A-MUSINGS

“We never repent having eaten too little.” – Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson knew of what he spoke. If Monticello was anything like my house, the overeating started at Halloween. First, there’s all the candy (and folks in my neighborhood have been improving their hand-outs over the years. No more generic lolly pops. They are giving out Kit-Kats, M&Ms and Snickers! Yum.). Then comes Thanksgiving, a time when we give thanks for all that we have by snarfing down all that we can find in the kitchen — turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and pies. All the pies! And whipped cream. Then before you know it, Christmas is upon us with cookies, hot chocolate and every kind of high fructose cornsyrup-laden gift and goodie sure to make even the most sugar-resistant adult bounce off the walls. It’s no wonder gym memberships skyrocket in January.  But by spring, we’re at it again. Chocolate bunnies and malted milk ball eggs in the Easter basket.

This is good for us? No. Not really. But this is not the kind of overeating I’m advocating. You might pay attention to the rumbling in your stomach, but frequently you forget to FEED YOUR SOUL.

Hyacinths, To Feed Thy Soul

If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.

Moslih Eddin Saadi, Gulistan (Garden of Roses)

So how to we do that? Last I checked, there were no Nutrisystem or Jenny Craig plans for souls.

Here are a few suggestions for some hearty soul food:

• Spend more time with loved ones. Even if you don’t think you have a minute to spare. Your child, parent or friend will remember that you stopped what you were doing to devote attention just to them. Those minutes or hours just might end up being some of life’s most memorable.
• Volunteer. There’s nothing better to give than the gift of your time. And you will probably find that you get back more than you give.
• Laugh. Read the comics. Listen to a joke. Or if you have a warped sense of humor like I do, then go to these websites:  www.engrish.com, www.damnyouautocorrect.com. (Warning, there may be some material on the websites not suitable for children, but it’s still hilarious nonetheless.)
• Hug people. You’ll be feeding your soul…and theirs.
• Do something nice for yourself. Watch a movie or read a book. But none of that high-brow stuff (unless you’re really into that). We’re not talking about feeding your brain. Indulge in whatever genre makes you happy.  Me? I’ll take a great sci-fi film, fantasy thriller or chick flick any day.
• Bring beauty into your home. It could be flowers or something gathered on a nature walk. Or maybe a cat or dog from a local shelter.

I know we all get busy,  and it’s tempting to skip breakfast or lunch. But don’t do that–either with food or with your soulful meals. Your spirit needs a regular infusion of healthy nutrition. And in this case, snacking between meals is definitely okay. When it comes to fortifying your soul, there’s no such thing as overeating.

Leave a post and let me know what’s on your menu to feed your soul.