Have an awakened lunch!
My laptop was acting up the other day, so I picked it up and turned it over to see if I had accidentally switched off some vital but mysterious button. And then the grossest thing happened: about a half-cup of crumbs fell out from between the keys. Ew.
Taking it as a cue from the universe to actually treat myself to a civilized lunch, I’ve been giving myself the gift of sitting at the table and doing nothing but savoring my food. And I’ve noticed several benefits: I feel a whole lot calmer when I give my lunch my full attention. I’m also more grateful for the food and in a better mood for the rest of the afternoon. I even feel fuller, longer.
Next time you find yourself about to chow down in front of the computer (or the TV), try treating yourself to an awakened lunch. No matter how crazy a day you’re having, you’ve still gotta eat, right?
Awakened Lunch
- Focus your attention on your food as you prepare it--whether you’re making it from scratch or you’re taking it out of the bag the restaurant packed it in.
- How does the food smell? What colors does it contain? How do the utensils feel in your hands?
- Before you start eating, take a moment to give thanks for having this food to nourish yourself.
- As you chew, get curious. How many individual ingredients can you taste? What are the physical sensations of the food in your mouth? Can you feel the food travel through your body as you swallow it?
- Take a deep breath between each bite.
- Every time your mind wanders off, bring it back to the experience at hand and anchor it to one of the sensory details of your meal—the taste, the smell, the feel.
- When you’re finished. Sit quietly with your eyes closed, even if it’s for a split second, to complete the ritual.
- Notice how you feel now compared to how you felt before you began your meal.
How do you find ways to squeeze mindfulness into your busy life? I'd love to hear your tips!
Kate Hanley is a regular contributor to Whole Living, a passionate yogi, and the author of The Anywhere, Anytime Chill Guide. She's also founder of msmindbody.com.
From: Victoria Klein | 8/26/10 at 10:40 am
Taking even just a 15-minute break to eat lunch AWAY from the computer has helped me maintain my sanity so much!
From: Today: Help, I’ve fallin’. « | 9/7/10 at 12:17 pm
[...] Have a mindful midday meal [...]