~*
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I will ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation of society.
~*
While reading this passage earlier today, I became frightfully aware that this is still a weakness with me. I do not consume food mindfully. Until I get through this, it is unlikely that I will make any further progress.
Still processing this. Any input is welcome. It's something I need to work through.
Peace,
~Chani
Sunday, February 18, 2007
MILF: Mindful consumption....
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13 comments:
ohhh...first thing i thought was diet coke...and then green tea.
you are so mindful, i love watching it unfold...even all the way from down here.
The body is the mind, to pollute it is to destroy the gifts you are given. From what I see, you have many gifts.
So, my suggestion? Pick your favorite fruit and have a piece of it every day.
I am facing a similar problem. I once was a very healthy and disciplined eater. Currently, I am losing the struggle to reform my eating habits. I will actually talk to myself about what I'm about to eat, and still eat it.
I wish you luck.
Ahhhhhhhh
My favorite topic.
Conscious living. Did you read my conscious spending post?
I pause. I reflect. I decide.
(First, caveat: I am a child of the US. My self is not one for austerity, totally. I do not gain through that. So I decide needs, and wants.
Second, caveat: I am a learning and emerging person, not a perfect one.)
For Lent, we have decided to eliminate one thing we think we need a day. And add in one thing we need, but don't include. (The shorter time span is to accomodate the children.) At the end of each day, we reflect: how did we benefit ourselves, our family, our community through these additions and subtractions.
For dieting, I pause. Beyond a moment of taste appreciation, what will this food gain me? How will it hurt, or help? Do I need it? What could I eat instead, is there something better?
My goal in 2007 is to relax my sense of urgency.
I hope this helps you in some way, to know what I do.
I was especially struck by your statement that to damage yourself is to betray your ancestors and future generations.
We are here through the sheer life force in action of our ancestors, plus a great deal of luck. They managed to outrun their predators or if they were eaten, it was after they had conceived someone who became our ancestor a generation closer.
To treat the incredible and thoroughly unlikely gift of life lightly is to insult all those who came before, and to give those who follow us on the earth less material to work with as they also struggle to live.
I love this post. I love the way your mind works. And I also love cookies a bit too much these days.
We can all work on these things together.
Well, just don't forget the fun while you're at it. Even if one believes in other lives, this is the only one we have for sure in the now. I guess it's all about balance, eh?
This is something I, too, need to think about.
I had a friend who stopped for a moment before eating his meals. This seemed like a simple way to increase mindfulness in relation to eating.
It is an ongoing process, Chani, and a difficult one. I think if you take it step by step, it is easier than trying to change everything at once.
You are already walking, which is a great start. Why not choose one thing to work on, like eliminating processed foods, and see how far you get with taht?
I love your ability to reflect.
This made me a little mad at myself for all the chocolate I've been eating lately:o) but only for a minute. This is a good reminder that I need to be more conscience about, well, everything.
Daily food doesn't deserve any thought about it. Food must not be deified or adorated. It must be taken at the kitchen or dining-room's table, nowhere else. Never think of food otherwise. Eat what you want to eat. Three times a day.At the table. Period.
Wanting to be mindful is the best possible start I can think of. I am always inspired by the thought you put towards living a more aware life.
I lived with a hindu nun for a while. She always handled her vegetables with such childlike delight. Turning them around and commenting on their beauty. And she was a big believer in chewing things well while concentrating on their taste.
I am getting more careful about the media I ingest. This is a nice reminder.
I am quite careful about what I eat, usually. =)
I'm going with AC on this one.
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