Food For The Belly, Food For The Soul
I’ve been informed that that last post was a bit out there, Lewis stepping out a bit too close to the edge, so now’s a good time to reel it in a bit, get down to some deeply physical matters. Let’s talk about food.
Next time you have a meal (choose a time when you aren’t being distracted by others or feeling rushed to get somewhere), really devote yourself to the eating of it. See the sights, smell the smells, and when you put it in your mouth, taste the tastes and feel the textures. Really open to it, take a moment to think about what it is and what it’s going to do for you (nourish you, I hope). Spiritualize it in other words.
Relax your belly, open your throat and nasal passageway, and relax your jaw and tongue. Relax your belly and breathe deeply, in and out through the nose. There’s absolutely no need to hold your breath while chewing, just find a comfortable opening in the rhythm of your breathing for the swallowing. The more you avoid holding your breath the more you stand to benefit in terms of improved taste and digestion, as well as general health.
Once you’ve eaten to a satisfying (but not excessive) fullness, just sit there a while and turn your attention to the process of digestion that’s going on. No need to be too specific, but just realize that there in your stomach and later in your intestines, food is being turned into fuel and energy for your systems. Imagine the increased attention you’re giving it helps to improve its efficiency. Hopefully at this point you’ll be experiencing a wonderful feeling of renewed energy instead of the often lethargic feeling that seems to come after a meal. (But even so, don’t go rushing off just yet).
So there we have it. Food made into meditation. Bow down to the god of food, nothing beats a full belly for feeling at peace with the world!