Strawberry Balsamic Shortbread Parfait

There is one place in my home where I can go and feel better. No matter what’s going on in my life, no matter how thick the clouds in my mind, I can step into my kitchen and the fog lifts. It’s such a simple recipe: when I apply myself fully, I find myself in the process.

Today’s practice: a phone call to my best friend, a good cry, and a reminder to go back to my happy place. On her recommendation, I spent the afternoon in my kitchen and my attitude shifted almost immediately. I dug up my recipe for rosemary sea salt shortbread cookies and went to town. I forgot how easy they are to bake. I tossed the strawberries I bought yesterday at the Union Square Farmer’s Market with some balsamic vinegar and then crumbled a shortbread cookie on top. A little homemade whipped cream cut the tang of the strawberries and vinegar and added a smooth, creamy texture to the cookie crumble. It tasted like the most heavenly strawberry rosemary shortcake. This will definitely be my go-to summer dessert. So simple. So delicious.

I find it so interesting that even when we have all of the right tools to help us feel better, we sometimes need to be reminded of what’s right in front of us. The haze of mental or emotional heaviness can veil the truth in our hearts, which is why it’s so important to reach out and ask for support from the ones we love; they will always remind us of who we are and what we’re capable of, even when we can’t see it within ourselves.

Our practice, be it a handstand or a strawberry balsamic shortbread parfait, will always lead us back h(om)e. Today’s practice taught me that love and support can be found when we reconnect with the people and rituals that reflect back to us the spirit within.