I am good at physical activities and love exploring machines. I help at home setting up the Table for meals.

I am overtly assertive and feel it’s my right to express my opinion. Mum says lately I have been chatty and following in Big Sister’s footsteps. I am not glad though for it was a big awakening for my parents after a saintly divine sister.

I have my challenges too. Brushing teeth is the biggest one with mum doing it for me all the time. I don’t get it why take the toothpaste in if you eventually need to spit out. That’s like double the trouble. With Dad, I can do all fun things like swinging, flipping, somersault and kickboxing. Mum gets worried though thinking I will bring down the house one day , haha , never say never.

I am conscious of my duties and I’d like to do them on daily basis. My parents think it’s exhausting and frustrating and I have no sense of urgency. While waiting for me to put on my shoes at school, or eating my breakfast or drinking the milk or playing for 2 minutes with my toys seems endless and torturing to them, that’s my routine for the day. I am mindfully practising all my chores and perfection comes with time .

Life at 3 is demanding and exhaustive, not for me though. I will continue to be the same Kiaan

 

Don a Mask, Unmask the Kindness within

While some of us may have accepted changes to our routine post Covid as a new normal, there are many people who are finding getting out of bed challenging everyday. Now don't be judgemental. More than being overwhelming, the new circumstances at the moment are mostly devoid of human interactions and motivations.

We all don a mask everyday when we step out for mundane yet necessary chores or for a breather walk. While we all want peace of mind but tresspassing somebody's mental state seems normal these days. We are quick to spot a maskless person out of our window in a jiffy and don't refrain from taking pictures. We are seeking out people in big bunch just to point fingers at them and blaming them of not maintaining the social distance.

We have been on the world news and have come across many instances where people have been condoned for not being socially responsible. But haven't we forgotten that Animal is a social animal. We ought to mingle and share joys and sorrows. Suddenly we were thrown in a sea of challenges, some of us skilled to adapt to changes fast whilst some who don't know what to do all alone.

The times are challenging but more challenging are the perspectives and lens with which we meet an eye. We are all feeling lonely and burdened with our own anguish. We all are fighting our own battles everyday. All we could do is show some kindness to each and all. Spare a moment to put yourself in others' shoes and create a gracious community.

Kindness is not about what you do or say, but about who you are. It reflects your values and beliefs and the bigger purpose in life. It brings happiness at both ends. Just a few simple acts could be a beginning but the journey is long and never ending. It is a desire in the heart to reach the other heart with love and compassion, trust and care and working in unity for better. Greeting each other with a smile beaming through eyes alone in a masked face, air hugs, checking on each others' welfare, sharing meals and other resources, touching base with friends and relatives and just listening to their stories are some ways to spread kindness. But more than this, being there for each other is far more significant. And letting people know that you are there for them goes beyond. As we dwell deeper into emotional turbulence in coming times, having a positive mindset and thoughtfulness for others can prove miraculous. Show your true mankind and make graciousness a part of life.

A regular dose of kindness can uplift us and the others.

A sheer coincidence, a blessing in disguise, All Praise for Singapore

Coronavirus!

The last three months have devastated our thoughts, our daily routines, and jeopardised travel plans for most of us. But this name which started as Wuhan, then Corona and eventually Covid-19 is well known amongst old and young indeed.

Our basic practise of washing hands has been revisited by many of us and disinfecting the house on a daily basis has gone berserk. Coming home now requires some serious attention to maintaining this practice not just for self and children but even educating the House help. For someone like myself with an OCD has extra checks to maintain for cleanliness especially with a high energy exploring toddler at home.

I remember my mother mocking at me to overreacting to the invasion of virus in our lives. While the scientists are still scrambling their heads to understand the complexity of the virus, my mother had advised me to build up immunity with an age old Indian tradition of drinking Turmeric Milk and eating Sacred Basil and chanting and meditation as the saviour from all calamity. I wonder if that was the case why all such pious place of religious congregation were the first ones to spread transmission so quickly and shut down during this crisis.

Despite the chaos in the world, dooming world economies, panicking people hoarding the basic necessities and wasting them later, most of the people working from home, one good thing about it has been being more visible to the family. It has been a challenge though to see spouses working from home who feel no less than a quarantine in a study or wives outside in the living room quietly doing the chores with minimal interaction during the day, yet it is good to meet over lunch or a cup of coffee with your spouse so often.

When we often complain of having no or less time in hand and lives to be so busy, this our chance to think out of the box and rejuvenate with fresh ideas. It could be starting an online business, virtual meetings or even parties, or just being creative with painting, craft or art. Baking or Cooking might be your therapy or just chilling with Netflix on a loop. Spending more time with kids and family, watching some National Geography and gathering some facts on Nature, Wildlife and History could be a great idea for keeping your kids busy.

I feel fortunate to be in Singapore as a resident at this point in my life. When the Covid-19 first gathered attention outside China, it was for Singapore. When most of the world was amused with high transmission rates in such a tiny country, little did they realise that this country has no room for suspicion. Comparatively more tests were conducted across the island and the people were communicated about the cases' history and progress via a transparent channel. No social stigma, best healthcare facilities and no name shaming were crucial in winning over people's trust and ascertain of suspected cases. Amid such rising cases the peace still prevailed as the Prime Minister addressed the nation in calm composure assuring of services and resources availabilty. In the time of crisis, that is what keeps us in a single piece giving us strength and confidence that together we can overcome even the biggest obstacles. Most of the people are wondering as to why the schools aren't shutting down, the government has plausible response to this too. Research has found that most young kids have shown no or mild infection and most of them have contracted it at home from adults, thus making schools a safer haven for them.

Undoubtedly as the crisis is at peak and there is a considerable spike in the cases in Singapore and worldwide, the actions by the government will change drastically over a next few weeks and months. But in a country like ours, I feel we are in safe hands and Singapore will emerge successfully out of this eventually.

A night out at Highlanders

So what does a night out mean for a Tee-totaler?

A boring noisy night in the most outlandish set up amid people who are drowning in smokes and bubbles.

Not quite like that.

After a long time as much as I remember, to me this 'Night out' meant a good and quality time with my husband without worrying about household chores and more so about settling the kids. Mom was visiting us and I knew she is the one I can rely on for everything that can possibly go wrong when I am not at home. Yes I think I am a superwomen who can handle the kids, home. work and all so mundane chores with elan which I regard as keeping on the track.

So after putting the kids to bed, we set out on a calm and composed drive, listening to beautiful songs and enjoying every bit of time together. After much thought about the place, we ended up in Clarke Quay's 'Highlanders'.

A very upbeat loud Scottish pub with a location where you could just gaze out of the window to see the world pass by or facing inwards the large Alfresco with a great collection ( I think ) of Whisky and Wines. But my favourite part of the pub was good live music playing and engaging the dancers of all sorts. It was good to hold a glass of non-alcoholic drink and still being able to have a tempo to set the spirit high to groove and move just in place. It also sort of left me thinking gazing at the table just next to me with a big group of people, like having an After Party after Formula 1 Race. They were all cladded in casual yet flirtatious attire, the body language was flowy yet crisp, their talks were loose yet their wallets were tight. In a place like Singapore, it comes as a great feeling and gratitude towards the people to see how one can leave their wallets or phones on the table with a place overflowing with people and sheer darkness with only disco lights witnessing the move. The people were high and some of them were just cooling them off under the aircon, whilst others were shaking their booties in passage. Some of them were just waiting for a hook up , whilst others occupied a corner enjoying their sobriety.

I was enjoying encountering a variety of people under one roof and without being judgemental, I was probing their mood, attire and behaviour. A big group of girls grooving infront of us and almost pushing my husband to a corner were much like desperate housewives having the time of their life. Men almost my Dad's age were still looking for younger company and some young men were lost in the room reeking of ciggy.

My take away of the night was a good time spent , talking endlessly about our affair with life and driving back home to my little precious world.

No other love compares to this one

When people around say, "You will cherish these moments", I think to myself , "No". I can barely breathe at times after the time I have left after feeding, bathing and caring for my little one. I feel like my soul has been crushed somewhere to pieces so small, that is hard to even find now. Five extra minutes in the shower feel like a lifetime and one meet up with Besties after ages feel like I have got back my life.

I never thought I could love anyone more than my Dad, and then came my husband. I thought this would be the last love. And before I would be pleased, God sent an angel, my daughter. For 8 years, she was my world and my love for her was unmatchable. I was contented and life was great. While there was no reason to crack open my heart again, making it dependent upon the well being of yet another little person.

I knew our personal goals would be delayed, our travel trips put on hold and many comforts would be needed to sacrificed. As soon as I gave permission to myself, there it was. Yet another somebody whom I love incredibly and compares not to any other love I had before.

My living room is chaotic, kids are shrieking with uncanny hops and tumbles,with their dad equally enjoying this loud overwhelming love. I didn't quite imagine this scenario, neither did I know my daughter of such divine character in past even had such abilities. And moments later my heart pouring out with love only a mother can know watching her family. But this doesn't last long. One eye on the clock that reminds me that I am running fifteen minutes late to put kids to sleep which would impact only my schedule the next day ( who cares ). Also the bedtime is one of the best times to see cute button routines of reading the same book over and again, cuddles, hugs and kisses just pouring endlessly and some magic words before they finally rest, and me too. But kids are great at stalling sleep. Just so you know a mother's love can endure any reluctance to sleep, another reason for them to have conversations.

In morning with everyone is gone for the chores, me and my young buddy are home. This is the time when amid all ruckus we find some magic moments that make life worthwhile. I can't just wait to pick up my young man after he wakes up. All drooly and mushy love over my face and shoulders give a sense of belonging, The chubby little fingers are always reaching out for something they aren't supposed to. The little gaa gaa, made up words and beginning of talking is so endearing, I would want him to continue forever. Running my hands through his golden blonde smooth locks melts my heart and gives me such pleasure when it is enough to put him to sleep.  I love seeing him taking naps, they seem to be so angelic, faces seem so kissable that you want them to wake up to be in your arms. I would rather just keep that as a secret and never let him know, who would want to give a few hours of sanity! His loud toys and annoying songs have become so much a part that I keep humming it to myself.

The best of this routine is that he looks upto me for everything he needs- food, comfort, bath, change of clothes, nap, entertainment, play and of all love. It feels great to be responsible for someone who is my reflection, a part of me outside my body. Love grows and multiplies with family and leaves us with innumerable memories to last a lifetime.

Fabulous Four Decades

So what has changed for me?
Nothing much except I am aware of the fact that I have seen four decades. Fate has transpired against me and yup I turned Forty. I feel awesome and fabulous. Though I had apprehensions an evening before I turned forty about my life’s purpose and value, I am quite sure of one thing; I am here to make a difference in someone’s Life.

I feel there has been a whiff of air around me that smells new, flowers blooming looked prettier than yesterday and sky looked humble with bejewelled clouds spreading its wings of joys. I feel my best friend, my dad still watching upon me and joined by mother in law in someplace, they both are applauding my journey so far.

Things have changed and I feel amiss. But nothing I could do about, so I am learning to be strong. I feel these four decades have seen me through thick and thin. There have been so many valuable lessons squeezed in quiet and not so extra ordinary life of mine. I am loving getting older, spending life with my husband and my two loving children. I am learning many new things everyday from them that it seems like a new beginning. I am beginning to except my flaws and admitting seems like the first move towards redirecting myself for better version of me. I have become more tolerant of situations, though might not be in good light always.

My birthday week has given me tremendous peace and love. Spending time away from life’s busy arms is the best gift one could give to themselves. This week I have had great time with myself, knowing what gives me happiness and inculcating in little joys that bring a smile in the face from within. I am grateful that I am meeting people in life for a reason and there is some connect with every soul we meet here. Life is uncertain and the only way to diminish these uncertainties is to mask them with memories. I would love to create endless memories and live life till I fade. Let this decade be an inward journey.