Grace in a Bowl: Lentil & Sweet Potato Stew for the Soul

I often find myself discussing the concept of grace with my clients during our sessions. It’s become a sort of running theme—so much so that they now jokingly anticipate my thoughts on it before I even speak. One of the things I often hear from my clients is, "I know, I should give myself grace." It’s funny how we all recognize the concept, yet putting it into practice feels like navigating a maze blindfolded. I remember a time when I, too, would berate myself for not having everything perfectly together. Grace isn’t something you just achieve once and move on; it’s more like a daily invitation—a gentle reminder that we’re all a work in progress. It’s not about striving for perfection; it’s about showing up for ourselves on good days and bad.

This Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew truly embodies that spirit of grace. As I carefully measured each ingredient, savoring the colors and aromas, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Creating something satisfying for my body also became a tender act of self-care for my spirit. I realized it wasn’t about how the stew looked in the pot or even whether it turned out exactly right. What mattered was that I took the time to nourish myself, giving myself permission to enjoy the process, even if it didn't go as planned.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen or facing a moment of self-doubt, remember to pause, breathe, and embrace the chaos. Let your experience remind you—grace is about the journey, not a final destination. Each time you choose to care for yourself, you are practicing self-compassion. And that, my friend, is enough.

Ingredients:

For the Stew:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp ground coriander

  • ½ tsp turmeric

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed

  • 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)

  • To Serve:

    • Fresh parsley, chopped

    • Lemon wedges

    • Crusty bread or cooked rice

    • Leafy greens

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Instructions:

1. Ingredient Gathering: Embrace Mindfulness

Exercise: Before you start, take a few deep breaths. As you gather each ingredient, hold it in your hands and acknowledge its role in your meal. Silently express gratitude for the nourishment it will provide. This practice helps cultivate presence and appreciation in your life.

2. Chopping Vegetables: Practice Patience

Exercise: As you prepare your vegetables, adopt a slow, deliberate chopping method. With each slice, remind yourself that just like preparing food, personal growth takes time. If you feel rushed or frustrated, pause for a moment, take a breath, and acknowledge that it’s okay to go at your own pace.

3. Heating Oil: A Moment of Reflection

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Stir slowly and let them soften for 5–7 minutes, appreciating the rhythm of your movements.

Exercise: Before adding the vegetables, take a moment to reflect on your day. What’s something you appreciate about yourself? Jot it down or repeat it quietly. It’s essential to recognize your own worth as you prepare your meal.

3. Build the Flavors

Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and turmeric. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Breathe deeply and notice the warmth of the spices filling the air.

4. Sautéing Vegetables: Letting Go & Inviting Joy

Add the sweet potato, lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf.

When you add the broth, meditate on the idea of letting go. Imagine the broth washing away any negative thoughts or self-judgments. Repeat a mantra like, “I release what no longer serves me,” to encourage self-acceptance.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally, watching the ingredients transform.

Exercise: As the vegetables hit the pan and start to sizzle, visualize the joy in your life sizzling alongside them. Allow yourself to smile as you stir. This connection can help lighten your mood and serve as a reminder that joy can coexist with challenges.

6. Simmering: Self-Compassion Check-In

Exercise: As the stew simmers, set a timer for five minutes. Use this time to close your eyes and reflect on how you can be kind to yourself today. Consider journaling any thoughts that arise, focusing on self-affirmation and compassion.

7. Taste Testing: Acknowledging Progress

If using kale or spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Season the stew with salt and pepper to your liking. A squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors.

Exercise: When you taste the stew, take a moment to appreciate the complexity of flavors—just as your journey has its complexities. Reflect on how far you’ve come and celebrate the small wins along the way. Each taste is a reminder of growth and resilience.

8. Serving: Sharing Your Grace

Exercise: As you serve the stew, think about how sharing food is an act of love. Consider making a moment out of serving by pausing to appreciate the beautiful creation in front of you. If comfortable, share your experience with someone, speaking openly about the journey of grace you’ve been cultivating.

Final Thoughts

So take a moment, breathe, and let this stew remind you that grace is a practice, not a destination. Every time you choose to nourish yourself, you’re doing the work of self-compassion. And that’s enough.

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