To “make stock,” you boil down the remains of things – the bones of a roast chicken, the unused vegetables from the week, the leftover onions and herbs. You place it all in a pot and set it on the stove to boil away until everything has blended together into a rich broth, deep with flavor and purpose.
When we “take stock,” it is of similar process. We bring together experiences and moments, thoughts and ideas, and let them simmer for a while, mingling and merging to create a well-seasoned potage of intention.
There has been much fodder for that potage this week…
A holiday demands attention.
A new year fast approaches.
A dinner celebrates a great accomplishment.
A conversation weighs heavily.
A wake bears testament to a short life well lived.
A prediction gives a moment of pause.
There is a graceful ritual to stock making: the collection of ingredients, the consideration of flavor, the preparation of gathered items, patience and attention. It is, as author Paul Coelho says of a traditional tea ceremony, a “communion with the universe.”
There can be graceful ritual to stock taking as well, if we allow time for that communion. If we are willing to be patient, to give attention, to find our way to quiet simmering.
• • •
©2012, Jen Payne
The Soup, Pablo Picasso, 1903
Love it, Jen! And I’m going to do it…
Are you making the snowflakes fall on your page…?
XO,
C
Thanks, C!
(The snowflakes are a spiffy WordPress add on – I don’t remember where to find it. Look under APPEARANCE.)
I think I particularly like that third ingredient! :)
Me, too! : )
Lovely post!
Thank you. : )
Perfect combination of text and artwork.
Simmer away, Jen. There’s a delicious smell of rich broth in the air —
Simmering. Especially this time of year. It always gives me pause – the end of the year. You?
Yet another poignant post that is so simple yet reflective and powerful. I mention it in my Christmas Letter this year to friends and family: http://circletouradventures.com/2012/12/18/this-is-what-happiness-looks-like/
Thanks Beth! And congratulations on the cool “new” tractor and the life you’re creating. It sounds wonderful!
this is an extraordinary post – makes me miss Creative Soup! thanks, jen, for this jewel and for yet another year of wonderful blogging!
I love when these pieces come about. Even more so when folks connect with them so easily. Thanks!