How to Feast

By Cate Stillman

I usually talk about how to famine. Here is my chance to balance it out with a few tips on how to feast… ayurvedically speaking.

Basics: How to Feast

Thanksgiving is obviously all about the feast. The best way to feast is to fast before the feast.

Start your day with a thermos of hot water with lemon.
See how long you can enjoyably last just on how water and lemon. Get in touch with the empty, clarifying effect. Let your deeper hunger awaken.
If you start to feel uncomfortably hungry, make a quart of green smoothie in a blender, a green juice, or stewed apples. Then, return to hot water with lemon.
When the feast is ready, pause.

Pause. Pause. Pause.

Absorb the bounty with all 5 of your sense organs.

Drink in the aromas.
Hear the chatter and excitement.
Feel the we-space between you all.
Receive the vibrant colors and textures on the table with your eyes.
Taste. Savor. Delight. Taste the love and the effort.

Eat with gratitude for our abundance. Eat the Earth’s abundance and celebrate the connection.

Enjoy.

Advanced: How to Feast

Preparing for feasting and drinking alcohol traditionally in Ayurveda there is a sequence of steps. The ancient texts describe some serious prep work: self massage, bathing, anointing with pleasant fragrances, draping yourself in gorgeous and easily fitting clothes.

Then, you need to find great company. This is a requirement for appropriate celebration. Eat in as close to a natural setting to enjoy the sunlight and nature’s beauty. Drink enough to spark interesting, relaxed conversation… but stop there. Drink too much and you numb your awareness and are no longer an asset to the party. Mindfully taste the flavors… stopping when your stomach is 2/3 full (1/3 liquid and 1/3 food). Be in a pleasant mood and be only with other pleasant people.

That just about sums up what the ancient seers recommend for feasting.
Enjoy!

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