Eating food is such an integral part of our existence that we hardly pay any attention to the process. It is almost an automatic process that takes place on its own without any awareness of it on our part. Often we eat in haste without even chewing or tasting the food properly. We just gulp the food down our throat in a dutiful, mechanical way. This not only steals from us the enjoyment in eating but also makes our body fatter and unhealthy. However, as simple an act as eating can be turned into a beautiful meditation. In this article we will learn how to meditate while you eat.
Preparing for the meditation
If you want to convert your eating into a meditation, then it is important that you prepare for the process well. It is helpful to create an atmosphere around you that will be conducive to the meditation. Select a place where you will have minimum of distractions. You should ideally do this practice alone. Switch-off the cell-phone and tell the family members not to disturb you for about 15-20 minutes. Play some gentle, soothing, meditation music in the background. Some people may like to meditate in open, natural surroundings outdoors. Make sure that the place is not noisy like a hotel or restaurant.
Selecting the right food
Sit at your dining table or on the ground if you prefer with your favorite food in your hand. A fruit like and apple is ideal. However, there is no strict rule as to what you should use as a food for this meditation. What you eat is less important. How you eat it is what this meditation is all about. You can select a potato chip or a cake if you wish. Ice-cream may not be the best choice since this meditation is done slowly and an ice-cream will start to melt right away. Just make sure that whatever food you choose as an object of meditation is something you really like and enjoy.
Beginning the meditation
Once you have settled down and have your favorite food item in your hand, don’t just put it into your mouth. Your first job is to ‘feel’ the food with all your senses. How do you do that? Just relax and feel the sensation of touch of the food in your palms or on your fingers. Is it soft or hard? Is it hot or cold? Is it plain or has some texture to it? In the same way experience the food with all other senses. Look at its colors and textures, smell it, touch it on your cheeks and lips, listen to any sound it makes while you handle it. Get immersed into the sensual experience of the food.
Eating with mindfulness
While you are experiencing the food with your senses, become aware of the feelings it is producing in your heart. Does it make you feel good or does it create a feeling of repulsion or nausea? Or do you feel gratitude emerging in your heart? Then slowly put the food in your mouth and start chewing it mindfully. Enjoy its taste and feel in the mouth. Chew it until it becomes semi-liquid and then slowly ingest it. This meditation will make you more conscious of your physical sensations and elevate your level of awareness to a higher plane.
