Eating Mindfully

This program is about being aware of what and how we eat—where the food comes from, who has been involved in preparing it, who we eat it with, and how the food affects us spiritually and physically. It includes a guided food meditation, which requires bringing enough strawberries or some other small (preferably organic) food for the whole group.

Member Preparation

In preparation for this session, think about what and how you eat. As you eat this week, try to think about where your meal comes from, who has been involved in preparing it, who you eat it with, and how the food affects you spiritually and physically.

These questions provide ways you may want to approach this topic. Remember to focus on just one or two of the questions, if you choose to use them, as this will allow you to explore the topic in more depth.

  • How do you approach food in your life? Are there times you feel more connected to where the food came from?
  • How important were meals with family and friends as you were growing up…and now? Does communal eating have a spiritual component for you?
  • Our 7th principle honors the inter-connected web of life. How, if at all, does this shape your food choices?
  • What, if anything, would you like to change about the way you eat?

Special Materials

  • Strawberries or other small (preferably organic) food for the meditation
  • Strawberry Meditation Instructions (these are included in the Facilitator Notes document)

Further Exploration

  • “Soul Food” by The Maine Council of Churches. (2005) (MS Word document)
  • “Unhappy Meals” by Michael Pollan, New York Times Magazine (January 28, 2007)
  • The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. Michael Pollan. (Penguin, 2006)
  • Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings. Edward Espe Brown (Riverhead Hardcover, 1997)
  • Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life. Barbara Kingsolver, Camille Kingsolver, and Steven L. Hopp (HarperColllins, 2007)
  • “The Ethics of Eating,” Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett. American Public Media (7/19/07).
  • “Barbara Kingsolver: Local Food,” KQED Forum with Michael Krasny (5/16/07).
  • Hidden Kitchens (National Public Radio)
    - “Hidden Kitchens #21: Mozart's Hidden Kitchen” (2/2/07)
    - “Hidden Kitchens #17: A Kitchen Conversation with Michael Pollan” (subscribe to podcast to hear this program) (10/6/06)
  • "How Food Finds its Way to Your Plate," Science Friday with Ira Flatow. National Public Radio (November 24, 2006).