"Eating as a community” was a topic here on Thursday night with Cheri. It created a lively and informative discussion.
We talked about this instance as an example.There’s that fabulous, brand new, Chef’s Salad full of avocados, almonds, grated beets, garbanzo and kidney beans and a slew of other mouthwatering ingredients. And then right next to it is the obvious “needs to be eaten salad” from the day before. Now, it’s tempting to skip that older salad OR (depending on how much ego needs boosting) to be the martyr and eat only the older salad! We talked about perhaps seeking the middle way and having some of the older salad AND the newer salad.
How we approach a buffet offers many insights on how we are conditioned to approach life. It’s tempting to approach a food line with the attitude of “what I want” over “what is best for all.” What is best for all includes what honors how best “my” form is nourished, what allows for everyone in the community to be nourished and to honor what life has provided in terms of nourishment so nothing is wasted.There is always plenty for all, and there is always a choice that is compassionate for all. If we are present, we can model the awareness of what it means to “eat as a community” in all the choices we make in life.
In gasshō,
Alex