If we are aware of what we are thinking, we will
do things differently and, perhaps, not do several things that we end up doing
mindlessly.
You can coach yourself into becoming more
aware. Start with the meals you eat daily. Train yourself to pause a moment
before the first sip is taken or the first morsel goes in. The pause is to help
you recognize the value of what you are going to imbibe, instead of
mechanically stuffing yourself and, often times, passing judgment on the quality
of the meal. The Japanese have a simple, effective method to train the mind to
pause. No long pre-meal prayers for them. They merely say, "Itadakimasu" (pronouned 'ee-taa-daaki-maas').
Meaning, 'I thank
you Benevolent Mother Nature and all those who toiled to make this meal
available to me'. Indeed, the entire meaning of that full statement
is contained in that one simple word!! Importantly, "Itadakimasu" encourages you to pause and thank not just the
immediate person in front of you (the host/the one serving you) for the meal
but everyone who has contributed to reaching the meal to you. In pausing and
saying "Itadakimasu", you
actually learn to become more aware.
More awareness of this kind, practised at least thrice
daily, makes you more humble and has a transformational impact. Try it. And see
how different and aware you feel!
No comments:
Post a Comment