Over the weekend I saw the movie The Tale of Despereaux, an animated film about a tiny but courageous big-eared mouse who ends up saving a princess and bringing a whole kingdom back to life. Aside from basking in its heartwarming triumph (cue the violins), what I found so fascinating was how passionate this kingdom was about soup. Yes, soup. Every year the royal chef would prepare a new specialty soup and the people in the town would celebrate by parading around wearing vegetables hats and carrying banners that read, “LONG LIVE SOUP.” But after an unfortunate accident one year, the king banned soup from the kingdom forever and nature responded by stealing the sunshine away, leaving permanent gloomy clouds with no rain. The people of the kingdom became sad and lifeless, and the princess stayed locked up in her tower, longing for happier days. And do you know what made things shift? When the chef finally decided he had enough and started making soup anyway. The aroma from his kitchen infused the whole kingdom and brought the life back to its people. The hovering clouds finally broke into raindrops and later parted to let in the sunlight. The “LONG LIVE SOUP” banner was brought out once again and the whole town rejoiced. The reason why I share this here is to point out the fact that such a simple, traditional act of making soup could be so revolutionary, so subversive, and so lifesaving. Call me a romantic, but it makes me want to start chopping veggies now!As we here at Laughing Sage and all of our clients can attest to, without support, reinforcement and encouragement from others, it’s hard to keep making soup in a land of take out menus and restaurants at every corner. Without the inspiration of new ways to combine food, different veggies to try, or new condiments to revive, its easy to get bored and give up. So that’s why I’m so thrilled to be putting together the first official Laughing Sage Cookbook and also teaching cooking classes at our center in 2009. (email me for more details, or to sign up - jessica@laughingsagewellness.com)
In a culture where everything is telling us to look outside of ourselves for answers – from the doctor’s magic pills to Cosmo’s guide to good sex – it really is a bold and courageous act to be in your kitchen with the roots, sprouts and bounties of our earth and to create a pot of self-nourishment with your own two hands. I believe that soup really can change the world. But don’t take my word for it – get in the kitchen and see for yourself.
Check out the articles and recipes in this week's newsletter for some great ways to stay centered and nourished over the holidays!
