Day 5 of the Challenge

Today you get to love your body by eating — yay! But it’s not about gorging or indulging or “treating” yourself. It is about feasting in a very specific way on one individual piece of food, so you can enter into a true relationship with it on every level.

Most of the time, even if we’re eating something really delicious and special, we are doing so in a somewhat mechanical way. Maybe we’re eating with others and focusing on the conversation, so that after that first delicious bite or two our awareness shifts away from what we are putting into our mouths. Maybe we’re sitting at our desk, or driving in the car, and just putting food in so we can fuel ourselves for the next burst of activity. But how often do you fully experience every nuance of what you are eating as you are eating it?

Meditation takes many forms, and today it is about mindful eating. And while you can bring mindful awareness to any meal, for this exercise you’re going to do it with a single piece of fruit.

First, take the fruit you have chosen and hold it in your hand. Feel the weight of it, the texture of the skin, the shape of its contours. Take your time with this exploration; try closing your eyes to heighten your tactile sensitivity.

Then look at this piece of fruit; really see the gradations of color and size, examining the stem end that was once connected to a tree, any markings or ridges or bumps that catch the light in different ways.

Next bring it to your nose and inhale its fragrance. Is it strong or subtle? If you were to smell it without seeing or touching it, would  you recognize it?

On to the eating; is it a fruit you can simply bite into or does it need to be peeled? If so, you will have a chance to feel and smell on several other levels before tasting. And when you take that first bite, bring all of your awareness to the activity and stop at one.

Feel the texture of what has just come into your mouth — let the juiciness and flavor play on your tongue and palate. Chew slowly and thoroughly, until the texture becomes something different. You will probably notice that the flavor changes too as it breaks down and mixes with your saliva. Wait until you have gotten all you can from that one bite before swallowing and moving on to the next.

Take each bite as if it is the first…breathe and enjoy engaging fully with this ripe, delicious, life-giving piece of fruit. Experience it as it goes from your mouth down your esophagus and into your stomach. Envision it sending vitality and nourishment to all of your cells. Enjoy every delicious nuance! And play with bringing this level of awareness and sensitivity to each meal, even if only for a few precious bites.

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