Health is about more than what you eat. It's even about more than how you eat. Health, as it relates to food, begins with the preparation of food you are about to consume. The whole process of preparation, sitting down to eat, and the consumption of the food is truly sacred. You are about to connect yourself with the atoms and molecules in that food that have been around forever. And they are about to become you! Here is a bit of wisdom from my book, Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine.
"The sacred preparation of food begins upon entering the kitchen. The one who will prepare the food should come in with the proper attitude, leaving behind all thoughts other than food preparation. The food is the point of focus and cooking becomes a form of meditation. With single-pointed focus, awareness of the spirit within the food, and absorption in the process of preparing food to nurture others (or self), the one preparing the food is filled with the spirit of Annapūrṇa, the Goddess of Food. Absorbed in God, the cook is filled with love and love is an important ingredient in the preparation of all food.
In order to create single-minded focus, absorption in the process of food preparation and to fill one’s self with divine love and nurturance, some simple practices may be followed in the kitchen. First, it is helpful if a person meditates before beginning. This will help a person let go of distracting thoughts. Next, a blessing or chant may be performed to acknowledge the spirit of the food being prepared. In the Hindu and Yogic traditions, blessings and chants to Kṛṣṇa or Brāhma are most appropriate. Kṛṣṇa is the God who is most favored by the people as a representation of love and nurturance, and the one who cares for the plants and provides water and milk. Brāhma is the creator who initiates the growth of the plants and the people.
Prayers do not need to be chanted in Saṃskṛta. English prayers and blessings are equally powerful. Most important is the ritual of preparing the mind of the person who will be cooking the food."
From Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine.
Be well, Be kind, Be love!
Dr. Marc Halpern
P.S. Join me on July 9th for my FREE seminar, Introduction to Ayurvedic Nutrition!
