Today’s hurried world puts relaxing and quality mealtimes at the bottom of many people’s life. Most families have two working adults so time is limited and kids are scheduled with all sorts of after school activities.
Technology too keeps us busy responding 24/7 to outside stimuli.
What about the adults that live alone…they may not be motivated to make meals special as there is no one to share the bounty. Or for that matter, couples whose children have grown up and not staying with them?
I’ve learned an important lesson recently…. treating my mealtimes as special is nurturing in more ways than just the food. It’s a time to relax and enjoy how I’m taking care of myself and in turn taking care of my wife.
Since I work long hours, I am tempted to grab something after a full day at work. I’ve eaten dinner while watching TV and I don’t really know I’m eating and that’s not satisfying.
Lately, I’ve been setting the dining room table for my lunch with my wife who waits for me even if it is as late as 3pm. I can feel the nourishment immediately in sharing my meals with my love.
I make effort to minimize the distractions and use this time to catch up with our lives, to create a special space to let go of all those little and big “to do’s” that haunt me throughout the day. I’m learning how to feed all the wonderful nutrients that add value to our lives.
No one teaches us the art of dining at home. We feel we have to pay for our meals in order to slow down and relax. The process of creating a meal for others and myself brings me joy and relaxation. I’m not a gourmet cook…far from it..... my wife takes care of that. For me, it’s about taking the time to nourish everyone around us… We all deserve this type of quality in our lives.
All this is part of the journey of caring for myself. If I don’t take care of me…who else wants to take over the job? When I was 2 years old, adults jumped in, but now I’m way past two, so it’s my turn to nurture myself in as many ways as possible. So today, I’m focusing on minimizing distractions at mealtimes.
Making mealtimes, even if simple, fulfilling and nourishing.
What about you…do you normally create a special mealtime?
Or, like me, do you need to learn the importance of truly feeding yourself with a healthy meal, placements and pretty napkins, candles and great company…?
Technology too keeps us busy responding 24/7 to outside stimuli.
What about the adults that live alone…they may not be motivated to make meals special as there is no one to share the bounty. Or for that matter, couples whose children have grown up and not staying with them?
I’ve learned an important lesson recently…. treating my mealtimes as special is nurturing in more ways than just the food. It’s a time to relax and enjoy how I’m taking care of myself and in turn taking care of my wife.
Since I work long hours, I am tempted to grab something after a full day at work. I’ve eaten dinner while watching TV and I don’t really know I’m eating and that’s not satisfying.
Lately, I’ve been setting the dining room table for my lunch with my wife who waits for me even if it is as late as 3pm. I can feel the nourishment immediately in sharing my meals with my love.
I make effort to minimize the distractions and use this time to catch up with our lives, to create a special space to let go of all those little and big “to do’s” that haunt me throughout the day. I’m learning how to feed all the wonderful nutrients that add value to our lives.
No one teaches us the art of dining at home. We feel we have to pay for our meals in order to slow down and relax. The process of creating a meal for others and myself brings me joy and relaxation. I’m not a gourmet cook…far from it..... my wife takes care of that. For me, it’s about taking the time to nourish everyone around us… We all deserve this type of quality in our lives.
All this is part of the journey of caring for myself. If I don’t take care of me…who else wants to take over the job? When I was 2 years old, adults jumped in, but now I’m way past two, so it’s my turn to nurture myself in as many ways as possible. So today, I’m focusing on minimizing distractions at mealtimes.
Making mealtimes, even if simple, fulfilling and nourishing.
What about you…do you normally create a special mealtime?
Or, like me, do you need to learn the importance of truly feeding yourself with a healthy meal, placements and pretty napkins, candles and great company…?
Apr 3, 2010, 11:13:00 AM
Thought provoking post, made me think about the way I should look at life. As usual well written.
Apr 4, 2010, 8:51:00 AM
Yes, I do create a special meal-time. In fact my wife loves my little cooking....and my daughters too! Shouldn't I be proud?
Apr 5, 2010, 1:42:00 AM
Cooking for me is an art form. It has to have colour, be subtle, constantly evolve, use seasonal condiments and cater to the mood of the hour. Experiencing it can be a fantastic experience with loved ones and terrible with mean selfish people.
Apr 5, 2010, 10:11:00 AM
Thanks very much Ankush.
Yes!!! Bhavaji, you have to be proud. I know how much you enjoy entertaining family and friends at home. Moreover you are a good cook yourself, who can forget that?
Oh Yes!!! Sharmila, cooking is an art for sure. The best of food comes on the table when there is pleasure in entertaining the right type of people. I am sure you are a great host the way you have described with emphasis ‘the mood of the hour’.
Apr 12, 2010, 11:22:00 AM
oh i enjoy khana with gaana meaning some melodious songs in the background especially the old numbers by Md Rafi and Kishore Kumar and therefore i am one lost person who generally lunches alone ever since Worldspace is off air...wishing and praying that it comes back...and dinner who needs anything when your loved ones are there to polish off all that you have prepared.
Apr 27, 2010, 2:08:00 AM
I too like old melodious songs in the background, especially while having my breakfast in the morning. Worldspace died a nutural death and I doubt there will ever be a revival. Meal times are great when the entire family eats together. Eating together definitely build bonds which sustain for a life time.