I was chatting with one of my wise friends last night and she suggested that I return to the post on mindfulness as there was so much information there. I respect her comments, so here we are!
Let’s find one focus to practice on for this week. How about our food? How can we bring a practice of mindfulness into our relationship and approach to food?
1. If you want to REALLY be thorough, you could spend some time reflecting on your current relationship with food and the food you choose to purchase, prepare and eat. How does your body feel with the diet you are currently consuming? How is your energy level? How is your skin? How is your sleep? All this can relate to our diets. Is food your enemy or your friend? Are you even aware of what you put into your mouth? Or are you TOO aware?
2. So now you know your general course of action. Meat, vegetarian, vegan, raw foods, etc……..you could spend a bit of time thinking what would be nourishing and satisfying this week and plan some menus around this. Have some fun browsing on line for recipes or your favorite cookbooks. Most of us do not spend this kind of time on our food anymore.
3. Ok. You have recipes chosen so you are ready for the grocery store. Make sure you have time so you can enjoy your visit. Spend ample time with the fruits and veggies which hopefully will be a large part of your purchase. Notice your body. Are you relaxed as you do your shopping? Are you feeling up tight because of the money you will need to spend? Just notice……..be mindful of how you are feeling in this task.
4. Food is on your kitchen counter. Where is your mind? Can you enjoy just putting the food in its place? Perhaps you have time now to wash your fruits and veggies so they will be ready when they are needed.
5. Meal time is approaching. No more wondering “gosh, what will we eat?” or “I don’t have the ingredients for what I am really hungry for” All that was taken care of in the previous steps. You can approach your kitchen relaxed and ready to enjoy the preparing process. Bring your mind HERE. Enjoy the beauty of the red peppers, the orange carrots, the purple cabbage. Enjoy the process of chopping, sauteeing, whatever you need to do to prepare the meal. Maybe you enjoy being in silence when you cook. Perhaps you have someone that enjoys cooking with you and a pleasant conversation flows. Perhaps you like some great music to be a part of your cooking experience. Enjoy!
6. Time to EAT! As the food is on your plate, pause. This is a time to just enjoy the beauty of what you are soon to eat. This is time to express gratitude to all who have helped in bringing this bounty to your table. Pause……..for just a moment. While you are eating, be mindful. How is this feeling in my body? Do you feel calm while you eat? Do you feel anxious, tense, guilty? NOTICE the tastes, the textures. Enjoy!
7. The moments after……again, pause. Have a cup of hot tea. Chat with your dinner mates. Resist the urge to jump up and get moving again. Let the food be integrated into your body in a gentle manner. Notice how you feel.
8. That’s it! You may not be able to do this every meal. You may only be able to do the “full meal deal” once a week. But you can bring aspects of this into each time that you eat. Pay attention, slow down, relax and enjoy.
Happy mindful eating. Please let me know if you give yourself this experienc and let me know how it felt! blessings, melanie
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