Learning Patience from Cooking and Baking

I have discovered that I like to cook, even bake. I have never been one who has been comfortable in the kitchen. Recipes seemed too confined. I now think of them more as guidelines for creativity. Yes, I have had many laughs when I’ve placed some unsatisfying food outside for the birds, squirrels and chipmunks who inhabit our yard. I also enjoy feeding the animals. What I especially like about cooking is the slow cooker. Slow cookers take most of the day to do their work. Slow cookers teach me patience, patience with myself as well as food. I’m also learning to bake bread. Baking bread helps me to learn patience as I wait for the yeast to do its slow work. Another reason for my cooking and baking is there are results that myself as well as others can taste and see. There is a reward, if I am patient and wait. During several days each week, I am a psychotherapist and spiritual companion. There are many situations in which I do not have a clear reward as I wonder if I have been a help for the person who has left the consulting room. When I wonder if I have been a help, I go home to cook or bake.