It’s Foodie Friday time, and since it’s also Pearl Harbor Day I have Japan on my mind.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It’s interesting how in the 71 years since that infamous day so many things Japanese have become a part of our American culture. One of these is ramen, the diet staple of so many college students and budding entrepreneurs We’re used to pre-packaged noodles and overly salty broth. In Japan, it’s another food altogether and ramen culture is a big deal. There are festivals to celebrate the various styles of ramen and if you ever have the opportunity to visit a restaurant where fresh ramen of various types is served, go. I’d recommend finding a place that specializes in the dish and not just a Japanese place that serves ramen along with other types of Japanese food.
There is a place outside of Tokyo called 69 ‘N Roll One that specializes in the dish. What makes it an interesting subject today is that the owner has a few rules, the biggest of which is that you must eat in total silence. Don’t talk to someone you’re with (you probably won’t be sitting next to them anyway – it’s first come first served at counter seating). Don’t use your phone. Don’t even read. You’ll be eating ramen in total silence. According to people who’ve eaten there, what is at first an extremely weird experience becomes contemplative as you become intensely focused on every bite. Which is the business point today.
How often do we clear our mind of distractions and really focus on something? We’re always wondering if there’s new email. Our other projects are dancing around in the back of our minds. Maybe we have music on as we work. We’re all so used to multitasking that calming our minds – shutting down the other windows that are open on our mental desktops – is a rarity these days. Maybe it’s something we need to try more often? Just as with this bowl of ramen, the subtleties hidden by the distractions get a chance to come out. The quick, often superficial thoughts we have on things give way to more complex impressions. Can that be a bad thing?
Try it tonight while you’re eating. Turn off the TV, turn down the music, and don’t speak. How does the food taste? Maybe it’s something you can try in the office too? Then let us know your impressions.
Consult Keith 