As I go thru my day, I pause periodically reminding myself to pay attention! 'Jean, notice the fragrance, texture, taste, sound... or feeling. Are you really being present in this moment?'
Many of us perform daily tasks routinely. We've had a lot of practice and are very good in the automatic mode. Showers, baths, washing our faces, brushing our teeth, walking or driving to work, preparing and eating meals, etc. Not only are we very good just doing it all without serious concentration, we are great at multi-tasking! So while we shower, we are making lists in our head, planning, doing something else in our mind. We learn to multi-task to accomplish more with our time, and it can be wonderfully productive! However, do we really feel the water in the shower, with pure pleasure how cleansing AND soothing the water is? Do we notice the subtle fragrances as we cook, or savor flavors as we chew and eat? Do we actually take time to eat and relax with friends or family, or are we eating while working, walking or watching television?? Oh how this modern idea of super productivity interferes with our joy and health!
As you make your way everyday, notice the complete sensory experience with each thing you do. Feel the wind on your face. Notice the morning dew or frost. Feel the temperature. Notice the natural fragrances in the air, from trees, bushes, foods cooking, soaps for washing. Smell the towels. Taste the water. Eat slowly and deliberately to taste all of the flavors, spices, herbs, textures, temperatures in your food. If you catch yourself thinking about one thing while doing something else, pause and re-focus. Re-align your thought to match your activity to reap the most healthful benefits. Devote full attention to your daily life and be fully present in each moment. This is your life journey and you don't want to miss out on the great things!
An easy treat for you to savor and enjoy...
Broiled Apples
Broiled Apples
Yield
4 servings, with leftovers (Great for mixing into oatmeal or plain yogurt for breakfast!)Ingredients
- 3 sweet, firm apples, such as Rome Beauties or Empires-peeled, cored, and cut into 8 to 10 wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons organic butter, melted
- 1/3 cup organic sugar
- dash of cinnamon/nutmeg if desired
- 1/4 cup Grade B maple syrup (darker, richer and more nutrients than Grade A)
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream or dairy substitute, crème fraîche or yogurt
Preparation
To make it...Turn on broiler. Toss the apples with the lemon juice, butter, spice/s and all but 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Broil the apples about 8 inches from the heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle with the remaining 1-2 tablespoon of sugar and broil until melted. Meanwhile, heat the maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat. Serve the apples warm with quality vanilla ice cream or dairy substitute. Drizzle with the warm syrup.
this is great. i am learning to be mindful in the things i do. it makes them more enjoyable and satisfying. i've been able to reawaken this natural talent--a gift we have at birth when we are so observant--with your help. and i have to say that the essential oils have stirred up those senses of smell and taste as well. great blog. thanks for your wonderful words. looking forward to more! apples sound yum.
ReplyDeletei keep coming back to this again and again, remembering what you say here. on the days when i cannot bake, i try to heat up a really spicy food or even make a very intense tea that smells terrific, like sage. and i'm walking when i can, for exercise but to enjoy nature too. on the coldest days, i've been driving, looking at the evergreens in the forest. just being aware of the beauty around me can help so much with my SAD or winter blues. thanks. keep it coming.
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