"Enriched Bread" (1965) by Sister Corita Kent
The cursive script in the painting above is a quote from "Create Dangerously,”
a lecture delivered by Albert Camus at the University of Uppsala in December 1957.
a lecture delivered by Albert Camus at the University of Uppsala in December 1957.
Here is the Camus quotation in full: "Great ideas, it has been said, come into the world as gently as doves. Perhaps then, if we listen attentively, we shall hear, amid the uproar of empires and nations, a faint flutter of wings, the gentle stirring of life and hope. Some will say that this hope lies in a nation; others, in a man. I believe rather that it is awakened, revived, nourished by millions of solitary individuals whose deeds and works every day negate frontiers and the crudest implications of history. As a result, there shines forth fleetingly the ever threatened truth that each and every man, on the foundation of his own sufferings and joys, builds for all."
The next time you sit down to a meal, hold off on diving in for just a few moments. Turn your TV, phone, or computer off. Make sure anything else distracting you is put a way. You should be seated comfortably, not standing.
Describe the experience. Then consider: how would your life be different if you ate more slowly and made an effort to save the favors you eat?
I am not necessarily following instructions but this is how I grew up. We had large family dinners almost every single night. We went out to eat maybe once every two months. My mom would cook dinner and we could take turns setting the table. She would call for everyone and sit the food and sides in the middle of the dining room table and we would serve it. No getting up to go get more, and everyone was together. The biggest rule: NO PHONES. Most of us didn't have phones when I was younger except my few oldest siblings but they weren't allowed to have them. We would talk about family things or just sit and enjoy our meal. It was such a calming experience cause even if you were arguing with a sibling the dinner table was neutral territory. It gave me such a healthy relationship with cooking my own meals, being able to plan a dinner, and not worrying about how much I was eating. My parents never forced us to eat everything and if we weren't hungry they put leftovers in the fridge but still encouraged us to sit at the table. It was one of the best parts of my childhood and I think impacted me in such a positive way that now living on my own I know how to sit down and enjoy a meal and not just eat frozen dinners and I know how to grocery shop.
ReplyDeleteI actually just got dinner about an hour ago! I usually like to have a meal with another person, and in this instance I did! I ate and he ordered to-go. I ate at the table alone for about 10 minutes I would say. I LOVE to eat, so I usually take no time to finish my plate, just ask any of my friends who have shared a meal with me. (Its a recurring joke) I grew up always eating at the table with family, and I always ate quickly so I could go outside and play or go back to my room and watch something. Being in college now, I realize I won't always have someone to eat with. This 10 minutes that I ate alone, I feel like I really enjoyed my food a lot more! I took my time and didn't rush, and I felt fuller faster! Instead of getting two plates, my usual, I just ate a salad and a single piece of pizza. Let me tell you, I have never been more thankful for a salad and a single piece of pizza!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, my family has had two different ways we would eat dinner. In my younger years, our family would work together to cook dinner and set the table. When we were done, we would sit together and pray before our food. We would not be allowed to have our phones out and nobody would leave the table until everyone was done eating. We were only allowed to get up to get more food, get something to drink or use the restroom. During our meals we would take our time eating and would bond by spending time together and telling each other our ‘highs and lows’ for the day. Sometimes, I hated the way we did this because I would just want to get up and go play outside. But as I have gotten older, I have learned to appreciate that routine I grew accustomed to. My family still does this at times but typically, we cook something quicker and we sit in the living room and watch a movie while we eat. Don’t get me wrong, I still love that my family eats together and we get to entertain ourselves as we eat, however, I did feel less of a rush and more of a connection with our old routine. With our newer way of eating dinner, I notice that I don’t savor my food, I eat quicker, and end up getting more food. My stomach is always miserable once I feel all the food I stuffed myself with. This is the main difference between the two routines. One allows me to enjoy my food more than the other. I will try to eat slower and savor my food next time I have dinner, regardless of which situation I am in.
ReplyDeleteThe experience I had was one of calming. The ability to recollect my day and think about what I have going on. I was able to enjoy just being there and eating. I didn't have to rush or worry about anything else.
ReplyDeleteI think I would value my days more if I was able to sit down and actually savor what I am eating. I would gain more of an appreciation for the food I was eating as well as be happier.