Sukoon — a gentle life of food, light + everyday beauty
#5 a weekly letter of small moments that bring you joy
Welcome to Sukoon
Sukoon, an Urdu word for soft joy, peace + comfort—not just the kind around you, but the kind you feel deep in your chest, when your soul is quiet, rooted, smiling. It’s the warmth of the morning light after snowfall, the sound + scent of basmati rice gently bubbling on the stove, the soft chaos of a table after friends have left. The feeling of sinking into your cloud-like bed at night.
Sukoon lives in food, in memory, in joy that can’t be named. It’s that peace deep in your soul. The kind that lingers. A feeling that settles into your bones.
This series is a weekly photo letter; a way of noticing. All the images are mine, gathered from the daily moments in my life: flowers from the farmer’s market, café corners, hands in motion in the kitchen. Sometimes there’s a recipe. Sometimes just a quiet moment. Always, a pause. Rooted in the spirit of Spice Spoon and Cooking Without Borders, Sukoon is my way of living slowly—and inviting you to do the same.
Friends, I owe you an apology.
The last time I shared moments of Sukoon was last month. I didn’t mean for the pause to stretch quite this long.
A lot has been going on in life, and I didn’t want to show up here half-heartedly. This space is about sharing and noticing beauty, holding joy, finding peace in the small and ordinary. I wanted to show up fully present. So here I am, today.
Thank you for your patience. I’ve missed writing to all of you.
Here are a few of the beautiful things in which I found Sukoon.
1. Women in Food
I find so much joy in gathering loved ones around my table. Sitting down to curate a menu, styling it with the vintage linens I’ve inherited and collected over the years, making even the simplest food feel thoughtful.
There was sukoon in sitting together—four women bound by food and friendship.
There was laughter, and some tender moments of tears. I live for this sisterhood and the comfort of sharing meals and wine together.
2. First Outdoor Farmers’ Market
The farmers’ markets have moved outside again. I spotted ramps, those wild leeks that arrive briefly each Spring, and brought a bunch home. I wait for them each year, it is always something to look forward to after a long winter. Chefs compete for them. It’s a tiny treasure for us food lovers.
Not everything has to be grand. Sometimes a tiny seasonal thing like ramps can shift the entire day (and one’s mood).
3. First Barbecue of the Season
We lit the grill for the first time this year. My son took charge, standing by the barbecue like the pro that he is. Watching him made me so proud. For a mother, that is the ultimate sense of sukoon.
3. Cooking with Ramps: Hummus and Guacamole
I made ramp hummus and also used my pestle and mortar to add it in guacamole.
Friends came over, and we stood in the kitchen snacking, talking, laughing.
It was unplanned. There was sukoon in that moment. No performance, no planning. Just food, friendship, ease.
5. Ruffled Flowers
I brought home a bunch of ranunculus, with their soft, ruffled blooms. They are dear, so I treat myself to them once in a while. They sit on top of the wine cart, near the window where the light seeps in in the afternoon. So pretty.
6. Lilacs and Cake
A dear friend gifts me lilacs from her tree every year. We used to work together in my previous life, when I was an economist.
This year, she came with her wee newborn in tow, and I had a rhubarb cake waiting for her. She showed up with her whole heart, and that is everything to me.
It’s a gentle kind of sukoon, this friendship that’s lasted beyond that previous chapter of my life.
7. New Friendships
For someone like me, who is a Third Culture Kid, with friends scattered in all corners of the world, there is something beautiful about building friendships right where you live.
Our neighbours came over for aperitivo time, with their baby, who was wearing the sweetest little hand-knit sweater. It was one of those evenings that made me feel deeply rooted.
8. Barbecuing for Two
My son was away mid-week, so Zain, (my husband) and I decided to grill our dinner and sit outdoors. It was perfect: asparagus from the market, sumac and garlic marinated chicken, with a lovely salad. We moved slowly, chatted, cooked, sat outside.
That kind of simplicity on a weeknight, the absence of rush, and the comfort of rhythm, was utter sukoon.
9. Sudden Rainbows
Last week there was a rainbow outside, and my son ran in to tell me. I stepped out, and there it was, arching across the sky above the cherry blossoms.
For a second, the world was still.
10. Rest is Productive, I am Told
Chatelaine Magazine invited me to a wellness retreat, which was technically for work, but really, it was about rest.
I came home reminded that rest isn’t indulgent, it’s essential.
Until next time, may you find a little Sukoon this week.
All love, Shayma x
All photographic beauty in this newsletter is by me, unless otherwise credited.
Perhaps you’d like to read Sukoon #1?
If you enjoyed my writing, and it inspired you, I would be so grateful if you hit that ❤️ or share my post—it helps spread the word about my craft.
You know Shayma, a dear neighbour who is no longer with us, used to say smilingly to me: just remember that no one ever died from resting too much! Her name was Ada Pagliarani, she was a painter, and a very classy lady whom I regularly miss. We do indeed need to remind ourselves that rest is vital! Carry on resting Shayma, whenever you can!