For the first time in my life, I finally tasted a
grapefruit. I was at the Kripalu Health Center eating
breakfast with two hundred people in complete silence. We
were focusing on eating consciously. As I peeled the
grapefruit I noticed the mist and the fragrance long before
taking my first mindful bite. I then became very aware of
the texture as I tasted the tart juice oozing out. It was
at that moment, I realized I was having an amazing
experience of truly tasting a grapefruit for the first
time.

At Kripalu, one meal each day is eaten in silence. This
creates an opportunity to practice conscious eating. To
begin conscious eating, close your eyes and forget about
the meal for a moment. Then take a few deep breathes and
let your awareness flow over your body, relaxing any
tension you may feel. When you do begin to eat, allow
yourself to fully experience the taste, aroma and
consistency of your food. Be mindful of where, how, and
why, as well as what, you are really eating. Chew your
food well in a relaxed and calm way without rushing on to
the next bite. Take the time to get in touch with your
hunger, don’t eat if you’re not hungry, and eat only enough
to satisfy your hunger. When you feel the subtle “full”
signal from your body, stop and sit quietly for a few
moments to experience the feeling of contentedness.

After practicing conscious eating for ten days I had
several insights. First, I became aware that the degree to
which I enjoy my meal depends on my mindfulness. When
you’re truly hungry even the simplest foods become so
satisfying. I also found that excessive noise, chatter or
activity, are uncomfortable diversions to fully enjoying
and tasting my meal. When I finished my meals I found
myself feeling deeply satisfied, I didn't overeat, and I
felt rejuvenated instead of sluggish.

Do you ever finish a meal and wonder where it went? Did I
even eat? How many times do I hear my children say "we
haven’t had anything to eat all day" only to remind them of
all the meals and snacks they have devoured throughout the
day. Is meal time at your house survival of the fittest?
Do you have a problem with over-eating? Do you eat so much
the only solution is to sleep it off? Have you ever
finished a meal and not felt satisfied, or left a meal
feeling depleted instead of energized? It may be time to
give conscious eating a try.

We live in a multi-tasking society. It's hard for us to do
something as simple as eating without trying to accomplish
something else at the same time. Turn off the TV, put down
the newspaper, get out of the car, stop chatting! Simply
slow down and pay attention to the actual process of
eating. Find a quiet, peaceful setting with minimal
distractions. If you're away from home, try to find a
local park. In a restaurant, choose a quiet location,
where you can relax. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating
when you are angry, excited, tense, depressed, sick, or
hurried. Every day we have the opportunity to break the
patterns of our past and experience the benefits of eating
mindfully.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize
nominee, has written several books on the practice of
mindfulness. He says “eating mindfully is a most important
practice of meditation. The present moment is filled with
joy and happiness.
If you are attentive, you will see it."

Lori Chandler is a registered yoga instructor who teaches
at Central Washington University and throughout Kittitas
County. You may contact her at loriwchandler@hotmail.com