Feeding One's Soul

I have long been absent from this corner of the internet and ashamedly the theological corner of my mind has been rather inactive as well. I am prompted to make my return to deeper musings after a rather thoughtful walk/lunch/walk on a beautiful Bostonian summer day.

A common theme lately in my life has been an urge to delve deeply into

nutrition and thoughtfully consi

der the importance of food and how it affects

my body. For a long time, my thoughts on food were very much in line with my thoughts on most aspec

ts of modernity: efficiency rules. My background

of economics is unequivocally something that I appreciate as it

imparted upon my mind's eye a lens through which to view the world in discriminating terms. However, it has taken me life experience to not only recognize that people are not in fact rational creatures that view the world contextually through ful

l information, but to reach beyond that touchstone of microeconomic theory in order to see unique ways that intangible externalities can trump the quantifiable costs & benefits. Put simply, people are at the mercy of what society dictates as progress, despite the fact that ostensible gains in efficiency may be costing us in ways that it may be hard to put a finger on. Perhaps the greatest impetus behind my recent extra/introspection has been Atlas Shrugged, which has u

ndoubtedly been the most thought provoking book of Fiction/Non-Fiction that I have ever read, I highly encourage you to read it if you have not already.

Beyond my newfound generalized skepticism of the "Making Life Better Through Science," mantra, I have placed particular emphasis on that relates to food that is consumed. Nutrition is a significant component of dental education, ob

esity is an epidemic in the United States, and long ingredient lists freak me out; this combination of factors worked to erode my confidence in mainstream eating habits and notions to the point that I deemed further investigation to be necessary. Ultimately a conflagration of factors pointed me in the direction of becoming a more consc

ientious eater, and I think that it is importa

nt to share this with others sans a soapbox. My findings, up to now, have basically centered around natural is better, less is more. That is to say that crops and animals raised in conditions most closely resembling their natural environments result in their

highest possible nutritional value available for consumption. As a part of that, typically items raised naturally also have fewer ingredients and fewer still of ingredients that I cannot pronounce. Whole grains are preferable to more highly processed white ones, as is an orange much better for you than is solely the orange juice. Through providing nutrients and being devoid of preservatives and stressed out meat they also lower propensities for obesity which is good all around. Feel free to read more expounded versions of my thoughts a more health/economics/policy oriented blog I recently began, the Unobjective Observer.

Given that you are already tiring of reading and I am just now getting to the theological correlation as it pertains to me, I will do my best to remain brief. Michael Pollan is an author that does a wonderful job articulating basic guidelines for healthy and responsible eating. One of his books, Omnivore's Dilemma, he profiles a farm in the Shenandoah Valley, Polyface Farms. The farm's concept is founded on the principle that Creation provides mechanisms to support a thriving farm so long as the farmers are good stewards of the land. They have developed what essentially boils down to a sophisticated crop/livestock rotation that keeps the land healthy and fertile while not relying on insecticides and fertilizers through responsible allocation of natural resources. They have chickens roaming free that eat the insects, they have virgin forests that take care of rodents, and utilize portable fencing to keep their herds practically daily on the move. The result is healthier animals that are in a better condition to be eaten. While, earlier things that I had read instilled within me the desire to eat products that were pure, this was the first correlation for me between organic living and God.

Regardless of the degree of one's metaphorical interpretation of Genesis, it is clear that humans have a responsibility to the earth that transcends their responsibility to themselves. As in most core principles of Christianity once grasped you realize it is unnecessary to state, meaning, that our overall happiness and quality of life will be better if we have a healthy earth, love our neighbor, do things in moderation, etc. On a personal level I have always felt most in touch with the supernatural in unadulterated landscapes where there is minimal influence of man interrupting my communion with God. In nothing quite so profound or palpable, I feel the same way eating naturally, in some subtle way it resonates with a part of me that recognizes what we are meant for. Small farmers tending their crops with hard work and respect for the process, ones that humanely raise animals, and strive to establish diversity in their crops in accordance with seasons rather than grow Monsanto licensed lab specimens are staying true to life within the terms of Creation rather than trying to mold Creation into a shape that fits within the myopic and self-interested visions of Man.

A really fun and strangely fulfilling experience that I have come to appreciate as I've never appreciated a business experience before have been my 1-3 weekly visits to Mike & Patty's nestled into a cozily discreet corner of Bay Village in the heart of Boston. Everything about the establishment seems to revolt against the urban stigma of claustrophobic anonymity (despite its tiny size). Rather than cluttering their tiny shop with oh-so-corporate laminated menus, they have a festively chalked blackboard that describes their sandwiches both in words and through the personal flair that handwriting adds in the digital age. The remainder of the restaurant is outfitted with what would feel like a museum quality collection of quaint food cultural artifacts, if not for the immediate aura of welcoming cast by these well selected inanimate objects'

personalities and the warmth of Mike, Patty, Heather, Stef, & Jenn as they miraculously work expertly within the crammed confines of an open kitchen. Beyond the naturally pervasive good vibes that come part & parcel with such a place, the fare here is made with naturally raised meats, the freshest and most local ingredients available, and eggs from chickens that probably have a more enjoyable life than most people. I've thoroughly enjoyed experiencing different and creatively symphonic blend of tastes as they alight as a veritable chorus in my palate, not to mention beginning to include red meat in my diet again once I discovered their naturally raised savory-ness. This all ties back to my pensive lunchtime as I contemplated the interconnectedness of eating well and how it reconciles with my notion of living in the way that God intended. In no way, shape, or form do I pretend to represent the thoughts/motivations/reasons that Mike & Patty's has such an incredible array of healthy, natural sandwiches beyond that anyone that takes the time to be aware of their food can see and feel the benefits of local, fresh eating. However, M&P's embodies both the characteristics that I strive to include within diet and the personality that is all too often absent from city life. It serves as a convenient reminder that eating well can be the same as eating good and eating fun, and in doing so I can feel good about my health, my spirituality, and my contribution to the economy. Spending $'s is the most democratic way to vote and I'm proud to support

@mikeandpattys .

PS: I had a beautiful behemoth of a Veggie Torta today (with refritos, sweet potato, jicama slaw, avocado and goat cheese)