We’ve all had those days in the kitchen when we’re less than inspired and motivated, haven’t we, chef? It may be that we’re distracted by other goings on in life, or too tired to focus, or maybe even bored with the repetitiveness of the tasks. It could be anything. Things are not always clear cut.
Is there a simple fix for this? Not really. In such a situation you’re only aware that you’ve kind of lost touch with your soul. The joy, delight, satisfaction seem to have gone and all that fills you is your lack of excitement towards the task at hand.
What can you do in those moments? It takes awareness to shift any state. When you become aware that your heart is not in it in this moment, the first step is to acknowledge that feeling. And not be fearful or wary of it. Rather than sink into it, or even if you have hit a low point, simply reconnect to the task you’re performing. Immerse yourself in the movement you’re making, without thinking too much about it.
If you can get to that place, you’ll notice that there’s a lot of purity there. There’s only you, the ingredients, your tools and whatever you’re doing to feed someone. In fact, do you need anything else? That’s where you get in touch with the essence of what you do.
And guess what nourishes you to show up to work everyday? That very essence of being a chef: the joy of feeding others.
(I want to add that if it’s something deeper – a more profound, prolonged disconnect with your work, maybe there’s something else afoot. I’ve experienced it. Maybe then it would be more helpful to really go inward or have a conversation with someone about it. Whatever it is, trust that it’s here to show you something!)