Softening means...

When softening butter, I place it in a warm spot with gentle, in-direct heat. It allows the butter to relax but not totally melt and lose sight of itself. It doesn't really know what's happening — it simply relaxes, warms and expands its being. It doesn't lose structure. It becomes more appealing, accessible and delectable. The flavor is more distinct. It spreads so lusciously over bread. No longer is there a sharp clink of knife against plate at the butter resists being partaken of. It has become more of itself so that it's easy to share. It sounds messy, but who ever complained about licking butter off their fingertips? It's a pleasurable experience that warms the heart and makes us giggle like little children eating cinnamon toast.Softening is a slow process. It's usually done in preparation for something like making cookies. But why? Why are we afraid of letting the butter be a softer version of itself? Will we overindulge? Or will we over-discipline ourselves so it goes rancid? The butter is so appealing in this softened state. It seems a luxury. Not a hard practicality of a stern New England farming woman.Why not let softened butter be something we welcome and allow? There are no resentments. Be decadent. Let it dribble down your chin. Place it in a special dish. Softened butter is pure joy. Just as a softened woman is. Why do we withhold this joy? Softening does not mean losing all sense of self. It provides space and time for warming up. Letting go around the edges, letting this warmth sink in to the core. A gentle warmth that allows malleability. Yet we are still recognizable as butter — as a woman — as who we are. A tasty, delectable, finger-licking, joy-bringing delivery system. If we allow.