You need to cook to eat, and survive. But cooking can be more than just a way to feed yourself. For Zen monks there are only two activities more important than meditating: Cooking and cleaning. Cooking helps you be mindful of the present, separating yourself from the nuances of the daily grind. Cooking also boosts creativity, trying new things and experimenting. It can open your mind to new ideas, and even new cultures. There is no better way to understand a culture than through its cuisine. While you won’t master a chicken curry the first try, understanding the spices and flavors from different countries is like taking a trip from your kitchen. So try a new recipe, or improvise, it will do more than help your appetite.