Sunday, February 16, 2014

Eating Mindfully_Being Present

"The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers."  – Thich Nhat Hanh

The connection between mind, body, and spirit is one that is so integrated into our being that it simply cannot be broken. The key is removing all the layers of stuff that builds up over time, covering up and dimming our incredible life energies.  As I've gone through this past week of Whole Foods Plant Based eating (WFPB) or "mindful eating" as I've been calling it, I can safely say that the attention I've paid towards my food has filtered into the attention I pay my family. Instead of sending my daughter in to watch TV or play a game by herself while I make dinner, she's been pulling up a chair and helping...or at least sorting veggies and counting my spice jars for me. But its good old fashioned quality time. And learning time - counting, trying new foods, learning what edamame is and even eating most of the meals she helps me with. Its during this time that I'm aware of my presence with Maggie and cherishing our time together. (And I have to admit that I'm an especially proud mama when she eats a whole serving of the Asian Chopped Salad we made tonight.)
Asian Chopped Salad from "Vegan Cooking For Carnivores"

The same is true for my husband. He's a meat-eater and likely won't give that up. But instead of taking that personally, I've begun to realize that I can still make delicious, filling meals that he's happy to eat...and I can always add a bit of meat of his portion!  Its about being mindful of where we all are and not forcing a change on someone who is not ready. Michael may never be a WFPB eater, and I may never go back to my old diet, but none of that matters. We are who we are and we love one another just the same. Being mindful of what is going into my body, about the food I'm selecting and preparing, has allowed me to be present to my family.  This presence has given me peace of mind and a heart filled with joy. Mind, body, spirit...connected. 

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