Before beginning a meal, take a moment to pause and express gratitude. This practice helps you center, fostering appreciation for the food in front of you and enhancing your dining experience, making it more intentional and fulfilling. Whether you’re dining alone or with others, having a gourmet meal or a quick office lunch, saying thank you creates a sense of connection and mindfulness. It’s not about the words but the sentiment behind them, so use whatever version or tradition that resonates with you.
Here’s an example of a simple way to express gratitude before a meal:
“Thank you for this food, which is the gift of the earth and the result of a lot of purposeful effort. May all beings have enough nourishing food to eat and clean water to drink.”
Note: This practice is inspired by the book Long Weekend, p. 63.
