The Art of Chewing
There is no greater love than the awareness that comes from self care.
Mindfulness and mindful living is a practice for developing greater awareness in all aspects of your life.
Mindful eating is discussed in ayurveda as a means to improving your digestion.
When you eat in a calm environment, devoid of phones and Netflix, you place your full attention on the act of eating.
Feet placed on the ground, the food comes in through your eyes and your nose before it even hits your tastebuds.
Each bite is chewed carefully and thoroughly, allowing the food to become easier to break down as it moves through your digestive tract.
If you know me, I am a notorious food inhaler. I enjoy my meals so much that I tend to chew fast and swallow quickly just so I can make room for the next bite.
I lack the patience it takes to devote the time and attention to each bite and I’ve paid the price for it.
I’ve experienced constipation, bloating, and the heaviness of overeating because of my hurried eating habits.
This year I decided that I would commit a significant amount of my energy to deepening my meditation practice. But that doesn’t mean that my practice ends once I get up from my cross-legged posture.
My meditation practice gives me the awareness that I need in everyday activities - like chewing.
So I’ve been working on slowing down the act of eating, so that my mind can let my body know when it has had enough, keeping away the perils of hurried overeating - gas, reflux, and indigestion.
I’ve definitely noticed a difference - a huge improvement in my energy and my abilities in yoga, meditation, running, and strength training.
Why?
Because I’m not over eating.
Because my food is digesting more completely.
Because I’m practicing the awareness that goes with slow living.
If you want to develop a mindful slow living practice, get in touch.
There’s so much you can do with the right kind of support, and I’m here to guide you through it all.
Follow your purpose, live your life, and truly be at peace now.
Much love,
Akshaya