SAYING GRACE
Christians call it ‘saying grace’, and it is one of the most time honoured of the gratitude rituals in the modern world. Be present, say thank you and eat mindfully.
Sitting down to eat is a natural time to give thanks, a ritual followed by cultures and religions around the world. Consciously tuning into the goodness that surrounds you is a nice reminder of your good fortune and encourages a important moment of mindfulness.
NEED TO KNOW
BENEFITS: The upside of gratitude is well established, with benefits of happiness, health and resilience. Sitting for a moment to reflect on how lucky we are is like a bath of positivity, recasting our minds towards all that is good in our lives.
TIME: as long as it takes to eat
WHEN: one mealtime each day, or each meal
NEEDED: your presence
AFFIRM: I am thankful to the Universe to all the blessings in my life.
THE PROCESS
Before you eat, pause for a moment and look at what is on your plate or in your hand.
Think about each ingredient in turn. What was its source, what processes has it gone through to find its way to you?
As you eat, offer up a ‘thank you’ to each step and each person. If there is meat on your plate, honour and thank the animal.
Avoid multitasking as you eat. Notice the colours, smells and flavours. Be present.
Step it up by reciting a grace of gratitude, like the Zen blessing ‘In this plate of food, I see the entire universe supporting my existence.’