Thich Nhat Hanh, affectionately known as "Thay" has long been a strong influence in my life. I learned his Contemplations Before Eating several versions ago (he likes to change things up to keep them from becoming dogmatic) and have used them whenever called upon to say grace before a meal.
Lately I have been moved to write my own tribute to his blessing. Here it is, I would love your comments!
This food is a gift of earth, sky and sea and the lives of beings. May we eat it with joy and attention so as to be worthy of it.
May the beings responsible for this food forever know our gratitude.
May we eat according to our hunger and fullness in order to be attuned to the cycles of Life.
May this food prevent illness and nourish us on the path of love and understanding.
Amen!
I like that you suggest eating according to our hunger and fullness as opposed to eating "in moderation." That is probably understood to mean eating less than enough to feel full. You are replacing 'mindfulness' with 'attention,' but I understand mindfulness to include awareness of inter-being, which prompts us to consider the impact of our food choices on our health and the environment. I'd prefer to keep the words "may we eat mindfully," or otherwise bring attention to our food choices in relation to inter-being.
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