Another week has come and gone. This week was ushered in with a gray, cold rainy day. It’s one of those days that says to me “slow down and enjoy the day.” A cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate do wonders on a day like this. The week was ushered out by a warmer but still rainy day.
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I never have. They’re not something I have much respect for. The thought of making changes for any reason other than I know it will benefit me never rang true. I have been wrestling with my eating habits for some time. I LOVE all of the things which coincidentally either are not good for me or are good in moderation. The word “moderation” is one not welcomed in my vocabulary. I have used many excuses over the years; “I have adult ADHD and I can’t focus on just one thing at a time.” I need to eat fast because i have so much going on.” While there is some level of truth to these excuses, they are excuses nonetheless. The bottom line is I eat too much and too fast. I have decided to appply the principles of mindfulness meditation, the same principles I have practiced for the last couple of years to my eating.
Wednesday evening I returned home from the office after what could only have been described as a “very long day.” I normally reach the kitchen table and scroll through the mail, it’s one of the highlights of my day. On my place-setting was a small, manila envelope. I turned it over, scanned the return address as a smile began to spread across my face. The sender was none other than Barry Brown, a friend and colleague who teaches at Plattsburgh State University. I had no idea what the envelope contained. I gingerly pealed back the seal as I had a feeling it would contain something of value. My eyes widened in surprise and enjoyment as I read a brief note handwritten by Barry. The note read, “Hi Chris, I hope this made it to you. After the consecration of the Mandala and the dismantling ceremony, we were offered sacred sand. Thinking of you, I wanted to make sure to obtain a bit to send your way for health, happiness and prosperity. As far as the eyes of the Buddha…I found it amongst my books and wanted to include that as a serendipitous find. Namaste, Barry” I love moments of serendipity as they are often the ones which bring so much joy to life. My wish for all who read this blog is they experience much joy and many serendipitous moments throughout their life. Later, I retrieved the prayer flags which had fallen to the ground during this past Winter and hung them proudly outside so they may carry their blessings to all.
Mindfulness eating is a relatively simple concept to understand but that does not make it easier to accomplish. Mindfulness eating and mindfulness meditation, for me go hand in hand. my full-time job allows me a 30-minute lunch period. Seriously?! Lunch is a disappointing time of day when it should be an opportunity to relax and recoup, visit with coworkers and eat a lunch. i am lucky to have a spouse who makes a healthy lunch for me to take. I rarely if ever order out. I know if the ordered meal arrives late, I eat late. I see many co-workers who engage in unhealthy eating habits. The proliferation of fast food ordered daily surprises and impresses me. There are days when I hear “We’re ordering today, re you interested?” This question can often be heard around 9:00 AM. I see people eating standing, usually with a cup of something heated in a microwave. how does one digest and relax if even for a few minutes? Shortly after I began this job I began to isolate from the rest of my peers during lunch. I sit in my office, read my Kindle and eat my lunch. In any event, it’s still only 30-minutes and still not enough for anything.
The photograph of leaf buds on a maple tree outside my home are just one example of this things around me for I am thankful and mindful.
My mindful eating goals are few. Eat less, increase my enjoyment of the food I do eat, be satisfied with less and improve my digestion. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is to 1) eat all meals at the table, 2) stop multitasking at mealtime, 3) appreciate the appearance of the food, 4) focus on each mouthful, 5) chew each bite, and 6) go for quality, not quantity.
Saturday Nancy, Kujo and I drove to Alfred University to partake in “Purple and Gold Days.” Purple and Gold are the school’s colors. Today’s visit is an opportunity to acknowledge those incoming freshman who have won scholarships to attend the school. Kujo has been accepted but has still not decided. The weather was beautiful and mom had an opportunity to travel with us. I love this campus and think the setting is beautiful. It was nice to see it without the snow which graced the cold grounds during our visit in February.
On Saturday a great person had passed away. Eva Markvoort who wrote the blog “65 Red Roses” Eva suffered from cystic Fibrosis and succumbed to the disease after fighting a valiant battle. Eva won the prestigious “Summer Hayes Award.” The award is given to those individuals who have demonstrated “exceptional” involvement in improving the fight against this horrendous disease. The award is so prestigious it is not awarded every year. It is awarded to those individuals who have demonstrated the highest degree of excellence. I was moved by Eva’s posts especially her last dated March 25, 2010. As a social worker and practicing Buddhist I read quite a bit into people’s writing. It was as if she knew she was going to die. I think she knew she no longer wanted to fight. She had accomplished so much for the fight against Cystic Fibrosis.
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Namaste my friends. thanks so much for reading. Keep coming back. If there are topics you’d like to read more about, toss me an email and we’ll make it happen.
Christopher
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