Avocado toast is comfortingly crisp, its creamy goodness and spicy bite nourishing body and soul. Something about preparing food that is simple, yet complex enough to need forethought, makes this a special treat.

Unlike bananas, avocados are not perpetually present on my counter, unless I realize they can be if I choose. These days avocados appear more often. I make the choice.

When I am mindful about how I feel in my body, I notice hunger and take time to make myself this intentional snack. When I am mindless, I head to the pantry and begin foraging. The end result often involves barbecue potato chips consumed in less-than-mindful quantities.

Toasted bread, mashed ripe avocado, and swirled sriracha sauce satisfies the need for my mouth to experience crunchy, comforting carbs with a dash of heat. It fuels my body with something of substance.

This weekend my daughter asked what I wanted for lunch. I answered, Avocado toast. She made it for me. It was even more delicious than usual, prepared with love.

I have a complex relationship with food, yet I eat. Each time I answer my body’s call to hunger with mindfulness is a step of growth. Each time I respond to poor food choices with kindness and curiosity, I discover more of what lies beneath the surface of my heart.

Avocado toast brings me back.

Here’s the how-to.

• Toast a slice of bread and put it on a small plate.
• Cut a ripe avocado in half and mash it right in the peel. Save the other half for later. (I usually include it in lunch somehow or share with another person.)
• Scoop the mashed avocado out of the peel onto the toasted bread. Spread it around.
• Drizzle with sriracha sauce. My sauce of choice is Cha! by Texas Pete®

  What about you, Dear Reader? What is a comforting, kind food that you prepare for yourself? Do share!