HEERA ALAYA

BUON APPETITO
nutrition for our sensibilities

By Heera Alaya
May 16th, 2016

In the spiritual journey of life, eating transcends mere gratification of the palate; it nourishes our sensibilities. An appreciation for simple foods, small portions and aesthetically pleasing presentations—mirroring inner beauty and contentment—is essential to fully embracing nourishing experiences.

I reflect on two contrasting episodes that enhanced my sensory awareness and imparted invaluable life lessons.

My first experience took place in East India, where a remarkably lovely young woman, employed as domestic help, graciously invited me to her home for a festival meal. Thrilled by the invitation, I accepted without hesitation. My mind raced with anticipation, pondering what the afternoon might hold: Would she be wearing her special saree paired with a vibrant red blouse? Would her home’s floor be adorned with intricate rangoli designs crafted from colored rice powder? Would I indulge in delightful rice sweets? My imagination was limited—the visual narration and emotional experience extended by this young woman far surpassed my expectations. The precious wonderland this young woman invited me into was a dream!

On the day of the luncheon, the young woman graciously accepted my box of sweets and led me through the expansive rice fields to her modest dwelling, a thatched hut nestled among the greenery. Unapologetically, the young woman invited me inside and introduced me to her family, who, like her, exuded warmth; their musical, uplifting greetings reflected a rich sense of hospitality. This sense of abundance extended to the refined presentation—vibrant orchids accompanied the delicate waft of incense, and the spotless floor was adorned with woven chattais [floor mats] on which we were to sit and dine. The awakening experience became even more enchanting as the young woman served beautifully arranged art-like food from shallow woven baskets, her movements graceful and poetic, like the gentle breeze.

Decades later, I was once again struck by a similar impression—in Paris [France]. Thanks to a friend’s invitation, I had the pleasure of visiting the home of a Parisian woman. My curiosity was piqued as I wondered about my host, our potential conversations, and her home décor style, among other things.

As I ascended the stairs to her second-floor Haussmannian apartment, a bouquet cradled gently like delicate butterflies, I admired the ornate wrought iron and the polished wooden railing that spoke of diligent care. With a broad smile, I turned to my friend as we stood waiting for our host to answer the door. My anticipation was rewarded; our Parisian host welcomed us with warmth, exuding an unmistakable air of confidence and groundedness.

From the moment we arrived, our gracious host put me at ease by inquiring about my stay in Paris and expressing genuine interest in my life. Her keen awareness quickly detected my admiration for the elegant décor, and as if on cue, our Parisian host guided me through magnificent French doors to reveal her even more impressive wrought-iron balcony, where she graciously shared insights about the architectural history of her apartment. Then came a sumptuous spread of tea laid out on a charming vintage French country table. I felt so at home in this refined setting that I found it impossible to refuse her offer of a second cup of piping-hot tea and a gooey canelé. Exercising restraint, I politely declined the offer for a second serving of cake—to be très élégant!

During the couple of hours I spent in this Parisian woman’s home, my subconscious absorbed the intricate details that reflected choices made over a lifetime. This woman, hailing from old wealth, graciously shared the elegance of her existence. Each word spoken and gesture made revealed her maturity and sophistication.

My experiences in East India and northern France offered me a rich symphony, from the spirits of my hosts, who exuded elegance, to the unique notes that filled their homes, culminating in the wholesome flavours of their cuisine. These profound experiences taught me that, beneath the surface of region, language, and social class, the essence remains the same—caring, genuine hospitality. Both the Indian and French women bestowed upon me dignity and a profound sense of belonging  intrinsic to their souls.

Animal rights campaigner, IN