By Mary Layton
One way people greet each other in China translates to something like : Have you eaten?
Which means something like our : How are you?
Some days I would have to reply: I haven’t taken the time to eat yet, I’m feeling a little anxious, and tired! Seems like many people don’t find time to sit down for a meal anymore. Some of us eat in our cars or get a quick bite somewhere as we are rushing to our next appointment. Because of differing schedules or diets we may not be able to share a meal with others like in the old days.
We live in challenging times, with so many changes happening everywhere, all at once one feels unsettled and nervous. What’s going to happen next? How can we be ready? So much isn’t even anything that we have control over. Or do we? It seems to all come down to how we choose to live our lives. Maybe it’s time to question some of the values and habits we have gotten so used to. For example: We think time is money and that eating and everything that goes with it, cooking and washing dishes, setting the table, etc. is a waste of time and money. I believe meal times, like breakfast, lunch and dinner can actually be great ways to feel a sense of nurturing and connection to ourselves, as well as to others. Preparing food is a creative experience. We get pleasure and comfort sharing life stories, tales and jokes with others during a meal.
Discussing difficult topics or arguing while eating I think should be avoided as that can upset your stomach. When one eats good food one doesn’t worry. I have heard that Buddhist monks at meal times don’t talk at all, they just chew and eat. It’s probably very good for our health! When you eat, you just eat. Eating then becomes a meditation. It certainly beats eating while on the phone or working on the computer. Eating in this absent minded sort of way, one hardly notices the taste and smell of food which is the magic of it all. Maybe we all hunger for spiritual experiences these days without knowing it. Eating food can be a spiritual experience, bringing us into the present time.
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