Many families around the world begin their meals by saying their own version of ‘grace’ around the table. My family was not one of them, so I find it very interesting that this ancient tradition of saying ‘thank you’ for food has become so important to me. My own version of thanks has become “bow”; reverence and respect for the living creatures and plants of this planet that feed us. I have learned that when we take the time to prepare a meal that satisfies all the senses and slow down to experience it, we are participating in an age-old ritual of gratitude and reverence. Reverence is acting with ‘veneration’ or with the deepest respect.
Dr. Masaru Emoto has opened the world of gratitude and love in his experiments with water crystals. He says, “Love must be based on gratitude and gratitude must be based on love. These two words together create the most important vibration.” Since water is in great abundance in our food and in our bodies, it makes sense that we have positive thoughts about our food while we eat it. In this way we can make the most of our food and the experience of eating it. Maybe we can even improve nutritional absorption.
“From Mr. Emoto’s work we are provided with factual evidence that human vibrational energy, thoughts, words, ideas and music affect the molecular structure of water, the same water that included more than seventy percent of a body mature human and covers the molecular structure of water. The same amount of our planet. Water is the very source of all life on this planet, quality and integrity are of vital importance to all forms of life. The body is very much like a sponge and is made up of billions of chambers called cells that contain liquid. The quality of our life is directly related to the quality of our water. “
Saying a simple thank you, as in a blessing before the meal, will establish the intention of this gratitude and respect for the meal. If you have taken the time to prepare a meal that is nutritious and meets your body’s needs, then it will be easy to really feel it. It doesn’t have to be religious unless you want it to be. A simple thank you to the life that contributed to your food is enough. Make it yours
Setting the table is another way to show reverence. Surrounding your food with a beautiful environment is one way to show respect for the food we eat. Using a tablecloth or placemats, pretty glasses, and cloth napkins will make every meal a celebration. Set the table with flowers and candles. The ritual of lighting a candle has a way of making any experience special. Music is also important, as it is directly responsible for our emotional state and the speed at which we eat. Put on something slow and relaxing that gives you a sense of peace. You want to be able to eat slowly to appreciate the food.
When preparing your meals, try to think about how to appeal to all of your senses through textures, colors, smells, tastes, and sounds. Using your senses as a tool to become more ‘aware’ will help you notice and appreciate your food like never before. During meal preparation, think about loved ones or guests with whom you will share the meal. In their book Amber Waves of Grain Traditional American Whole Foods Cooking, Alex and Gale Jack say that “By preparing food with a calm and peaceful mind, the cook creates health and happiness for her family. This, in turn, contributes to the community health, national health, and finally world health and peace. ” There is no better reason than that to be creatively aware of ‘how’ to prepare and eat our food!
Theresa King on The Spiral Path says, “Appreciate every food you make. Stick with the food, don’t be elsewhere. Cut it carefully. Cook it carefully. Pay attention.” It is also a practice that people with eating disorders are taught to prepare and eat carefully. It helps to be more aware of the habits we have and our emotional connections with our food. Zen monks practice Shojin Cooking to help them on their spiritual journey. It includes preparing food in a mindful way, as well as mindfulness at every step of the process from ground to table.
“If a woman could see the sparks of light that come out of her fingertips when she is cooking, and the substance of light that enters the food that she handles, she would be surprised to see how much of herself she carries in the meals she prepares. prepares for his family and friends … The energy passes into the food and when the recipient eats it it truly blesses the recipient … An active charge of happiness, purity and peace will spill into his food, and this will it spills over onto other family members and hurts them. ”
Maha Chohan, electrons
When eating, try to focus on the different aspects of food: textures (crisp, soft, chewy), colors, shapes, smells (garlic, ginger, lemon), tastes (sweet, sour, salty, sour), sounds (how food sounds when chewing). By trying to be mindful of each bite, he slows down to be vigilant and shows great respect for his food. Chew well and make the most of your dining experience. By using all 5 senses, you will appreciate it and maybe notice things you never did before.
By eating with respect for the food we are nourishing our body with, and by preparing and eating it in a supportive environment, we can increase the absorption of the nutrients in our food and enhance the support and enjoyment it provides us. Eat reverently.