Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Ramen, Potatoes, Pozole: Food as a Common Fabric

Ron Guier developed a gift and love for cooking as a very young child. His parents were often absent for long periods of time, and it was either cook or not eat, usually with meager ingredients. His love for cooking continued into adulthood even when he went to prison. It took some time, but with limited access to items in the prison commissary and only a microwave, he began preparing special meals. A mate asked for a childhood favorite, pozole, for his birthday. It required a lot of creativity and imagination, but his friend said “that it tasted like his mom’s pozole, that it tasted like home, that for a moment he was transported out of this place and into his mom’s kitchen where he felt warm, safe and loved.” Through their continued gatherings around food, Ron and friends began to realize “an incredibly supportive and family-like community in one of the most toxic environments anywhere” that led to “organizing and advocating for inmates as a whole and for the common good.”

Be The Change

Take note of the gifts and talents you bring to your community; invite others to offer theirs. Gather, share a meal and your gifts, and appreciate the emerging rich broth of belonging that nourishes, and feels like home.