Eating is a part of life. Without it, there is no life. We eat to receive nutrition for health, and calories for energy. Eating is inherently enjoyable. Our minds are rewarded for doing something healthy and necessary for our bodies, which include our brains. For many, eating is also a part of our social life. We enjoy company when we eat, and we offer hospitality with food. This aspect adds to the enjoyment of eating.
Our bodies are wondrously made: telling us, when we take care to listen, when to eat, when to stop eating, and even what food the body is craving.
Too often, in a busy, hectic world, our “monkey mind” feels compelled to multi-task, and to rush through the task of eating so we can get on to something else. We drown out the messages our bodies are trying to tell us.
Hydration is an important aspect of nourishing our body, including our brain. The nourished and hydrated body supports our wondrous minds. When we become more mindful about our hydration needs and practices our bodies and our minds function so much better.
At other times, we seek solace in food; an escape from worries and troubles, or a quick boost when energy is drained. Physical activity can drain our energy, but so can emotional turmoil and worry. When we worry, our body tells us that there is some danger we need to prepare for, and we try to store up energy for whatever emergency action is might be necessary. The trouble with this process arises when the danger never arrives, or when the actions called for are more mental and relational rather than physical. We have eaten some high calorie, energy producing food and then have no activity to expend the energy on. This pattern of “feeding” our worries becomes a habit.
A regular practice of meditation can help us deal with anxieties and worries in a much more effective and healthy, and less destructive way. In addition, a regular practice of mindful eating can help restore consciousness and joy into the eating process. Look for coming instruction in mindful eating, and in coping with stresses and worries. Also, look for coming guided meditations for both topics.