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A Feng Shui Approach to Food
There are few areas in life where one can exercise complete control… in fact I can think of only one. Beyond infancy or being an unconscious hospital patient, one completely controls what she/he ingests. Think about it.
This being said, why is there such a problem with so many people being “weight challenged?” Where is the discipline, where is the self-control, where is the self-love? Perhaps the true motivation is lacking or is misdirected.
I propose a new perspective in regard to the relationship between food and one’s general well-being. Given our current news headlines and so many people experiencing more stress than normal, I’m sure that food in general is offering more comfort than normal. It is obvious that there is indeed a very direct relationship between food and the emotional body.
I’m sure you’ve heard of an ancient Chinese practice called Feng Shui, which has to do with creating harmonious surroundings that enhances balance… visually, mentally and emotionally. Specifically, balance is characterized with the symbol of Yin (negative/dark energy) and Yang (positive/bright energy), whose interaction influences the destinies of all creatures. Who is to say that we cannot apply the same concept to the physical idea of food and how it also affects one’s well-being beyond just the weight/appearance thing.
First I suggest you visit any bookstore and browse the Feng Shui book section. You don’t have to do any reading, just look at the pictures. It will only take a few moments to totally get the idea of what a balanced, harmonious and peaceful environment looks like and possibly “feels” like.
I won’t get into minute details about what kinds of food to eat or how to specifically apply the concept of “harmonious balance” to one’s diet, but do consider some obvious factors. One obvious consideration is applying a sense of aesthetics to each meal time.
1. Stop all the rushing. Rushing to and from, and even rushing through a meal to the point that you don’t fully taste or savor the presentation, the aroma, the flavors and the afterglow of true enjoyment. (Did you know that your digestive enzymes are only released through proper mastication? In other words, if your food isn’t properly broken down for digestion, it simply passes right on through; your body cells go into starvation mode over a period of time, ergo the storage of fat.) You already know for a fact that rushing about or through absolutely prohibits “enjoying the moment.”
2. Aesthetics includes color, texture, and a variety of sensations, with a true focus on peaceful enjoyment. Regarding food and a sense of balance would include hot and cold, mild and spicy or bland versus tangy, etc.; which I understand is all part of the Chinese philosophy. One doesn’t have to be a nutritionist to know that every healthy diet does include aspects of all the above ingredients. (Just out of curiosity, how many fat Chinese people do we see comparatively speaking? I rest my case.)
3. Another aspect of aesthetics beyond taste is stimulating our olfactory senses, this is a major one. This is where fragrant candles can not only enhance a peaceful mood; the fragrance itself can stimulate certain emotional healings to a certain degree. Don’t limit yourself to candles; also consider essential oils, Bach Flower Remedies, and or incense. Have fun shopping for various aromas.
4. How about adding other enhancements to your mealtime, such as calming music to help you wind down during each mealtime. In fact, one can even look at eating as a meditation of sorts, when one has that luxury of being alone. What about using creative visualization as a mealtime enhancement?
5. What about your visuals? I hope you’re not watching television as a means of winding down to numb the brain. Instead, use each mealtime for a mini-retreat as often as possible. Try to visit a park, beach, or any other outdoor venue where the scenery is pleasant. Choose a favorite destination for get-a-ways, and then collect magazines, brochures, and picture books, whatever to help you escape in your mind’s eye. Don’t forget to add the appropriate music, which could include sounds of nature as well.
6. We don’t have to just address the subject of eating food to apply the concept of greater self-balance. There are the aspects of shopping and food preparation as well, both of which all too often fall under the category of chores instead of fun and adventure. Whose fault is that? I have a friend who mentioned that he finds farmers’ markets a somewhat erotic experience. Hmm, one could really explore that topic eh? And of course, it goes without saying that food preparation is probably one of the major areas/outlets for artistic creativity, period.
7. Here is an interesting irony. Food and water are two of the main ingredients for sustaining life, yet we abuse ourselves with it and totally take it always for granted being readily available. What if we show our food more respect because in fact it not only sustains life but with greater understanding and awareness, it also has great healing capacities. Certain foods, without chemical enhancements, have been known to cure several health problems ranging from arthritis and cancer to sexual performance and shingles, etc., etc. Imagine the possibilities!
8. One additional comment relating to food and our sense of harmonious balance… don’t neglect to keep all of the environments clean, neat and inviting. Be aware of how it feels to walk into a kitchen with unwashed dishes as opposed to a sparkling clean countertop, where the simplest of actions, such as slicing and dicing, are conducive to taking deep relaxing breaths.
Okay, so now you get the idea. Eating is NOT just about filling your stomach, nor is food just about keeping you alive. In fact, I am definitely suggesting that food can do more than simply help you to survive. Because food consumes so much a part of our lives, pun intended, I just want you to consider how it can not only enhance balance, within the Feng Shui philosophy, it can help you to thrive and enjoy every single aspect of life to an utmost capacity. Food is one major area where you not only have full personal control, but you are definitely missing out on all of the major resources available to you through food. In terms of aesthetics and one’s personal well-being, food definitely demands a major area of consideration and better focus… for one’s BetterSelf.
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