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Marielisa's avatar

This comes, arrives with such a perfect timing— still working with an ED that’s being part of my life since, seems like forever.

The possibility to look at food from this place of what made it possible, gives me a different perspective, and this is always a gap in between, creating more space in my mind.

Thank you Elena, your words are always magic.

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Elena Brower's avatar

Marielisa, this is music to my ears! Thank you for helping me appreciate Ann's invitation even more clearly.

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Marielisa's avatar

Thank you Elena, like I said before, your words are always magic.

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Julie's avatar

Giving thanks and being grateful for the beautiful food around us and how lucky we are to have access to fresh, seasonal produce is a blessing in and of itself. I’m grateful there are so many more farmers markets these days to give everyone access to what is grown locally. Then, to come around the table and share in this bounty together is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

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Elena Brower's avatar

Well said. One of the beneficent recalibrations of our time.

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Mina Cicconi's avatar

There’s something deeply transformative about encountering our food with gratitude... not rushing past it, but pausing to acknowledge the entire constellation of life that made it possible. It begins in reverence. In greeting the food with thanks, we make space not just for nutrients, but for grace, nourished by it, in the company with those we love... it's the best part of each day. This is a great offering of awareness. I want to talk about the migrant workers... the love they share with us. And the importance of not overlooking or discarding their contributions. How their blood, sweat, and toil enriches our lives, so that we can fulfill our own dreams. Let us help them do the same, without having to justify their existence, when they already have. Amen.

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Elena Brower's avatar

to the migrant workers, and the entire constellation of life. thank you, Mina.

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Kateri Ewing's avatar

Elena, your reflection on gratitude for our food truly resonated with me. I love the Upaya blessing, and learning about Divya, too. For years, I’ve noticed that my body feels healthier, bloodwork improves, etc when I eat less grain and legumes and more lean meat, but my heart has always struggled with it. Since I was a very young child I’ve struggled with it. Recently, I’ve chosen a path that nourishes both my body and my spirit, finally able to let go of meat so that I can feel more at peace. I’ve always thought it a sort of cruel joke that the universe put my non-harming soul into a carnivore’s body. It is the same with my brother and father, their health responds better to meat than carbohydrates, but their souls match their body. That sounds strange… but it’s how I’ve come to understand it. Your words have inspired me deeply today, and I’m grateful for the reminder of the importance of both kinds of nourishment. That maybe even more gratitude might help my cells respond in the same way as my spirit and heart. I hope that makes sense. Anyhow, thank you. This was timely for me.

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Jes Brunning's avatar

Thank you for sharing the Upaya verse. This is the missing link for me to begin regularly incorporating blessing my food before eating. I’ve known it is important to slow down and do so for awhile. This was wonderful inspiration! Thank you 🙏🏻

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Elena Brower's avatar

w o n d e r f u l dear Jes... yes.

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