Thich Nhat hanh: mindful eating practice

I would like to share the methods of mindful eating taught by the Vietnamese Zen monk and peace campaigner Thich Nhat Hanh. They have helped me, and continually help me to reconnect to food more deeply. It's an ongoing process, and like peeling off layers of our C21st habits. You don't have to be a Buddhist for this, although they originate in Buddhist mindfulness teachings. The thing is, it;s not just about trying to buy the right produce or growing your own, not eating junk and savouring quality ingredients. This is powerful, a spiritual practice of food. It reaches right into the actual experience of eating whilst bringing our attention fully to our mind and body in the present moment. I come back to this when I start going too fast, getting too busy, not being conscious enough of my connection to the earth. It is especially powerful to practice this in a group, but not necessary. First part is a section of his book and following it is a verse that is said aloud or read before eating, to help focus the mind.

An excerpt from Present Moment, Wonderful Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh

"After breathing, we smile. Sitting at the table with other people, we have a chance to offer an authentic smile of friendship and understanding. It is very easy, but not many people do it. To me, this is the most important practice. We look at each person and smile at him or her. Breathing and smiling together are very important practices. If the people in a family cannot smile at each other, the situation is a very dangerous one.

After breathing and smiling, we look down at the food in a way that allows the food to become real. This food reveals our connection with the earth. Each bite contains the life of the sun and the earth. The extent to which our food reveals itself depends on us. We can see and taste the whole universe in a piece of bread! Contemplating our food for a few seconds before eating, and eating in mindfulness, can bring us much happiness.

Having the opportunity to sit with our family and friends and enjoy wonderful food is something precious, something not everyone has. Many people in the world are hungry. When I hold a bowl of rice or a piece of bread, I know that I am fortunate, and I feel compassion for all those who have no food to eat and are without friends or family. This is a very deep practice. We do not need to go to a temple or a church in order to practise this. We can practise it right at our dinner table. Mindful eating can cultivate seeds of compassion and understanding that will strengthen us to do something to help hungry and lonely people be nourished."

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The Five Contemplations

This food is the gift of the whole universe –

the earth, the sky, and much hard work.

May we eat in mindfulness so as to be worthy to receive it.

May we transform our unskilful states of mind

and learn to eat in moderation.

May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness.

We accept this food so that we may realise the path of understanding and love.