From:
Chakra Meditation: Discover Energy, Creativity, Focus, Love,
Communication, Wisdom, and Spirit by Swami Saradananda
Although
we eat several times a day, most of us rarely concentrate on the
tastes, smells, and sensations of eating. We focus instead on
television or chatter with friends; we let out minds wander to work
or family matters, or we simply hurry to finish our food. This
leads to an imbalance in the energy of the manipura chakra at the solar plexus.
The
eating meditation puts you in touch with the energy of the manipura
chakra. It also connects you in a very physical way to
eating as a form of meditation, that links you with ancient spiritual
practices.
1. Prepare
a plate containing three pieces of fruit with different textures -
slice of pineapple, banana, and grapes or crisp apple.
2. Breath
deeply into your abdomen. Use your breath to connect you to the
source of your hunger - the manipura chakra.
3. Look
at the first piece of fruit, observing its color, shape, and texture.
Then pick it up, enjoying its tactile qualities.
4. Close
your eyes and take the fruit to your lips. Notice its smell and how
the action of touching the fruit to your lips stimulates the energy
at your solar plexus.
5. Bite
into the fruit; notice whether it is crunchy or soft. Follow the
pleasant taste throughout your body.
6. Chew
slowly, resisting the urge to swallow and you will notice a change in
the flavor's intensity. Chew each bite 20 to 30 times, pausing
occasionally to take a few deep breaths. As you swallow, feel
the food moving down your esophagus into your stomach.
7. Finally,
visualize the fruit being digested. Mentally see the energy of
the solar plexus chakra distributing nutrients to various parts of
the body.
8. Try
to repeat this meditation every day for 40 days. Vary the foods
you use: as well as fresh fruit, try dry or savory snacks, such as
olives, raisins, and even potato chips from time to time.
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