Baking and The Meaning of Life

Over the weekend, I had the absolute delight of attending the Brisbane Writer’s Festival to see Helen Goh in conversation with Sarah Kanowski. Helen was in town to introduce her new book “Baking and the Meaning of Life”.

I loved this conversation – it gave language to something many of us feel instinctively: the way food, and in particular, baking, strengthens relationships and communities. She spoke of food as a love language and of the rituals of preparing and sharing meals as a way to locate ourselves in time and in connection with others.

Helen shared a funny anecdote about a particularly frenzied baking effort to support a bake sale fundraiser for those affected by the 2023 Earthquake in Turkey and Syria. After driving her and her many cakes across town to the drop off centre, her husband had commented.  ‘This is lunacy - It’s a terrible return on investment by the time you account for all the time, energy and ingredients so generously given. Why don’t you all just throw in $20?’  

Helen laughed, agreeing that he was right – and also missing the point. “But you weren’t inside that room” she said. “There’s so much more to it than that”.

 Indeed, if you’ve ever been a part of a bake sale for a cause you believe in, you’ll recognise the extraordinary spirit in the room – a spirit of belonging, of solidarity, empowerment, competence, community and generosity. It’s so more than cake or $20.

Helen went on to explain - It’s the same reason we bake meals for new parents, or friends experiencing illness or loss despite the abundance of takeaway or home delivery options (especially for those in the Metro areas). Taking the time to cook for someone else represents our love and attention. And baking feels extra special simply because it is ‘not essential to the business of life’.

We can get by without baked goods. But, if someone takes time out of their busy day to lovingly prepare something to give you a moment of pleasure, ease or joy during a difficult time – it means the world.

For me, in an era where time is precious and family meals and lunchboxes can feel relentless, Helen’s reflections breathed new life into the act of cooking for others. It so much more than nutrients, meal plans or filling tummies. It is a quiet but tangible way of communicating “I care”.

#BakingAndTheMeaningOfLife #SeedNutrition #HelenGoh #MindfulEating #Community