Sandy Centeno started to experience cooking in a new way during the Pandemic. At first, she would dread all of the prep work involved - washing, slicing, peeling, heating, cleaning. It took too much time as well as a lot of movement and preparation. It seemed like just one more thing.

Three years later, she relishes it.

Cooking makes her feel alive.

Centeno, a spiritual guide and energy healer, is no stranger to various forms of meditation and prayer but says she was both surprised and delighted when preparing food in her home turned into a spiritual practice, even a time of prayer. Like many of us, she describes her mind as a constant humming companion. Even when she desires quiet, it consistently seems to want to tell her something, to fix, to analyze, and at times, to sabotage.

Onions help. So does tea.

And peppers, and pozole.

Smells, taste, touch, sight and even the sounds of food:

crunch;

snap;

sizzle;

and simmer bring Centeno into a place of peace, harmony and joy. This mental and physical place she now recognizes as the Presence of God. And, she thanks her senses that developed through cooking for helping her to activate this Divine connection.

Centeno explains that her Mexican lineage has helped her to cultivate a rich relationship with food nurtured by a deep appreciation of colors, tastes and smells. Life is less hurried in Mexico. There is time to appreciate, savor. At 12, she moved from the United States to Mexico blessing her with a perspective of both cultures. She admits, Americans are more disconnected from the fullness and stories food has to offer. Up until about three years ago, this was her experience, too.

During a writer’s gathering at Retreat House Spirituality Center, Centeno felt God inviting her to share her wisdom with others. We glad she listened!

On May 13, she offered a workshop at Retreat House Soul Soup with Sandy - Nourishing Ourselves and Others. Participants cooked along with Centeno as she shared one of her favorite recipes for Pozole, a Mexican soup typically served at birthdays, holidays and baptisms. And according to Centeno’s recipe, this soup is gluten free and vegetarian - a plus for our community.

Her intention during this sessions is to create a space and experience that will connect individuals to both their mind and their heart. She also hopes this will be a time for participants to refine their sense of self by helping them to develop their senses through the preparation of food. These are times of fellowship, play, sharing stories as well as exploration. Her prayer is that folks will leave feeling more centered.

Oh, and soup is served!

As someone who companions children, families and adults, Centeno wears many hats and has a few titles, but when asked what she considers her calling, Centeno replies:

If you are unable to attend, look for a copy of the recipe in our next book House of Nourishment.

Listen and/or watch Centeno visit about the art of savoring and finding the sacred in food.

Presence through Pozole was written by Emily Turner Watson. Emily is a trained spiritual director. Part of her ministry is to bring healing, truth and joy through active listening and writing. Have a story to share or interested in direction? She would love to hear from you.