Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is another practice of mindfulness.  It helps us be aware of our food and the people we share the food with.  It also helps us slow down and truly enjoy the food we are having and gives rise to gratitude towards people and all living beings who help put together the food on our plate.

It might help us choose 15 or 20 minutes of a day in the week where we have plenty of time to enjoy the meal mindfully, at lunch or dinner.  We take time to prepare the meal mindfully and sit down (by ourselves or with our friends or family members).  As soon as we’re sitting down, we come back to our breathing.  Then we look at the food in front of us and silently aware of the contents (whether it’s a bowl of soup, a sandwich, salad, or other dishes).  We see the many elements coming together to make this meal: the rain, the earth, the sunshine, the farmers, the animals and plants, and the cook. 

We feel gratitude for everyone and everything that contribute to the food.

After that, we pick up the morsel of food and chew it slowly, perhaps 20 to 30 times and savoring the taste.  We do the same throughout the meal.  We can also stop eating and smile at people who are sharing the meal with us.  It’s time for us to enjoy the food.  So, if possible, we can turn off the TV or other electronics and just quietly enjoy the food.  After a few minutes of eating in silence, we might start our conversation with others.  Keep the atmosphere in the room light and peaceful.  Refrain from heated discussion or planning for the future.  This meditation can bring much nourishment to both our body and spirit.

GN