Do you love to eat?
Most of us would say yes. We look forward to it with great anticipation. We might even imagine our next meal to the point of salivation.
And yet, the moment we sit down to eat most of us do something else.
While eating, how many times have you:
- scrolled through social media,
- turned on the news,
- checked email,
- replied to a text message,
- listened to a podcast, or
- read a book?
When you love something, you pay attention to it.
When you love something, you’re present with it.
When you love something, you really take it in.
When you don’t pay attention to the food that is in your mouth, you rob yourself of the pleasure of eating.
There is a sense of missing the eating experience when you eat with distractions and that’s a big part of what makes you go back for more.
I’m not saying it’s easy to stay in the moment. I fall into the multitasking trap dozens of times everyday, guaranteed. Our brains have a nearly impossible time making peace with the present.
What I am saying is that the upsides of being present while eating are totally worth committing to.
Is distracting yourself while eating worth the suffering it is causing in terms of your energy, vitality, confidence and self-worth?
If the answer is no, then I urge you to pay close attention at your next meal.
- Are you even hungry?
- What does hunger feel like in your body?
- Can you take a bite and really enjoy the flavours?
- Is your mind busy or calm?
- Can you tune in and notice when enough is enough?
I’d love to hear how this experiment goes for you,
Carolyn
Leave a Reply