Just eating

A few months ago, sitting in an apartment in Barcelona, I decided I would simply eat my breakfast.

That is to say, I would only eat my breakfast while I was eating my breakfast.

I would not check email.

I would not scroll through the news.

I would not watch a video on YouTube.

I would not check the weather.

I would not even think about anything other than the food I am eating.

I would simply just eat.

I’ve maintained the habit with remarkable consistency since then and I credit this one seemingly minor change in my typical behavior with innumerable beneficial results.

For one, food is better. I notice the unique flavors and textures. I actually remember eating it. The experience of eating has become a treat in-and-of itself, not merely a means to satisfy a craving.

It cultivates gratitude. By focusing on my food I become aware of all that went into producing it. I notice that the tomatoes came from a greenhouse in Canada, and I feel gratitude for the workers tending those plants. I think about each link in the chain, from the energy of the sun to the spoon in my hand.

The exercise of mindful eating has sparked increased mindfulness during other routine activities like walking, washing my hands, washing the dishes, having conversations, and typing.

My diet is better. I am naturally eating healthier foods in moderate quantities. I notice that hunger cravings come and go of their own accord, and have thereby gotten better at not confusing a hunger craving as being a cue to eat. This is not willpower, exactly, it’s simply doing what makes sense once I’m paying attention.

My overall wellness is better. Perhaps as a result of eating better, my energy is stronger and longer-lasting and my overall feeling of wellbeing is more robust. I spend far less time contending with lethargy from overeating or crashes after a simple carb high.

I didn’t recognize it at the time, but in retrospect this decision to eat mindfully was one particularly noticeable step in a path back toward a dedicated practice of Buddhism. Over the several weeks following that first mindful meal I have naturally rediscovered the beauty and wisdom of this wonderful tradition, and gone deeper into it than ever before. This spiritual renewal has blossomed out of a simple choice one day to just eat.

---

If you liked this post consider subscribing. Adjust frequency or cancel anytime.