I am also grateful to Holden for having the cognizance to mention the wheat flour.
Also, I have really taken a liking to cabbage, cauliflower, and potatoes boiled in turmeric, cumin, coriander powders (plus a sprinkle of chopped red pepper
flakes). This is very easy on the exposed gums, requiring a minimal amount of chompers.
I saw something about an under-the-sea hotel in the Indian Ocean somewhere. It's about two hundred thousand dollars for 4 nights. I know that the thought of spending (or even having) such funds to "blow" seems almost vulgar; and yet I can't help but suspect that there is some poetic justice in the humble delight we might experience upon discovering an inexpensive meal that we can incorporate into our minimalistic lifestyle, when we consider that gorging on lobster tails, shrimp, and maybe even snorting co-caine or having access to other mind numbing chemicals may set into motion an unsatiable appetite which demands more and more just to break even psychologically. It's mind boggling that there are moments when I genuinely feel "my cup is overflowing," when I behold the books, notebooks, and computers I am blessed with at the moment. Knowing how greatly I adore a collection of forgotten math books, and realizing that there are those who may be so much more miserable than I am, who have access to immense wealth, gives me some insight into those lyrics in some songs which sing about "the kind of thirst one experiences when one's well is full is the kind of thirst that can never be quenched."
A black woman once told me that I have "a great abundance of inner wealth." Another woman, also of the darkest Africoidal variety, told me not to feel bad at all that I was "alone," and that I seemed "whole and complete" regardless. This all may sound corny to those business types who go by the philosophy, "Money talks, bullshiit walks," but there is some kind of hilarious truth in it, I mean, this idea of
inner wealth. There may be some things that money just can't buy. Again, it sounds like folklore or things people without money in the bank tell themselves to make themselves feel better; but, damn, I think I have experienced this kind of phenomenon myself in my own life.
What I am trying to say is, one way to get through this life that may seem to be not worth living is to appreciate the small comforts available to most of us, not reserved for the uber-rich.
Senor Raul advises us to endulge in naps. When I first began taking naps, it felt almost "sinful" - such delight right there for the asking ... all that is necessary is to be free of care and worry.
How one reaches such a state of equanimity may be a highly personal matter.
Some people must get their best sleep at work (while getting paid).