Food to Family

Food is our common ground; everyone everywhere eats. It's what and how its done that shapes a culture. The most mindful experiences in eating involve using the hands. “Time for iftar,” Jamilla says, waking me up for breakfast. Had I been at home I would have grabbed the milk and poured myself a bowl of cereal, sitting down in front of the computer to check my email. Sadly, my culture relegates food to the back burner when something more important comes up. Here in Gaza, 7000 miles from home, it's a different story. Countless time and energy is required in preparing meals and everyone is expected to be present as it is an important bonding experience.
As I sit on the floor around a low table with no silverware, I throw my notion of etiquette out the window. Everyone dives in, armed with a piece of warm homemade pita bread, to attack the plethora of food. I adhere to the custom and dig in with bare hands (a stark contrast to my recent trip to Northern Europe where even sandwiches require a knife and fork). With every bite, I feel a deeper connection to the AlZaneen family who have invited me to take part in their ritual.
Another juncture on my journey of mindful eating occurs in Ethiopia when I find myself stuck in a small village for the night. A family sitting around a fire calls me over to join them. I recognize a similar feeling of gratitude as I rip off some spongy injera bread and scoop from the same pile as my hosts for the evening. As I have the privilege to be apart of a coffee ceremony, I know there is no greater gift. I appreciate the hard earned food and for a moment in time, I am truly am eating with family.
I now understand the Ethiopian proverb “people who eat from the same plate will never betray one another”. Mindful eating involves an intimate connection to the food and the company. It is meant to nurture the body and soul. While no culture has a right or wrong approach, all should be experienced with open mind, mouth, and heart.