By Ashley Johnson
Whether it’s a table with fancy place settings, or a blanket on the grass, there’s no requirements when it comes to sharing food with the people we love.
Some of my favorite end-of-summer memories are camping with my husband’s extended family. We would fill a cluster of lean-tos at Kettle Pond in Groton. Our laughter and booming voices would echo across the pond each night, only competing with the loon calls. (I sincerely apologize to any other campers who had to experience our rowdy bunch.)
We would set up a portable garage, move all the site’s picnic tables into one long line, and with a few extra pop-up tents we would set up our extensive mobile kitchen of gas grills and propane burners. That’s right, we pretty much had our own mess tent. Any overflow seating would be spread around the campfire. Responsibilities of cooking and cleaning up were shared, but we would all partake and enjoy the food together. Sometimes I don’t think we were there to really camp, I think we were just there for the food and conversation, with our daily routines revolving around mealtimes. Throughout the day we’d hover around the same tables, playing Rummikub or Pitch, snacking on assorted treats. Everything tasted better at camp.
Greater Good Science of UC Berkley states that 25% of all meals are eaten alone. While the occasional; alone-time moment is healthy, remember that Isolation leads to cynicism. By contrast, connection leads to belonging which leads to hope. Breaking bread together is a powerful way to keep humanity vibing on common ground.
This week, we challenge you to find a way to share a meal with the people you love. Maybe it’s just a quiet conversation sipping coffee on the porch with your partner before your day begins. Perhaps you could share a quick snack with a friend. Maybe on Friday night, you can have dinner with your family and share your favorite moments of the past week. The benefits of sharing a meal with others can help you boost your mood, strengthen your social connections, and can even improve your digestion and sleep patterns! While the food is a way to bring you to the table, it’s the company that will keep you there.
“Laughter is brightest in the place where the food is.” – Irish Proverb
See you in The PATH Ahead.