* The kitchen as a therapeutic tool *
The kitchen is one of those activities in which art, technique and knowledge are combined. It is a field in which culture and affections are put into play in a single task. Basically we eat the landscape that surrounds us. We prepare it based on acquired traditions and knowledge. And we do it based on the relationship with others.
There are several ways to see the kitchen. One of them is the most practical, that of the daily journey. It cooks what there is, as it can, to supply the nutritional needs. Another way to see it is that which comes from its commercial use. The preparation of food is also a business.
"The kitchen is the alchemy of love".
-Guy de Maupassant-
However, the most affective, creative and social way of seeing the kitchen is one that is oriented to enjoy it and get others to enjoy their results. When the food is prepared without hurry and with the aim of communicating affection and making a moment special for those we love. In that case it stops being a professional task to become a personal expression. It also becomes a therapeutic tool.
Sensory awareness, the first contribution of the kitchen
The kitchen is one of those activities that involves all the senses. These are activated throughout the process, until the end. Sight, hearing, touch and, of course, smell and taste should be set in motion during this work. When eating, the same thing also happens.
In this way, the kitchen becomes a true rainbow of sensations. Therefore, it implies an integral experience. It is one of the few activities currently that allows this parade of sensory impressions, which is always very rewarding.
The kitchen is a creative experience
One of the most interesting aspects of the kitchen is that it is an activity in which the result is never the same. The same person can cook a plate twice and it will not stay the same. Two people can replicate the same recipe and the taste will be different. To that extent, it is a very personal activity and, therefore, creative.
Likewise, it is one of those tasks that admits infinite variations. In all the steps of the process it admits changes. Sometimes in the way of preparing a food, sometimes in the manner of presenting it. Also in the ingredients that are put, in the cooking or in the accompaniments that are added. The kitchen is pure creativity.
Patience and concentration
The kitchen is one of those activities in which a process is carried out that includes successive steps. More than in other activities, it is clearly experienced that it is necessary to complete one stage before continuing with the next. It demands patience. The times of the meal do not depend on our will.
In the same way, many tasks are carried out during cooking, sometimes simultaneously. While the dough is put to rest, for example, its filling is advanced. Or while something is cooking, everything is ready for the next step. This demands that we focus our attention on what we are doing, and only towards that. This stimulates the ability to concentrate.
Problem solving and decision making
The kitchen is unpredictable. You are preparing something and a small distraction makes you pass point. Or you realize that after some process the food does not have the texture or the consistency that you wanted. All those small problems demand solution. And that exercise to solve difficulties, implies a stimulus for your intelligence.
In the above is implied the fact that you must make many decisions during the preparation of a dish. The recipe can say that baking lasts 10 minutes, but you see that it is not enough. That requires you to analyze the situation and resolve what you are going to do. The kitchen increases your capacity in making decisions.
Relax and have fun
When you have a positive attitude, the kitchen becomes a relaxing activity. The important thing is not to cook with nerves, nor hoping to obtain perfect results. Ideally, you can do everything calmly and have an open mind to the experience.
Cooking as a couple, or with friends, can be a very fun and friendly experience. Likewise, serving a dish prepared with our own hands can have a lot of love. If you want it, the situation can be very fun and rewarding.
We do not have to be experts to get into the kitchen. It is enough to have goodwill and a previous basic plan. It is an activity that takes place at home and is available to anyone. In addition, its psychological and social benefits are undeniable. It is worth trying once