Day 3 of my write-something-every-day-challenge! I don't know what I'm going to write about today...What happened in my day yesterday that brought me back to the moment, made me feel more connected, more mindful?
Maybe...cooking some dinner
Or doing pilates before bed
Or making my bed in the morning
hmmm
Let's do cooking dinner
There's something so powerful yet simple about making yourself a meal. We all have to eat, but we don't always have the time to prepare a meal for ourselves. We might not always have access to the freshest ingredients or the time to look up a new recipe, but when we find time to make something that's nourishing and tasty, it really is magical.
There are times when I feel very mindful while cooking -I can get into a zen-mode. I put on music and dance around my kitchen between chopping and seasoning.
The gifts of cooking a good meal are tenfold. If you're able to buy local, fresh ingredients - or grow your own! - then you are more connected to Mother Nature, more in tune with the gifts that are all around us.
As you plan and put together your meal, you get to ask your body what she wants, what she's craving. You're inviting her into the process and trusting her to tell you what she needs.
As you cook and season your meal, you get to enjoy the aroma of flavors moving through your kitchen.
As you taste-test your meal, you're in touch with your tastebuds, immediately bringing you into the moment and giving yourself the freedom to decide if there's any other flavor or seasoning the meal needs. You get to bring your creativity into the process.
It's all an act of self-love and self-trust - you're giving back to your body, creating something that you enjoy, that nourishes your body, that you can be grateful for.
It feels empowering; enriching; enjoyable. It's one of the most satisfying feelings there is.
It's even more powerful when you can share this gift with others.
What's the last meal you cooked for yourself that made you feel this way?