Slow down. Enjoy the process. One way to add peace to your life is to eat slowly. Enjoy the beauty of your food.
I like to make a roasted vegetable orzo salad for special meals. I’ve been known to snap a picture of the rich mix of red and yellow bell pepper, green asparagus, purple onion with bits of garlic bathed lightly with olive oil ready to roast in the oven. The beautiful mixture of vegetables while cooking emits the yummiest aroma! This dish once assembled with orzo, cubed feta, roasted pine nuts and a basil chiffonade, begs to be appreciated slowly with each bite.
One of best ways to slow down and appreciate your meal is with chopsticks. Using chopsticks lets you see the individual components of the meal as well as savor the flavor combinations. Also chopsticks can help you take a slower approach to eating. Taking the time to chew and experience each bite will leave you feeling satiated and satisfied.
Using chopsticks can be a little tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, eating with chopsticks becomes fairly simple. Learning is part of life. Learning to use chopsticks is one aspect and if you want to expand your knowledge further, there is also chopsticks etiquette depending on which Asian culture you embrace: Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Thai. In fact each of these cultures has a specific chopstick type that they prefer. But that is a topic for another time.
I’ve always loved the expression “Be where you are”. I believe the entire expression is “Be where you are, otherwise you will miss your life.” by Guatama Buddha. But I’ve always just used the first part. If you are the one preparing the dinner, be there and enjoy the process. Notice the textures, smells and tastes of the kitchen. If you are on the receiving end of the meal, notice the presentation, as well as food and drink. Appreciation breeds gratitude.
Enjoy your process, whatever this day brings you!