Fuelling the Temple Mindful Eating Practices for Everyday Life

By Meghan Pearson

Mindfulness is simply the awareness of the present moment—it’s living in the here and now. It is paying attention, on purpose, to life as it happens. When we practice mindfulness, we are able to escape the “monkey mind”—the constant droning on and on of the ego or the thought process; the part of us that lives in the past and/or obsesses about the future.

Mindfulness is valuable in dayto-day life to help us be more aware of the bliss in every single moment,, and it is also a useful tool in connecting to and nourishing our physical body. Fostering awareness around our meals and the food we consume allows us to more fully appreciate what we put on our plate while also helping us to cultivate a more compassionate and accepting view of our body temple.

Here are some easy ways to begin being more present with your food: ymore info: www.thegrandreturn.com/team/meghan-pearson www.meghanpearson.ca

1. Buy local. Hit your neighborhood farmers’ market and get to know the providers in your area. Learning where your food comes from and how it is cultivated is the first step in re-creating your relationship with food!

2. Eat in a calming environment. Sit down at your dining room table, on the patio, or roll out a picnic blanket at the park. Light some candles, and use the nice china! Try to avoid eating at your desk, in your car, or in front of the TV.

3. Give gratitude. Take a moment before you dig in to appreciate the plate in front of you. Be thankful that you are able to nourish yourself and honor the food and all the vitality and strength it will afford you. Send gratitude to mother nature, the farmers, and all the cogs in the wheel of life that brought that food to your table.

4. Savor. Before you take a bite, take in all the colors of your meal and really smell the delights that lay before you. Allow the aromas of your meal to penetrate your nose;your awareness. With each bite, notice the tastes and textures, and perhaps even note the different flavor combinations as they hit different spots on your tongue.

5. Chew your food! Digestion begins in the mouth and the more you can liquify your food, the less taxing it is on your body to assimilate.

6. Take your time. Eating slowly will not only help your stomach realize when it is full and help you avoid that uncomfortable “too full” feeling, but it will also act as a true meditation.

7. After you complete your meal, take the time to tidy up. If you hand-wash your dishes, really notice the water temperature, enjoy the feeling of the soap suds on your skin, and continue to stay in gratitude for the gift of nourishment your meal provided.

It may take some time, but soon these mindful eating practices will become second-nature and you will find yourself enjoying your meals, snacks, and culinary indulgences in the most connected, thankful, and pleasurable way. Bon appetit!