My Last Meal Practice

👋 Hi there! I hope this message finds you well.

I want to share a practice that has greatly enhanced my life, one that helps me feel more peace, happiness, and gratitude every time I remember to use it.

It's a practice that has helped me feel more connected to the people around me, to my loved ones, my body, and my spirit. This may sound weird to you, but it's the practice of eating.

Okay, it's not JUST eating, it's the practice of eating AS IF it was your last meal.

It's a pretty basic practice but takes focus and awareness.

I started this practice after reading books like 'The Power of Now' by Echart Tolle, 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, and 'The Creative Act' by Rick Rubin, which all talked about living in the present and being mindful that every moment could be your last, how every moment is a gift.

Marcus Aurelius says things like:

"Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what's left and live it properly."

or,

"When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love...”.

Echart Tolle says things like:

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.”

and

"As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out the present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care, and love - even the most simple action.”

Rick Rubin says things like:

As it relates to awareness "We might also eat our meals mindfully, slowly savoring each bite with appreciation. Take a daily walk in nature, looking at everything entering our field of vision with gratitude and connection."

or

“The universe is only as large as our perception of it. When we cultivate our awareness, we are expanding the universe. This expands the scope, not just of the material at our disposal to create from, but of the life we get to live.”

(What are the little things? Every. Single. Moment.)

I don't always keep these things in mind when eating, sometimes I engulf a piece of pizza as if the melty cheese and greasy toppings were the only thing that could save my life in that moment. 😅

However, when this practice is front of mind, I think about all the sensations I'm feeling with every bite, the flavors I'm tasting, the way my mouth waters, and the way I chew and swallow.

I think about the steps and energy that went into preparing it; The animals, land, farmers, grocery store, the effort I exerted to get money to buy it, the stove and electricity powering it, and the people who made the stove.

I think about the gift it is to have working muscles that allow me to even make the meal and eat it on my own!

Every time I remember that the meal in front of me could be my last, I slow down.

With each bite, I'm reminded just how connected I am to everything. I am more grateful, for the gift it is to have the meal, for the people who made it possible, and for every meal I've had before.

I hope what I've shared so far makes sense, and resonates with those reading because it's a practice that's reminded me of how connected we all are.

It's encouraged me to show up more for the people in my life and focus energy on being a more supportive part of my community. I'm still learning how I want to do that, but simply starting on that journey has led to wonderful things.

I highly recommend starting this practice and strongly believe it will positively enhance your life.

As often as you remember, approach each meal with gratitude for the effort and energy that went into preparing it, think about the flavors, sensations, and the gift it is to even be able to notice those things.

Try not to simply go through the motions of preparing and eating your meals.
Slowly savor each bite as if were your last, and remember, one day it will be.

Wishing you well, ✨💛

Your Friend, Marshall