Desire and fear

Hunt and I just watched the movie "Chocolat" last night (for me it was about the 10th viewing, but still). This is a film that addresses the rigidity of those with a fixed belief system versus the joyful, sensuous delight of taking pleasure in taste, texture, and the unfamiliar and exotic. Briefly, Vianne and her young daughter Anouk arrive in a small French town during Lent, and set up a chocolaterie. Those who see themselves as holy and righteous meet this strong, beautiful woman head-on, and lessons are learned.

I've come to feel that we all are yearning for certainty in life- so much of it is such a big mystery, so often we are confused with contradictory explanations of the simple and complex aspects of life, big and small. Many of us are brought up in traditions that claim to have the answers all wrapped up, or at least, an explanation of the mystery of it all. And yet, even within those traditions there are contradictions. Sometimes we are told we must have faith, and not question the contradictions. Sometimes we are given long, complicated explanations attempting to reconcile these contradictions within the tradition. The mystery and wonder remains, and yet there is a desire for some spiritual certainty. (On a tangent, here is one of my favorite jibes at the attempt within one tradition to make it all clear: Dear Dr. Laura). We fear that which is outside the explainable, because there is the Unknown (there be dragons!).

Whether or not we adhere to a religious or scientific or other tradition, there is yet the Unknown- that which does not necessarily fit into our explanation, our rationalism, our spiritual path. Take chocolate, for instance. What is it about the sensation as it melts on the tongue? There's a beautiful scene in "Chocolat" where many of the principle actors, one by one, go to confession and pour out their guilt at the amazing explosion of the senses they have received by partaking of chocolate. Their trembling bodies, widening eyes, emotional voices, show their incredulity that such sensuous pleasure could exist- it couldn't possibly be allowed!

There is a line in the movie when Vianne's father is in Central America tasting a liqueur of cacao for the first time, that describes the taste as opening the senses and revealing the secret longings of the soul. What happens then? Self-knowledge, inner exploration, and possibly new revelation and a change of life. I'm not suggesting that chocolate always has that effect on people, but I am suggesting that freeing one's self to allow in joy, pleasure and delight can and will. Besides, chocolate is good for you! Really!

By the way, I am hoping this blog will invite comments and dialogue. I know I don't have the last word on these topics. What do you think about desire, fear, chocolate and other mysteries? Let's have a cup of hot chocolate and talk it over!