Day 5

Word of the Day – Eating

“In this food I see clearly the presence of the entire universe supporting my existence.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Eating. When you read the word, at first, you might think, what’s new in this word? You eat daily, more than once. From the very first days on earth, you learn to eat. But could you remember how many times do you pay attention to your food? You might skip observing the foods on your plate and keep surfing the mobile or TV while having a bite of your burger or a sip at your cup of coffee. This way, you become a mindless eater who only feeds his/her body with no connection between food and soul. But, mindful eating is a technique where you can spend some meaningful time paying attention to the foods you’re eating. This way, you will give yourself a treat of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Especially, with the art of mindful eating, you can bring your body and mind back together and feel the beautiful connection between these two. 

Here begins your day of Eating.

The task of the day:

Eat when you feel hungry. Come to the table with an appetite. Only then you will feel the need to feed your body. Start with a small part. It might be preferable to have a small size bowl or plate so that you can fill it with adequate food. After coming to the table, sit and relax. Then appreciate your food. Pause for a minute or two before you begin eating to contemplate everything. Silently express your gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy the food on your plate. Here comes the most important step of mindful eating. Bring all your senses to the food on your plate. If you have cooked the food, then you must be attentive while preparing the dish. If you have bought the food or someone else has prepared it and you have brought the food, then start being mindful when you sit to eat. Before you start eating, be attentive to the color, texture, and aroma. Try to smell the food. While chewing your food, try to identify all the ingredients and their flavours. Take small bites and chew thoroughly. Eat slowly. Spend at least five minutes to mindful eating before you make your mind to finish the food and leave the place. 

Quote of the day:

In every bit of your food there are a lot more. Observe and feel the peace.

– The Saffron Storyteller

Affirmations of the day:

Today I am here to focus on my plate. Here I am savouring each bite, every moment. I’m listening to my body. Today, I am eating for nourishing my body, mind, and soul. Today I am appreciating my food. I am observing the tastes, the smells, and the textures of this food. Today I am allowing my body to guide me. I will stop eating when I will full. I appreciate the food on my plate and say thanks to the Almighty for gifting me today’s food. I make powerful choices about food. I eat only when I am actually hungry. This food is a foundation for my healthy lifestyle. Write in your journal: Mindful eating is about using all of your senses to be present when we’re eating. It would be most preferable to keep yourself away from TV or mobile phone. Focus on the colours, textures, and aromas of the food. Today’s task is Observation. You need to observe the food and note down the things you are observing. Write them all in your journal. 

The last step of this process:

“Today is a great day for eating with mindfulness. Today, I learned how to savour each bite and feed the body, mind, and soul with peace. Now I feel calmer than before as I am dwelling in peace. I will let this state of bliss remain in mind for the whole day. I will focus on here and now. I will come back tomorrow with a new purpose and try to learn a new way of living mindfully.

I am here to receive more peace and more calm in my life.”

This is all for today. We will come back here tomorrow once again with a new way of mindful living. Till then, be still, be calm, be mindful. 

(This post is a part of my A to Z series on Mindful Living, titled “More Peace, More Calm”. This is also a part of Blogchatter A to Z Challenge. Read all the posts of this series here.)