Knowing that it is a good idea to eat slowly doesn’t make it easy to do. When I don’t pay attention, I can be nearly finished with my dinner and contemplating seconds before I remember to taste my food. When I slow down, I am able to enjoy with all my senses and to allow the meal to nourish me on many levels.
A nice way to remember to slow down and be present is with a meal-time ritual. It could be a prayer, a saying, or even a reflection. Some sort of simple, regular routine that brings appreciation and awareness. My own ritual is a meal “gata” that I learned from my Zen* group:
We are grateful for this food;
the work of many hands,
and the sacrifice of other lives.
We eat with mindfulness
to be at peace.
My husband and I say these lines together. When we do, I have the sensation of all my rushed energy coming back into my body.
My family of origin say a prayer at mealtime while holding hands. Some people I know go around the table and let each person say something they are thankful or grateful for. All are ways of showing appreciation. All help us slow down and remember that the act of eating is important and is good to recognize.
If you don’t already have a meal ritual, experiment to see what feels right for you. Whether you already have one or begin with a new one, make sure that you intentionally use it as a way to slow down and to really notice what you are eating. Being intentional makes all the difference.
For more nutrition tips, check my website at www.healthyhabitscoach.com
*For more about the Zen teachers that offer the meal gata:
Joan Sutherland at www.joansutherland.net
John Tarrant at www.pacificzen.org
