How do you make meal time sacred?
The photo above was captured at a restaurant housed in a building dating back to 1782, during the American Revolutionary period. There is something about eating in an old tavern, surrounded by history and traditional recipes, that grounds you.
As we entered, excited to experience this historic restaurant, we sat down and did what we always do, took a moment to give gratitude for the meal and food before us. This brings me to a question I often think about: How do you make your meals sacred?
This practice does not need to be a big, elaborate gesture. In fact, it is meant to be humble and simple, just a few intentional moments spent alone or with whoever is gathered around your table. It is about acknowledging what is before you, perhaps considering how the food got there, recognizing how fortunate you are to have a meal to enjoy, and giving thanks or grace in your own way.
Before a meal, do you ever take a moment to:
Give gratitude for the food and nourishment before you?
Pray or offer a blessing?
Acknowledge the food on your plate? Where did it come from? How did it make its way from the soil to your table?
Set an intention for someone who may be in need of healing?
Practice a moment of stillness before taking your first bite?
Share a gratitude round with those gathered around your table?
I encourage you to try one or two of these practices. The simple act of taking a few moments before eating, making the experience a little more sacred, and appreciating all that you have in front of and around you creates an opportunity to pause in a way that is so often overlooked. It is a small practice, but one that can bring a greater sense of gratitude, presence, and intention to something we do every single day.
If you have a gratitude practice or tradition around mealtimes that makes the experience feel a little more sacred, intentional, or simply relaxing, I would love to hear about it! Share in the comments below. I'd love to learn how you bring these moments into your day.
Be well,
Catherine xo
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