A note from Sean
Try this today. Next time you cook, begin before you open the fridge. Picture the finished meal for one breath. Then slow down a little. Feel your feet as you cross the kitchen. When you turn on the stove, feel the knob under your hand. Chop one thing at the pace of your breath, eyes on the knife, and notice what you smell and hear.
Keep going: Mindfulness of Eating and Mindfulness of Doing the Dishes.
This suits anyone who cooks on autopilot. If you are cooking while rushed or tired, keep your attention on the heat and the blade. If food is a hard subject for you right now, go gently. Stop when you need to.
Here’s a Sample of the “Mindful Cooking” Guided Meditation Script:
Cooking with ClarityCooking or preparing a meal is an opportunity to form a loving connection with your food.As you prepare a meal, you can cultivate mindfulness of your body and mind as well as the food you will be eating. Whether you’re making a quick meal or preparing a feast, use this exercise to ground yourself in the present moment. Start your practice before you start grabbing supplies out of the refrigerator or cabinet. Form an image in your mind of the meal you will be preparing. Envision both the completed meal and the individual ingredients.
Notice your intentions in preparing this meal.As you begin gathering the things you will need, tune in to the body. Feel the body moving across the kitchen and reaching for each item.To help cultivate mindfulness, make an effort to move more slowly than you normally do.As you chop, stir, and prepare, focus on one thing at a time. When turning on the stove, don’t just turn the stove on.Feel the experience with your complete awareness. Whatever you are doing, bring your attention wholly to the task in front of you. Use your senses. Notice if you’re hearing, feeling in the body, tasting, smelling, or seeing.
