Digestive health is about more than just what you eat.
In the book, The Elemental Woman, the healing concepts of Mindful Eating Principles are discussed. These sacred food rituals are tools, giving your mind-body the attention and rest it needs to complete the large process of digestion.
In our culture, we are taught that digestion is mainly involuntary but that's simply not true. Your conscious actions are creating digestive health.
Slowing down, becoming mindful, and expressing gratitude are ways to create change in many systems of your body and many aspects of your health and wellness.
Before a meal, pause, breath, and express gratitude for the nourishment you are about to receive. Here I offer you three examples of blessings to say before a meal. These blessings and more Mindful Eating Principles can be found in The Elemental Woman.
Blessings
Universal Light and Love. I give my absolute thanks for this food you have so kindly provided. May this meal nourish me. May this meal fulfill me. May this meal humble me. I acknowledge the miracle of the star, to dust, to soil, to seed. The miracle of light and air. All of your creation allows me to eat these peaceful plants. I am grateful for this gift and the Universal Wisdom that supplies me with endless wellness.
This lovingly prepared food represents the love I feel for myself, the love I feel for my family, and the love I feel for all sentient beings. May all created under the protective care of the Divine feel the extension of absolute love through me. I pray for nourishment beyond this meal of food. May my mind, body, and soul be nourished by the complete love that compassion offers. May I be humble enough to extend this compassion beyond my own self. With this meal, I offer your Divine grace to all of creation.
I am nourished by the loving act of creation. I am nourished by the love I give back to this creation. I am nourished by seed, the soil, the light, the air, the rain, and the final fruit. I give thanks for everything I am, everything I give, and everything I receive.
I am loving. I am nourished. I am thankful.
Peace & Love,
Tara
*Author Tara Lee Clasen is a manual massage therapist specializing in women's health and pain conditions related to the pelvic floor, neck, jaw & shoulder. She also trained in clinical Ayurveda and has authored a book on Ayurveda called The Elemental Woman.