Change and habit

The benefits of habit and regularity don't usually present themselves to me in a favorable light, but in the past few days, the ideas have snuck in and refused to budge.

Theoretical. In The Relaxation Response, Herbert Benson (M.D.) defines stress, in the context of hypertension, to be any necessary change in one's behaviors. So when subject to stress-inducing changes, a person becomes more likely to become ill: widows 12 times more likely to die than others their age. That's the old romantic (!) story about the remaining spouse dying of a broken heart - but now there's scientific proof?

So if change is a health risk, what's invigorating? Or is "vigor" dependent on the heart's ability to withstand an exciting strain - a little like the breathlessness of living to tell the story, be it from getting by in a new city, succeeding in a new job role, or completing a century on your road bike?

Personal. The women on my Mom's side of the family seem to regard themselves as doomed to repeat mistakes and unhealthy behavior - while admitting guilt (and sometimes even declaring it!). Have they capitulated to some concept of habit? Or does it have real sway? How to understand this without more years under my belt? Sometimes, I wonder about how much predilection for martyrdom the Catholic upbringing might have left behind to make it possible to condemn oneself knowingly, but this idea that a person isn't able to change seems simply ridiculous.

I believe: We are all capable of learning, and at any age. I appreciate more and more the continuing education centers run by colleges nationwide, and hope I'll be able to avail myself of them eventually.

New Year's resolutions are a common form of condoned change - so is habit why we often fail?

Honestly, I find an arbitrary date like Jan 1 to be a stupid one to choose for making a change that you're convinced is appropriate for you. If a person wants to make a change, they'll think about it and then take the plunge then. Waiting seems to increase disingenuousness - and hence failure. At least at ritualized attempts at change is a step toward taking life into your own hands, but I'd like to see people find a way to be successful instead of simply following a January fad and forgetting by Valentine's Day, when exercise plans are easily abandoned for some gourmet chocolates.

Back to habit again - should life be the alignment of one's normal activities with one's ideals until sufficiently satisfied .. and then bring on the calcification?

Life to me seems like an abundant buffet, expanding at [someone else's] will. The moment I choose a habit, do I deny that myriad of fragrant choices? I can't easily imagine turning a blind and forgetful eye to the multitude of interesting ideas, people, hobbies, etc. But neither can I imagine joy without discovery. Even if that discovery lies in appreciating what is already here to stay.

I can't draw a conclusion yet.
I'm suspicious that my self-imposed definitions are muddled - and that habit may not be exclusive of newness. In my own case, it seems a fusion may be called for. Maybe I'll be victim to my own ancestry eventually - so this may all be for naught! But, I'd like to think not.

Treasure hunting in the woods

Having just finished The Omnivore's Dilemma and recalling the excitement of the early days of garden-grown baby greens from The United States of Arugula, I have to say I find mushroom foraging pretty intriguing! Mushrooms have mysterious biology, but they're also the culinary version of treasure - highly valued, hidden and sought-after, and seemingly free for the taking.

Here's a website I want to check out more about foraging food for free (when I have the time! My reading to-do list is towering high above me at the moment): Wild Man Wild Food

Where did your Banana come from?

Mine came from Ecuador. From a conglomeration of 3 farms called MarPlantis, that's been certified under United States organic farming laws since 2005. If you get a Banana from Dole, you can see where it came from, too. Just check the UPC sticker on it and head to the web.

Here's an important question:
Is it better to know for certain that your banana comes from a farm thousands of miles away, and to see the faces of those farmers who send it off to feed you, although you will likely never have a chance to meet? Or is it better to "suffer" and give up summer fruits in the winter -- a season when dried fruits traditionally supplied North Americans with enough to satisfy the sweet tooth?
I have yet to move exclusively into farmers markets and local food, but the common sense of the equation just makes sense. The environmental impacts (which I won't go into) are noteworthy in and of themselves, but the support of local economies is a more tangible effect in lots of ways. I know that I support myself by supporting my neighbors!

For the skeptics and rushed soccer moms:
This isn't just something trendy to think about for cooks or career chefs. You and I eat every day, probably 2 or 3 times. If we are conscious about our choices for those meals, we can make one mental move stretch into 1000 individual actions over a year - and get used to the change in routine probably quicker than the travel time of a South American banana. And those choices adds up to something significant.

UPDATE 2/28: Umbra dishes on funny looking organic Bananas at Grist.