Sanctuary in spice: The kitchen as a space of wellbeing for a migrant woman in academia
Edited book (chapter)
Malhotra, Aastha. 2026. "Sanctuary in spice: The kitchen as a space of wellbeing for a migrant woman in academia." Mark, Narelle, McDonough, Sharon and Lemon, Mark (ed.) The Making Academic Perspectives on Expressive Practice and Wellbeing in Higher Education. United Kingdom. Routledge. pp. 71-77
| Chapter Title | Sanctuary in spice: The kitchen as a space of wellbeing for a migrant woman in academia |
|---|---|
| Book Chapter Category | Edited book (chapter) |
| ERA Publisher ID | 3137 |
| Book Title | The Making Academic Perspectives on Expressive Practice and Wellbeing in Higher Education |
| Authors | Malhotra, Aastha |
| Editors | Mark, Narelle, McDonough, Sharon and Lemon, Mark |
| Page Range | 71-77 |
| Chapter Number | 10 |
| Number of Pages | 7 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
| ISBN | 9781032971735 |
| 9781032971742 | |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003592556-12 |
| Web Address (URL) | https://www.routledge.com/The-Making-Academic-Perspectives-on-Expressive-Practice-and-Wellbeing-in-Higher-Education/Lemon-McDonough-Selkrig/p/book/9781032971735#:~:text=By%20showcasing%20the%20experiences%20of,and%20alternative%20ways%20of%20knowing. |
| Abstract | Navigating the competing demands of academic life can be particularly challenging for migrant women. In this chapter I explore how a seemingly ordinary activity – making food –- can foster wellbeing. Drawing on personal experiences of home cooking through the lens of positive psychology, I delve into the interconnectedness of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement. I observe that activities such as learning and sharing recipes and experimenting with culinary techniques can improve self-confidence, spark nostalgic conversations, and create a sense of belonging. The act of “‘making food”’, therefore as shown, provides a temporal separation from academic pressures, creates joy, and strengthens connections with others. In doing so, I inform a growing body of work on how an ordinary activity, cooking, becomes extraordinary and turns my kitchen into a sanctuary for contemplation, creativity and connection. |
| Keywords | Reflective Practice; Wellbeing; Resilience; Migrant; Academia; PERMA |
| Article Publishing Charge (APC) Funding | Other |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 440999. Social work not elsewhere classified |
| 350708. Not-for-profit business and management | |
| 529999. Other psychology not elsewhere classified | |
| Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
| Byline Affiliations | School of Psychology and Wellbeing |
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https://research.usq.edu.au/item/zz664/sanctuary-in-spice-the-kitchen-as-a-space-of-wellbeing-for-a-migrant-woman-in-academia
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