My New Oath to Food

"In this food I see clearly the presence of the entire universe supporting me."
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

What a delicious phrase with which to kick off a meal.

That phrase, alone, deepens and heightens food's interaction with my palate. How about yours?

Last week I did a cleanse and one of the things I wanted to do when reunited from our separation was to make my relationship with food more sacred. It's been on my mind ever since I read Thich Nhat Hanh's quote. It lost its reverence as the kids drifted off to college. I've made some sporadic progress in an effort to bring it back, but I'm ready to jump in with both feet now. This time for me.

Isn't that how change happens? By our awakening to what we value a little at a time.

If I don't have time to sit down and enjoy a meal it should be the rest of my life that needs adjusting rather than my eating habits. How did we get that confused? Can you relate?

I've been thinking about this negative relationship with food that many Americans share. Guilt, shame and fear have taken the place of joy, reverence and celebration when it comes to eating. Even "thoughtful" eaters often eat to avoid obesity, chemicals or premature death. Eating has lost its art--the art that comes with the spirit of the act itself.

I am ready to consciously engage all my senses in my new eating experience. I'm designating uninterrupted time for me and food--to acknowledge it, engage it, see what it has to show me about myself and express my gratitude for it.

I'm ready for love to be my motivation for eating--to delight in it's purchase and preparation. I'm ready to bring the art back and this is how I picture it.

1. I begin my celebratory eating with an expression of gratitude to the heavens for how it's been supporting me lately.
2. I acknowledge the visual appearance of the items on my plate. To really see them.
3. Then to consciously bring a utensilful just under my nose where it can intoxicate my olfactory senses.
4. Once it enters my mouth I desire to savor the flavor, chew slowly and deliberately, while noting texture, consistency and sound prior to swallowing. 
5. I note my food choices and what I do when I reach fullness with interest.

This will take some time and discipline but I'm ready for this pilgrimage. I want to see, hear, smell, feel and taste the presence of the entire world supporting me with every bite. Care to join me?

Bon appetit!
Trish

And if you're wondering who the lovely young lady in the photo is; she is my youngest daughter. :)