Take a moment to pause before eating.
Simply look at the food in front of you and notice the colors,
The texture,
The smell,
And the presence of this meal right in front of you.
Think of the person who prepared this meal,
Either yourself or someone else,
And offer gratitude to that person.
Gratitude for the time,
The care,
And the skill.
Then let your awareness widen to all the hands that were part of this food's journey,
Those who grew it,
Harvested it,
Transported it,
And made it available so it can be right in front of you right here and right now.
And widen again to the earth itself,
The soil,
The sun,
The rain,
And the air.
All of nature working together so that this nourishment could arrive here in front of you,
In your hands.
As you take and enjoy your first bite,
Let the quiet thank you arise.
Gratitude for this journey,
Gratitude for this nourishment,
And gratitude for the gift of being able to eat in this very moment.
Namaste,
And enjoy your precious meal.
