(Originally written June 11, 2015)
As I sat at my computer, freshly roasted veggies in hand, I began reading a webpage that had caught my attention earlier. I was half paying attention the the website, half listening to Deepok Chopra’s book, What Are You Hungry For?, and half eating (I guess that should be broken down into thirds, but you know what I mean. Doing many things at once, none of which had my full attention.) And then I hear Deepok explain what it is to eat mindfully and how this is what one should be doing during meals. He said sit quietly with your food and eat. You’re not to sit at your computer (oops!), you’re not to be reading (double oops!), talking, doing other things…just eating and being present and aware of the moment and the food. You're to use your 5 senses to really be focused on the food. Enjoy the colors and smell of the food before eating, bless & thank the food and all who gave to it, truly taste the food, listen to it if it crunches or crackles, notice the way it feels on your tongue or in your teeth.
So, I paused ol’ Deepok, excused myself from my computer, and went outside to sit on my patio, under the umbrella. I sat with my bowl of food and just ate. It was immediately wonderful. I noticed that right away, my eating slowed down. I wasn’t shoveling food into my mouth with my focus on an interesting webpage. Rather, I chewed more and chewed slower. I tasted the food in my mouth. I noticed that I really enjoyed the taste of the olive oil on the roasted vegetables. I felt calm as I paused between bites and looked around at the trees blowing slightly. I realized, too, that I wasn’t hungry enough to finish the whole bowl of veggies, no matter how delicious. The awareness and slower pace, gave my body time to register that it was full and satisfied.
After this experience, even though it was so pleasant, I thought about how difficult it might be to try to instill this new eating protocol when I'm eating with friends or family. It's extra difficult in our culture, as we use the time of eating together, specifically to socialize. Maybe I can at least try suggesting that when we eat together, we take the first 5 minutes being silent, eating with mindfulness & gratitude. Just being mindful of the food. Tasting it. Enjoying it. Eating is slowly and calmly. Taking time to be fully present, without the distractions of a conversation. Like many new things, it's a practice. It will take time to remove the old habits of eating and working or talking, but it will be worth it in mind and spirit, each time that I do have a mindful meal. Here's to new practices!
(*Since writing this piece, I did try it a few times with my boyfriend, and we both love it. BUT, we usually forget about this and get right down to the business of talking as soon as the food hits the table. After re-reading this post, I am re-motivated to do the 5 minute mindful rule again! We also try not to forget to bless and have gratitude for the food and all who helped get it to our plates.)
(*Since writing this piece, I did try it a few times with my boyfriend, and we both love it. BUT, we usually forget about this and get right down to the business of talking as soon as the food hits the table. After re-reading this post, I am re-motivated to do the 5 minute mindful rule again! We also try not to forget to bless and have gratitude for the food and all who helped get it to our plates.)
by Brooke NisbetE-RYT200, RYT500Yoga Teacher | Yoga Teacher Trainer | Yoga Mentor | Wellness Guide
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