Part and parcel of living “in the present” (at least for me) is keeping connected with the past. Especially with those things that were once sources of delight. Mine are mainly food based. LOL. As such, I cook (dishes I love) not to remind me of what was but more as a continuum. This hardly detracts me from experiencing the new… in fact, it only enhances it.
It has everything to do with the culture we grew up with. No matter where you come from our culture-centric upbringing does shape and provide us with our unique make up. Values, taste and perception are shaped in our formative years only to be expanded upon as we saunter on this path of life.
Last Summer I came across coconut juice in a can from the local 99 cent store (incidentally one of my favorite places to shop) that I decided to take a chance on. Over the years I have come across coconut juice at various Asian stores. Some were better than others but the price was always a factor. This particular find was actually good and priced right.
Let me say there is still nothing that compares to drinking it fresh out of the nut on a hot day. Still this is the next best thing. Yes, when I drink it, I do recall sitting on a beach in Malaysia under the shade of a tree soaking in the delight of just being there. But I also fully take in the delight of soaking in my present… and the fact that I can enjoy the moments that I am currently living.
Sometimes those things that trigger what was, is essential to appreciating how far we have come. So, in a funny way having this little treat now is not so much about reminiscing about what was, but celebrating the availability of a delight I was introduced to at a young age… now. And now is where it is at. Part of that delight is introducing something as simple as a taste that may be foreign to some of my friends and watching their delight of the first time… and in so creating new moments in the present.
So, this is my count this week. Enjoying what is from a familiar past and savoring the present. Now to head to the store and restock on more cans.
Cheers and have a wonderful weekend.