(1 minute read)
I have always marveled at the hidden connections between seemingly unrelated subjects. Like life and cooking. And yet, as a cook I became to understand that the techniques employed in the kitchen uncover valuable wisdom that can feed our daily lives.
Starting by the art of balance in cooking. Cooks juggle flavors, textures, and temperatures, aiming to strike the perfect harmony between all the elements of a dish that will make our taste buds dance. This balancing act can be seen in our lives too. Just as a dish can be ruined by an avalanche of too much of one ingredient, our lives can become unbalanced if we give too much attention to only one aspect. The right amount of each, allows for a well-seasoned life.
Professional kitchens operate under the “mise en place” concept. It’s the practice of having everything in its place and ready to roll before any culinary preparation. This allows for readiness, precision and consistency. In life, we can also apply this concept by prepping ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically for whatever challenges come our way. By doing so, we’ll be more agile and ready to leap over life’s hurdles with grace.
Patience is a key ingredient in cooking. A cook must wait for the water to boil, the onions to caramelize, or the dough to rise. Some of the most complex and delicious flavors take time to build up and evolve. In life, we too must practice patience, whether it’s nurturing relationships, chasing dreams, or simply allowing ourselves the time to grow. We must know how to follow the processes in their natural timing.
Experimentation is the name of the game in the kitchen. The most daring and bold cooks love to flirt with unexpected flavors, creating dishes that leave us speechless (and hungry for more). In life, we must be brave enough to dance outside our comfort zones, take risks, and learn from our epic fails. By embracing experimentation, we can build up personal growth and resilience.
Mindfulness, or being present in the moment, is a valuable life skill that lets us savor every experience. A great cook is present and fully engaged in the task at hand, by using all senses and full attention is the only way to whip up a culinary masterpiece. By practicing mindfulness, we can uncover a sense of joy and happiness that transforms our daily lives into a feast of wonder.
The techniques of cooking offer a buffet of wisdom that can be applied to life. By applying the principles of balance, preparation, patience, experimentation, and mindfulness, we can create a recipe for a fulfilling and delightful existence.
