I am not Buddhist, nor religious, but I came across a Buddhist concept that has become a helpful part of my recovery from compulsive eating.
Buddhists have a concept called The Five Contemplations. These are specific topics to reflect on that encourage mindfulness, as well as compassion. Most commonly, The Five Contemplations form the basis of a prayer that is said before eating, a bit like Christians might say “Grace” but each in their own way. Here’s my understanding of these contemplations, and an example of how I use these to form a prayer or meditation before eating.
Contemplation One: Think about how the food is a gift of all the universe. The food comes from the earth, the sea, and the people who cultivate crops.
Contemplation Two: Think about how grateful we are for the people who made the food, the effort they put in, and the food itself. Think about our own worthiness to receive such a gift.
Contemplation Three: Think about where our mental practices and thought processes are flawed, unwholesome or negative. In particular for us compulsive eaters, thinking about the need to eat moderately.
Contemplation Four: Think about how the food we eat impacts the world, and our own health. Commit to eating in a way that does least damage to the planet, and/or food that nourishes us as individuals.
Contemplation Five: Think about the importance of brotherhood/sisterhood, community, sharing, generosity, and love in all areas of life.
So, putting this together, I might say before food something like this:
I recognise this food is the gift of the entire universe: the earth has provided and many have worked hard to cultivate this.
May I live in such a way that I am worthy to receive this gift.
May I continue to reject compulsive eating, learning to eat with moderation, living according to my Higher Power’s will.
May I accept only foods that will help my body, mind and soul; foods that will help prevent illness and provide nourishment.
I accept this food in order to continue realising the path of understanding and love, and to share that path with all those in my life.
I might speak it out loud, or just in my head. I like to tweak it a little each time, but at first I started with a written copy in front of me to guide me. Starting my meals with a moment of serenity and gratitude has been a really beautiful boost to my ongoing recovery. I hope you’ve found this interesting. If you did, maybe see if you can come up with your own contemplations for before meals!
Lucie H, England
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