This Food In My Palms

Shoveling a meal into our mouths on a lunch break, ripping into fast food as we pull back onto the main road, placing items into our shopping cart purely based on what our eyes and stomach whisper. This is a common occurrence throughout our daily lives. Reaching for convenience and comfort in our meals as we rush to complete tasks and enjoy what little time we have left of the day. I find a lot of compassion within me as our society here in America has created a system so bent on work that many crack under the pressure of deadlines and day-long hour shifts. When we're so worried about everything else, when do we have the time to sit with our food and truly see it as it is? I find myself tired after work, getting off at 9PM and not wanting to cook an entire meal. I reach for the easiest snack and don't think much when I'm sitting there indulging as I watch videos online, disconnected from the food in my hand as it hits my tongue.

Generally speaking, humans require three meals a day. Thousands of years ago when civilization was still in "hunter-gatherer" mode, it was an all day excursion to secure food. It took skill, intellect, and much trial and error. Today, we can go to the store and pick up a can without having to contemplate if what we're about to eat is going to poison and kill us. We don't have to stalk in the shadows, waiting to drop on our prey to make sure our family survives the winter. Have you ever paused while observing your food to express appreciation to all those who came before us that had to discover the human palette through trial and error so we know what is poison and what is not? These earlier humans did not have nutritional labels or grocery stores, they had the wilderness raw and unexplored. But we also have to remember that millions of people still today are in situations where they do not have access to three meals a day, healthy diets, grocery stores, and are in this survival mode. I come from a position of privilege having access to all of this and as it's my every day life, it can be easy to take it for granted and let it become another mundane subject.

It is easy to forget the hard work, sacrifice, and beautiful nature of the food on our plates in the hustle and bustle of life. When we slow down and truly be present with our food, it is only then can we touch the nature--the suchness--of each texture and flavor before us. The roots that connect it to the Earth, the farmer who harvested it, the chef who prepared it, and all those who came before that made this very moment possible.

Many of us have children, pets, long workdays, and other obligations that make it hard to create space to sit with our food, but it is still possible to find some time if only for a minute. The next time you find yourself reaching for food in the store, I invite you to pause and appreciate all the hard work that went in that single box and how you can find ways to consume in a way that promotes wellbeing in your body and the body of others. When you pick up that late night snack or lunchbox, pause for a moment and acknowledge, "I am eating food, I see the food in my hands and I am grateful." Don't get lost in the flavors, reaching for the next bite before you're finished chewing, anticipating the future. Be here in the now as it is with no goals. What does it feel like in your mouth? How does it taste? How many bites does it take to chew and swallow? Even going through this once will open up a greater awareness of what we're consuming. It will then be easier to express genuine gratitude and look deeply into what we are putting into our bodies so we know how to take better care of ourselves.

Thích Nhất Hạnh, Zen Master and founder of the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, created the Five Contemplations Before Eating that allow us to sit in presence with our food before consumption,

"This food is a gift of the earth, the sky, numerous living beings, and much hard and loving work.
May we eat with mindfulness and gratitude so as to be worthy to receive this food.
May we recognize and transform unwholesome mental formations, especially our greed and learn to eat with moderation.
May we keep our compassion alive by eating in such a way that reduces the suffering of living beings, stops contributing to climate change, and heals and preserves our precious planet.
We accept this food so that we may nurture our brotherhood and sisterhood, build our Sangha, and nourish our ideal of serving all living beings."

While those who have the space may like to read or listen through this, I find myself reciting a short mantra from my heart in situations where I may not have access to these words or the time to go through them. It is important to not speak out of habit, but to instill the intention into the words every time they come to me.

"Thank you for this food, may I continue to eat with gratitude and awareness."

A simple phrase that opens my heart to the moment and fills me with joy for the gift I have received.

As we continue into the beautiful day, let us work together as a community to be present with our food to touch gratitude and awareness of what we're consuming.

Smile & Be Well,

Nanala McMillan

photo credits: taken by Nini Ordoubadi @tayteany