I had the privilege of attending a guided spiritual retreat at Cameron Highlands recently. We were not to speak for the whole retreat. This also meant that we had to eat our meals in silence. Everyone was committed to it and agreed to give each other the gift of silence.
I could focus on the present — eating. I was doing one thing at a time. Simply chewing. Then swallowing. Then getting another spoonful of food. Then putting it in my mouth. Then slowly chewing again.
This helped to slow things down. I noticed what I was eating. I tasted each flavour and texture that was in my mouth.
I also realised I could be more intentional in being grateful for what was before me.
I was thankful for the chicken that was bred by someone, killed by someone, cooked by someone, placed in a tray by someone, so that I could scoop it out and eat it.
I was thankful that I could chew, taste and swallow, definitely not something to be taken for granted.
I could feel myself slowly getting full.
Not everyone has that privilege.
I had a very thoughtful and thankful meal.
This practice helped me treasure the value of being in the present. Just fully experiencing what is happening right now. Taking note of it, appreciating it, and not just letting it fly by unnoticed.
In the same way, as we go about our activities each day, we can also train our minds to be aware that God is here with us in the present. As we breathe, we can practise noticing where God’s fingerprints are in our lives. Bit by bit, we can learn to prevent ourselves from getting choked by the clutter and demands of the world.
Cherlyn Oh
